Page 30 of My Big, Fat, Accidental Billionaire Husband

As they walk down the hallway, I hear Tatiana asking Jake something about his background. She’s gathering information, figuring out who she can trust in my orbit.

Smart woman.

When the elevator doors close behind them, I turn back to the suite where Arthur is finalizing our agreement.

“Is it done?” I ask.

Arthur looks up from his laptop. “Just making the last changes now. The settlement amount has been adjusted as requested, and I’ve added language about work scheduling priorities.”

“And the advance?”

“Already initiated. It should hit her account before you board the plane.”

I nod, satisfied. “Good.”

“May I speak freely, Mr. Rossi?” Arthur asks, his tone careful.

“When have you ever not?”

He closes his laptop. “This agreement...” He shakes his head. “Are you absolutely certain this is how you want to proceed?”

“What’s the alternative? Let the deal collapse? Watch years of work go down the drain because I got too fucked up in Vegas and married my best friend’s assistant?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

I run a hand through my hair. “The clause?”

He nods. “It’s... problematic.”

I laugh, the sound harsh even to my own ears. “The whole situation is problematic.”

“Ms. Cole agreed rather quickly.”

“Does that surprise you? She doubled her money.”

Arthur gives me a look I can’t quite interpret. “I think there’s more to it than that.”

I don’t want to examine his meaning too closely. The truth is, I’m surprised Tatiana agreed to the clause at all. Part of me expected her to throw the tablet at my head. The fact that she countered with a higher price instead has been occupying my thoughts more than it should.

“Five hundred thousand is nothing compared to what I’ll lose if this deal falls through,” I say dismissively.

But we both know that’s not the whole story. There’s something about Tatiana Cole that gets under my skin. Something in the way she held her ground during negotiations, refusing to be intimidated. Most people fold under pressure when dealing with me. She doubled down. Stood the fuck up to me. Challenged me.

And agreed to suck my cock.

“Of course, sir. But...” He adjusts his tie nervously. “After the annulment, Ms. Cole might decide it would be financially advantageous to share certain details of your agreement with the public. Particularly regarding Clause 7b. Needless to say, the tabloids would pay handsomely for that kind of information.”

I laugh. “Let them. My reputation only has to last long enough to close this deal.”

Arthur blinks, clearly thrown by my response. “You’re willing to risk your entire legacy on a single project, significant as it may be?”

“Looks that way, doesn’t it?” I reply with a shrug.

What I don’t tell him is that somehow, despite barely knowing her, I trust Tatiana not to screw me over like that. Not sure why. Call it instinct. Or maybe I’m just another idiot thinking with his dick.

Probably the latter.

By the time she returns with Jake, the new agreement is ready. She’s carrying a small suitcase and has changed accessories, but still wears the navy dress. Her makeup is refreshed, making her look alert and professional despite what must be a pounding headache. Because if my skull still feels like it’s being jackhammered from the inside, hers can’t be much better.

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