Page 10 of Dex

And it’s only for a year.

Paul tells me the rules.This will be a marriage in name only.Separate bedrooms.No emotions.No feelings.No commitment.It’s a business arrangement, nothing more.

But we will have to live together.

The outside world will need to see that we are an alliance, that Knights and the Oliveiras make a formidable partnership, Paul enthuses.I look up and force myself to nod, as he talks about the business deal, more than it being a marriage.That’s a good way of looking at it.

He’s watching me, waiting for an answer to a question I’ve already forgotten.

“I’m family-oriented,” I add quickly.“I love my parents, and I’d do anything for them.”

“Oh?”His eyes darken slightly, as if weighing my words.“You would doanythingfor them?”

I straighten, careful not to appear too eager.“Of course.My father built this business from nothing.It means everything to him.”

Paul leans back, steepling his fingers.“Is there anything I should know?”

I swallow.Does he already suspect?

“I just want what’s best for my family,” I say carefully.“And who wouldn’t want to come and live in America?”I throw in a light laugh.“Your sons are all accomplished men.Handsome too.”

“And filthy rich,” he adds.

This feels like a test.“Yes, as am I.My family, I mean.”

He nods.

I sit back, feeling more emboldened now that he’s talking more about business than feelings and emotions.“People use dating apps to find someone compatible.I’d rather align with someone who shares my goals.”

Paul watches me for a long moment.Then, he smiles.“That is exactly the type of woman I’d hope for my sons to marry, but …” He leans forward in his expensive looking leather chair.

“I’ve been a businessman for over forty years.There are CEOs, and captains of industry who don’t have the balls to pick up the phone and call me.And yet, you did.”

I flash my glitziest smile, hoping to gloss over the desperation he might have sensed in what I did.Why I did it.

“I’m not shy, Mr.Knight.”I continue, “I just don’t like seeing a good opportunity pass me by.If I want something, I go for it.”

He surveys me for longer than I am comfortable with.This is nothing like what I was expecting.I feel like I’m being chewed to pieces by piranhas.

“It’s just that people don’t do what you did unless they need something desperately.”It’s like he can smell blood in the water.

“We both have a lot to gain from this union, Paul.You get access to the number one global telecommunications company in Latin America.”Wewere, but surely he will be doing his own due diligence.

“I agree, absolutely.I was just curious to know if you were acting out of need.But I see now that you’re not just beautiful.You’re smart, and you’ve got guts.”

I swallow and remain silent, because I was acting out of need.I no longer know how to gauge the success of this meeting.It’s been nothing like I imagined.“And that’s a good thing,” he continues, oblivious to the chaos churning inside me.“Because you’ll need your smarts and guts, especially when it comes to my boys.”

My eyes widen and I wonder if he’s issuing me a subtle warning.

He chuckles.“Don’t worry.They don’t bite, but … I can’t see them being amenable to something like this.”He stands.“I wouldn’t be able to sell this as an arranged marriage deal, but I’ve been working on this, ever since we spoke.I believe tonight’s event would be the perfect opportunity for you to meet my sons.I’m hosting a special evening tonight.”

I raise an eyebrow.“Special?”

“A soiree.I didn’t think you’d want to be presented like some prize pony at a gala.”I listen intently, as he continues.“But my sons are headstrong.If I make this about business rather than a matchmaking spectacle, they’ll be more likely to listen.”

“Is that why your oldest son pulled out?”

Paul’s lips tighten.“He had other ideas.”

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