Page 103 of The Contract

But becauseshe’s the only person who’s ever made me feel anything real in years.

Because when I look at her, I don’t see a woman who can be bought—I see the only woman I’ve ever fuckingwanted.

I exhale sharply, my pulse hammering.

I’ve spent the last five years locking the door on anything resembling real intimacy. But she’s already inside.She’s already inside, and she’s burning the place down.

And the worst part?

I want to let her.

I want to give her the gasoline and matches and watch her set fire to it all.

Let her ignite every tarnished memory and destroy every brick in the walls I’ve built.

I’ve secured my empire. Now, it’s time to secure the one thing I never saw coming.

Her.

The stupid smile won’t leave my face, and it’s all Damien Wolfe’s fault.

DAMIEN: You did great this weekend.

DAMIEN: I mean it.

A simple text. Nothing elaborate. Nothing flirtatious. But as I stare down at my phone, the warmth it spreads through me is anything but simple.

I lean back in the town car, tapping my reply as the driver navigates through the late-morning Manhattan traffic.

ELENA: You weren’t too bad yourself.

It’s light. Nonchalant. But still, I watch the screen, waiting, because the three little dots appear instantly.

DAMIEN:

A laugh escapes before I can help it.

The car rolls forward, heading toward the real estate office where I’ll be meeting my realtor, Nina. I’ve looked at the property sheet for the bakery a hundred times, memorized every detail, run through every scenario of how I’ll make it mine.

But today, it feels different. Like it’s finally happening.

This time next week, I’ll be signing my offer.

This time next month, the keys will be in my hands.

The idea makes my heart race, anticipation curling around me like a warm embrace.

ELENA: Okay… you were swell.

I imagine Damien rolling his eyes.

DAMIEN:

ELENA: Fine. You were incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it. Stupendous… comes to mind. Magnificent, perhaps.

My grin widens.

DAMIEN: This is more like it.

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