Page 79 of My Big, Fat, Accidental Billionaire Husband

“And then what?”

“Annulment,” I say, the word feeling strange on my tongue after the kiss I shared with Tatiana earlier.

Nico shakes his head, looking almost impressed. “Shit, Dom. You’re even more fucked up than I am.”

I nod slowly. I probably am.

“Anyway,” he says, his voice becoming hard. “I want a number by the end of the week. And a good faith payment. Two million.”

I don’t nod. I don’t agree. That amount is ridiculous and we both know it.

“I’ll think about it,” I say instead. “But I need you to back off until the deal closes. Understood?”

He stands, straightening his jacket. “A week.” He smirks. “And tell your temporary wife I said hello.”

I watch him leave, Jake following him out to ensure he actually exits the building.

Alone in the private lounge, I sink into a chair, my head in my hands. Everything is falling apart. The investors are likely discussing an exit strategy right now. Nico is trying to extort me for millions. And Tatiana...

My phone buzzes again with her name on the screen.

I can’t talk to her now. And when I do, I definitely can’t tell her about this. Not when we’re so close to the finish line. This is my burden to bear, my guilt to pay for. Telling her would only complicate things when we need stability more than ever.

Eleven more days. I just need to keep everything together for eleven more days.

I compose a text:Late meeting. Don’t wait up. We’ll talk tomorrow.

Then I straighten my tie, take a deep breath, and head back to face the investors.

23

Tatiana

The kiss haunts me.

Much more even than physical release did. The kiss was passionate, claiming, and itmeantsomething. Iknowit did.

And yet, his coldness after that, his distance... I guess... I guess it didn’t mean anything at all. I...

I’m just totally confused.

Two days later, and I can still feel the imprint of Dom’s mouth on mine. The pressure, the heat, the moment when anger transformed into something far more dangerous.

And I know I should stop thinking about it. I know it shouldn’t matter. And as much as I might claim otherwise, itwasjust a kiss at the end of the day. A momentary lapse in judgment during an argument.

People kiss people they shouldn’t all the time.

It’s practically a national pastime.

Hell, I kiss my besties full-on at nightclubs to tease guys all the time. And I’ve kissed my share of random dudes at said nightclubs as well.

Except you didn’t just kiss anyone, did you?

You kissed the man who gave you the best sex you’ve ever had in all your life.

The man you accidentally married.

The man who’s planning to annul said marriage in ten days.

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