se I couldn't place. "You're a straightforward woman. I admire tha

frame. I didn't respond. I should tread carefully and know what

my chin with two fingers, forcing me to meet his gaze. I hated the way my skin reacted, hated the ting

ve or anything messy. All I need is an heir. Give me th

ad carefully. "Can you tell

... or mates, or any of that nonsense." Something flickered in h

ng broken in him.

enge," I sa

ll give you the revenge you want," he said without pause. "But I want no part in your past. What

s. "And how do I

a clean sheet of parchment. "We'll sign a contract

nowing I had to ask the one question that could unravel everyth

arp and heavy, before speaking slowly. "It doesn't m

o guilt. Just co

s the paper. He wrote swiftly, confidently, like someone used to making deals

t me in taking down those who wronged me-no questions asked, no interference. In e

Cruel. T

away from my own child? A child created with purpose b

by is a girl?"

why the contract says an heir. W

f his face. But I held it in. I

ed my name. A single signature, but it marked

were discussing dinner. "Which is why we should w

confused. "

flatly, not e

course-how else were we

?" I echoe

t say all week?" I

tone dry. "Well, that's

y teeth. "T

d a brow

d my eyes

f times we'd have sex like it was a bus

ugged.

hing weighty had settled between us. He lifted

Dean Lucas, vow to help you get the re

whispered, "I, Becca Wilson, vow to give you an heir

nce, firm.

was sealed-with the man who