Page 15 of Unbreakable Vow

“This arrangement. It’s just a business arrangement. So, makes sense we’d just get a judge and get it over with,” I say.

“Were you hoping for a large ceremony? With a party?” He eyes me suspiciously, like I’m trying to manipulate him in some way.

“No,” I assure him. “When I get married for real, of course I do. But this is just a transaction. I help you; you help me. Nothing more than that.” My brain completely agrees, but the fluttering in my stomach suggests that I wouldn’t mind something a bit more than a transaction with this man.

Even when he’s growly looking, I can’t help but want to lean into him and feel his strength embrace me.

“Good.” He nods after a moment. “That’s all it is.”

“Right.” I turn back to the window. “I’m sorry I kept you today, I’m sure you have a lot of work to do.”

His stare lingers on me for a long stretch.

“I do,” he finally says. “I’ll be out the rest of the night. Mrs. Yugov will get you anything you need. Just ask.”

“All right.”

“Don’t leave the house until I get a driver for you.”

“Oh, I don’t need a driver.” It’s better we keep our lives as separate as possible.

“Are you going to fight everything I say?” His eyebrows shoot up with his question.

“I’m not fighting. I’m just saying I can get around on my own.”

“No. You can’t. Not while you’re under my protection.”

“I don’t need protecting.” The words fly out faster and harder than is probably smart, considering how sternly he’s glaring at me. But I’ve gotten along just fine this long without any knight in shining armor to come save me. I need his cash, nothing else.

In a heartbeat, he’s toe-to-toe with me. His hand clamps around my chin, pushing my head back. His warm breath washes over my face as his heated stare heats my entire body.

“You were correct when you said this was a business arrangement.” His nostrils flare. “And in this business, I am the boss. It’s best you understand that now, Cora. Otherwise, you’ll have a very difficult time sitting during our short time together.”

A tingle courses through me with his words. It’s not the reaction I think he wants from me, and it’s definitely not what I expected to happen.

“You’re going to be late for your meeting,” I say when the tension between us thickens beyond comfort.

His eyes rake down my face to my mouth. He’s going to kiss me. I fight back the urge to lick my lips. My chest tightens.

He releases me and takes a step back.

“Do not leave this house until I’ve said it’s safe,” he says roughly, then turns on his heel and marches out of the room.

The door shuts hard behind him, and I press my forehead against the cool glass of the window.

This is a simple transaction.

Just business.

I lift my head then lightly tap it onto the glass.

Just a transaction.

I glance back at the large king-sized bed with the four posts. The elegance is almost painful to look at considering I’ve been sleeping on a single mattress on a simple bed frame.

He’s the boss of this little business transaction. Is that so?

Well, bosses don’t sleep in the same room with their subordinates.

---