Page 109 of The Sounds of Her

Smart ass. “I’d say it was nice to see you but that would be a lie.” I settle back in my chair.

“And I’d ask if you had a nice vacation, but it’s been all over the news,” he says, standing in front of my desk. “You didn’t mention Archer Harris when we were talking about this arrangement.”

“I’d hardly call what happened that night us talking about it.”

He huffs out a sarcastic laugh. “True.”

“Take a seat,” I point at the chair. He stares at me for a few seconds, then unbuttons his suit jacket and sits down. “Being away has done nothing to change what I said to you the night of the gala, Roman. We’re not getting married.”

“You understand what is at stake if you don’t do this?”

“Your inheritance?”

“Not just that. Your parent’s reputation, and them losing everything, remember?”

“But ninety-nine percent your inheritance, right?”

His jaw ticks. “Why would I care about anything else?”

“Yes, I understand what is at stake for you, Roman. I’m confident your father can find someone else if he is intent on you being married to get your inheritance.”

“The deal is marriage to you or nothing,”

“I’m not marrying you.”

The door is closed but we can hear people beyond my office. I meant what I said to Archer, I don’t think Roman is going to do anything stupid. He might be an idiot but he’s not that dumb.

“I can be reasonable about this,” Roman says, sitting back and crossing his legs. “Maybe I came on a bit strong after the gala, talking about us seeing other people. If you want me to make a go of it, get to know each other. I can figure things out so it’s a proper marriage…”

“Did you forget the part where I’m dating someone.”

“Relationships end,” he states.

“Not this one.” My heart thumps erratically for a moment at those words. “I have no intention of ending my relationship to be in a fake marriage. I can’t be any clearer on where I stand on this.”

“What do I have to do to make you change your mind? You said you don’t need my money,” he holds his hands out. “I’ll give you whatever else you want.”

“What I want, is not to be forced into a marriage that neither of us want,” I glare at him, then I sigh. “Roman, be honest. You don’t want to marry me. You don’t want to marry anyone, correct?”

His brow creases as he tries to figure me out.

“Have you ever considered why your father is forcing you to get married so you can have your inheritance?”

“Because he’s a tight-fisted asshole.”

Oh Jesus. “No, he wants you to stop the partying, the women, the drugs, all the things about you that he dislikes. He is under the misguided assumption you will stop all of that if you get married. Which you and I both know won’t happen because you’ve already said you will be discrete,” I narrow my eyes at him. “You’re an intelligent man, Roman, you can figure this out.”

“He shouldn’t be holding me to ransom because he doesn’t like my lifestyle.”

“As no one should hold me to ransom because my parents can’t manage their finances.”

“I guess we’re in agreement.”

“What?”

I’m surprised by how this conversation is going. Like Archer, I thought Roman was going to be a prick. Especially given the messages he was sending while I was out of the country. I still think he’s an idiot but I’m starting to see he might not be unreasonable.

“We’re being forced to do something we don’t want to. No offence, because you are beautiful and I’d like to fuck you, but I don’t want to marry you.”

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