VENUS
"So, you two will announce your engagement on Saturday," Connor said, his usual playfulness nowhere in sight. "He'll get you a ring before then, and in two weeks, you'll be married." His gaze flicked between us. "Good enough?"
I hesitated, then eventually nodded. Mr. Can't-Stop-Looking-Irritated, on the other hand, kept staring at me like I was the root of all his problems.
"All right then," Connor continued. "You'll be moving in with him on Sunday. Get your things packed."
I could've sworn Aaron flinched at the mention of my stuff.
"Wait—what do you mean, move in together?" I hadn't even considered that part when I agreed to this.
Connor raised a brow. "Well, every married couple lives together, don't they?" Mr. Sinclair looked at him like he'd just been slapped. Guess he didn't think of that part either.
"I, uh, didn't think of that," I muttered, earning a chuckle from Connor.
"Like I said, you'll be married for three years. You're not allowed to be in a relationship with anyone else during that time." He pushed a contract toward me. "Go through it thoroughly. It lists everything you're expected to do. If you have any conditions, let me know."
He looked at Mr. Sinclair—who'd been silent the whole time—and then back at me. "You'll be paid a million dollars when the contract is signed, and another million when the three years are complete."
My eyes widened. That was more than the original offer.
"This is…" I fumbled for words. Both men looked at me, waiting.
"Too little?" Aaron spoke for the first time since we started talking. The man might be the devil's right hand—or worse—but I wouldn't deny his sheer masculinity. He stood at least 6'2", with thick black hair, hazel eyes, a straight nose with a slight crook—like it had been broken once—razor-sharp jawline, and full, kissable lips. Shame that someone who looked like that had the personality of a rabid wolf. Though, oddly enough, it seemed he saved most of that bite just for me.
"Venus." Connor's voice snapped me out of my daze. I'd zoned out right in front of them—embarrassing.
"Yes. I meant it's enough. More than enough," I said quickly.
Aaron's lips twisted slightly.
"Good. You have until Friday to go through it and sign." Connor handed me the file. I took it and stood to leave.
"And Venus?" Connor leaned back in his chair.
"You can't breathe a word of this to anyone. If you do, the deal's off."
"Of course," I said, then left the office.
Back at my desk, I opened the contract and skimmed through the conditions:
We'd have to live together for three years.
I hadn't thought that through. It can't be that bad… right? Who am I kidding? He loathes me. Maybe if I stay out of his way, he'll do the same.
There would need to be public displays of affection.
He can barely look at me without curling his lip. Wonder how he'll fake that one.
No other relationships or partners for the duration of our marriage.
Not an issue. I've been single for years.
No one can find out about the contract.
I'll have to think of a story for my friends. I never planned on telling my mom anyway.
All my expenses would be covered throughout the marriage, in addition to the two-million-dollar settlement.
I can no longer work as his PA or anywhere else.
Thank God. I won't miss that for a second.
Breaching any of the terms would cost me five million dollars.
Ending the contract early? Another five million.
Once I sign this, there's no escape. He made sure of that.
There were more conditions, but I'd go over those later. For now, I was still his PA.
It's Tuesday today. I have until Friday to decide.
Is there even a decision to make? My life's about to change—Mom's too. We can finally leave that rotting apartment behind.
And no matter what anyone says—especially her—I'm not taking Dain with me.
Not after what he did. Not even Mom can change my mind.
I'll tell her. After she recovers.