Page 2 of The Rogue and His Flower

“Good, then if you wouldn’t mind,” he replies, checking his gold Rolex watch for the time. “Dalton and I have business to discuss.”

"I'm sure you do," I reply snarkily.

Dalton stiffens, but still remains facing away from me. The winter sunlight streams through the window and illuminates his auburn hair in rich red and mahogany hues, contrasting sharply with his deep navy suit. For once he doesn't have a sarcastic retort ready, which is probably for the best since I’m really not in the mood.

"You'd better get used to the intricate workings of this family, because as soon as you sign this contract, you will need to act accordingly," Carl threatens, his voice dripping with authority.

I bite the inside of my cheek, tasting blood as I try to suppress the resentment bubbling inside of me, and remind myself why I’m doing this. Right now, playing along is the only way to secure Drix’s freedom, but if Carl thinks for one second I will kowtow to his expectations, he has another thing coming. I've agreed to marry his son and provide him with an heir, I have not agreed to a personality transplant.

“Of course,” I reply just as tersely, pressing the tip of the fountain pen against the paper, knowing full well that as soon as I sign this contract there’s no going back. I will become Dalton’s fiancé from the moment the ink hits the paper, and in a little over six weeks we will be married.

“There,” I say, placing the fountain pen back onto the table, and pushing the contract towards Carl.

He nods, a small smile pulling up his lip as he motions for Dalton’s attention.

“Son, now you.”

Turning on his feet, Dalton strides to my side, completely ignoring me and focussing solely on the contract where my signature has barely dried. Leaning over, he reaches for the pen, his arm brushing against mine as he signs with a quick flourish.

“It’s done,” he grinds out, straightening up.

“Excellent!” Carl grins, turning his attention back to me. “You will move in with us in a week’s time. I’m assuming that’s enough time to move your personal belongings over and to say your goodbyes?”

I gasp. “A week?”

“It’s in the contract,” he reminds me. “I will be hosting a party officially announcing your engagement a week after your arrival. Of course, I will be delighted to extend an invitation to your brother, his lady friend and her son, assuming she decides to stay, of course. I’m sure it can’t be easy learning how he got caught up in such a debt in the first place.”

“Drix, Lia and Tobywillbe there,” I snap back, wishing I could wipe the smirk off his face.

“Of course they will.”

“They can be happy now. No thanks to you,” I add.

Carl laughs. “I think you’ll find it’sallthanks to me. This arrangement benefits everyone, no? Drix is now free of his debt. Dalton will inherit his riches. I get to ensure the Gunn lineage thrives, and you, my dear, get to live a very luxurious lifestyle whilst you remain married to my son.”

“I’m not bothered about aluxurious lifestyle,” I throw back. “I will continue to work at the hotel and earn my own money. I might have to live here, but I won’t be some lady who lives off her husband’s wealth.”

“Herfather-in-law’swealth, you mean,” Carl corrects me. “Daltonwill continue to manage the hotel until you produce an heir, and I think you’ll find that youwillindeed become a lady of leisure as soon as you’re married. Page 21, point seven, says as much,” he counters with a smirk. “Can’t have my daughter-in-law slumming it as some lowly receptionist, now can I? Even if it is a receptionist atmyhotel.”

The blood drains from my face as I stare at him, my mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. “But–”

“No buts. You signed the contract. You’ve agreed to the terms.”

“Why didn’t you say something?” I throw at Dalton, shaking my head in disbelief. Why the hell didn’t I read the contract properly? I’m an idiot.

“It’s all there in black and white,” Dalton replies coolly.

“Youpig,” I accuse.

“Most women would jump at the chance to be taken care of in such a way. Count yourself lucky,” Carl snaps, and with that, he gathers up the contract and slides it into the drawer of his desk,locking it away. “I’m assuming you drove here today?” he asks with a dismissive flick of his hand towards the door.

I move to stand, more than ready to leave, but Dalton rests his hand on my shoulder, preventing me from getting up. “I’d like a word with Daisy before she leaves,” he says, his own tone uncompromising as I jerk away from the warmth of his touch.

“Then take your fiancé to look around. I have things to do,” Carl says, opening up his laptop and ignoring the both of us.

Fiancé.

The word echoes in my mind as the reality of our impending marriage sinks in. I'm torn between wanting to run away, and facing the harsh reality of my new life.

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