Page 10 of His Fake Wife

“I left for eight years and your ego got so big it drove you to insanity. I should have stuck around to keep you grounded,” she smirked and wiped her eyes.

“Hear me out.”

She wiped her eyes, sobering up. “This should be good.”

“A marriage of convenience. We’ll both benefit. My image will get a much needed repair and you won’t be homeless and penniless.”

“I’d rather live on the street than marry you.”

“Is that what you want for Melissa? She’s so young and accustomed to a certain lifestyle. I wonder how she’ll fare on the street. Hey, isn’t she heading to college this year? College is expensive,” I sang, giving her the same smug smirk she just gave me.

Beth’s expression crumbled. For once, she seemed vulnerable and I almost felt bad for her. Visibly swallowing, she clutched her handbag, all traces of her earlier mirth gone. “I could get a job. I’ve got a master’s degree.”

“How nice. Where are you going to find a job that’ll give you the means to keep your father’s house and send your sister to college in a matter of weeks?”

“Damn it to hell,” she hissed and I smiled, triumphantly.

“Let’s help each other out.”

“I want more than Daddy’s house and money for my sister’s education.”

“Name your price.”

“My dad’s company back, no strings, no fine print?fully back in the Carsons' name.”

I lifted a brow. That was unexpected. I was waiting for a request for a never-ending supply of diamonds and designer dresses. But, I had to remind myself that I wasn’t dealing with my usual dalliances. I was dealing with Beth. Gazing at her with grudging respect, I asked, “You think you can successfully run your father’s company?”

“Let me worry about that.”

Letting go of that one company would be a barely noticeable dent in the conglomerate that was Thorne Holdings.

“Fine, two years pretending to be a loving couple. Make me look good and you will get all of your father’s assets back.”

She sat back and inhaled deeply. “Two years is a long time to put up with you but we have a deal.”

I was making a deal for a marriage of convenience with a woman I’d considered my enemy since childhood. No one could deny my dedication to Thorne Holdings after this. I held out a hand. Beth hesitated before sitting forward to place hers in it.

“Deal.”

“One condition, Adam.”

“Another condition? I’m already giving you a hell of a lot.”

She glowered. “Keep your rakish hands to yourself.”

“Ha! That shouldn’t be too hard, Beth.”

She snatched her hand from mine and we proceeded to glare at each other.

Chapter 5

Beth

Three weeks later…

If anyone had told me I’d be stuck in a fake marriage at twenty-six? with a man I couldn’t stand ?I’d tell them they were crazy. I’d never been a foolish romantic who thought fairytales were real, but I at least dreamed of having an actual, loving relationship. I always thought I’d meet a nice guy who I had a lot in common with. He’d court me until I fell madly in love and then he’d propose.

We’d have a nice wedding?nothing too extravagant, but memorable. We’d go on a sweet tropical honeymoon and go on to build our lives together. That was the plan I had for my love life...you know when I actually started having one. Admittedly, I’ve never had much in the name of romance, but I knew what I wanted and I didn’t get it.

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