Page 6 of The Billionaire's Bargain

"Because I can help you." I lean forward, lowering my voice. "And because I want something from you in return."

A bitter laugh escapes her. "Of course you do. Let me guess—it involves a bedroom and me taking off my clothes."

"Yes," I admit, enjoying her startled expression at my honesty. "But that's only part of it. I want thirty days, Alice. Thirty days where you belong to me completely."

Her breath catches. "What does that mean, exactly?"

"It means you live in my home. Sleep in my bed. Accompany me where I ask. For one month." I hold her gaze, letting her see the desire I've been controlling since I first laid eyes on her. "In exchange, I'll pay off your mother's medical debt. All of it. I'll secure you an affordable apartment in a better neighborhood, near good medical facilities. And I'll establish a college fund for your brother that will cover any school he can get into."

She's shaking her head before I finish speaking. "That's—that's crazy. You don't even know me."

"I know enough." I reach across the table, not touching her, but letting my hand rest near hers. "I know you're drowning under responsibilities that shouldn't be yours alone. I know you're exhausted from working three jobs. I know you deserve a respite."

"A respite where I prostitute myself to you?" Her voice is sharp, but there's a waver underneath.

"A respite where you're taken care of, for once." I correct her gently. "Where you're the priority, not everyone else."

Something flickers in her eyes—longing, quickly suppressed. "Why me? You could have anyone."

"Yes," I agree simply. "I could. But none of them are you."

"You don't know what makes me different. You've spoken to me twice."

"Some things don't require lengthy investigation." I allow myself a small smile. "When you know, you know."

She looks down at her hands, twisted together in her lap. "This is insane."

"It's a business proposition. One that benefits us both."

"It benefits you a whole lot more than me," she mutters, but her resistance is weakening. I can sense the calculations happening behind those expressive eyes—the weight of her family's needs against her own discomfort.

"Does it?" I challenge softly. "Financial freedom for your family. Security for your future. And in return, you spend thirty days being pampered, protected, and yes, pleasured. Repeatedly." I let that word hang between us, watching the flush crawl up her neck. "Many would consider that a fair trade."

"I'm not 'many.'" She meets my eyes again, defiant despite her blush. "And what happens after thirty days?"

"That depends." I run my finger along the rim of my empty coffee mug. "On how we feel at the end."

She bites her lip, and I have to restrain myself from reaching across the table to free it from her teeth. To taste her. She's close to yielding, I can feel it, but something's holding her back.

"What if..." she starts, then stops. Tries again. "What if I'm not...experienced enough for someone like you?"

Ah. There it is. I feel a surge of possessive pleasure at the implication.

"Are you telling me you’re a virgin, Alice?" My voice roughens despite my control.

Her blush deepens and she nods.

My hands grip the table. I’m suddenly fighting the urge to throw her across the table and deflower her right here and now.Mine.She’ll only ever be mine.

"What if I say no?" she asks.

"Then I walk away,” I lie. There’s no way in hell I’m letting her get away, but I need her to believe the choice is hers. “Your life continues as it is. Your mother's debt remains. Your brother's future stays uncertain." I keep my tone neutral, stating facts rather than threats. "But I don't think you will say no."

"You seem very confident," she says, a hint of bitterness coloring her words.

"I am. Not because I underestimate your principles, but because I can see your practical nature. This is a solution to problems that have no other immediate answer."

She's quiet for a long moment, staring at her hands. "I need to think about it."

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