Page 12 of Mad Love

“Only for when I leave your penthouse.”

“I gather from past history, it won’t be much at all. Am I correct?”

“You are,” I answer.

His gaze is searing. I understand his hesitation. I’m not bringing much to the table.

“Marriage to you and I finally get the X-R 85?”

I can’t tell whether his disbelief is in having to marry me, or that he’s getting what he wants after pestering me and my team for the past year.

“Betty? Yes.”

The harsh lines on his face soften. “How are you so sure the car is a she?”

“My dad doesn’t fawn over boy cars.”

His gorgeous blue-green eyes sparkle. “Is that so?”

“Yes. Your answer, please.”

“You’re begging?”

“Time is of the essence.”

“Why are you desperate to get married, Blaise?”

“I need the protection only your name can give me.”

“You’re in danger?”

I blink. “Nothing serious.” Desperation makes it easy to lie.

“What if this not-too-serious danger of yours takes more time to resolve?”

“The maximum is three months as stipulated in the contract.”

Three months is enough time for my team to find my kidnapper, as well as for me to have a solid plan on making money.

“And we can stray from the marriage so long as the affairs are discreet?”

“Per the contract, yes.”

“Will you move your bodyguard into our place, darling?”

“Of course not. That’s the very definition of indiscretion.”

“You’re okay with me fucking other women while married to you?”

“If it’s what you want. I would never rob you of your freedom. Your name is compensation enough.”

“You don’t want my money? My body?”

I blink. “No.”

“Three months max, and then we divorce and go our separate ways?”

“Yes.”

He reaches for the contract, grabs a pen off his desk and signs on the provided line.

“You have yourself a deal. Now hand over the keys and the title.”

---