Page 36 of Dex

Dexter leans back in his chair, frowning.“This is a business deal.We don’t have to do much convincing.”He’s so cold today.Last night when he knocked on my hotel door and returned my cell phone, he was warmer.I felt like we could make this work.This morning?I see it will be impossible.

Paul gives a dismissive wave.“You will.The world needs to know that this is not a business deal, but a whirlwind romance leading to marriage.”He nods at me.“Your father says it’s important that Brazilian media buy the story.The investors are the ones you’ll need to convince.Now,” he continues, his voice measured and firm.“I need to run through the rules, and you both need to adhere to them.”

I jolt to attention.

“You must both be loyal to one another.There mustn’t be a whiff of scandal.No drama.Nothing.I suggest you take the time to get to know each other.”His eyes shift between me and Dexter.“You need to be clear on your backstories.You live on different continents.How did you meet?Why are you getting married so quickly?How did you propose?”To Dexter, “I suggest you buy a ring, soon.”

Dexter leans back in his chair, arms crossed.“You mean you didn’t buy one for me?What about the press release to announce this marriage?”

His father doesn’t blink.“I thought I’d leave that to you, Dex.”His gaze lands on me.“You need to be mindful,” he says slowly.“If we present this as a marriage, nobody asks questions.Nobody talks.”He pauses.“No one can know the truth outside of the Knight or the Oliveira family.Is that clear?”

I nod.“Yes.”

“Yes,” Dex mutters.

Paul shifts his weight, his expression cool.“You will be married for a year.As for living arrangements, Daniela, you will live with Dex in his apartment.”

My throat closes.

Paul raises a brow.“Did you think I was going to send my son to Brazil?”

“Fuck that,” Dexter snaps.

“I’ll live here,” I say.

It’s happening too fast.

I hadn’t even thought about living arrangements.About switching countries.About moving away from my mother and father and living here, with the Knights, a family I don’t know.

“What about over here?”Dexter asks.“How do I play it here?”

“The same.You need to show that you are very much in love.”

“Oh, joy.”Dexter lets out a huff.

“I’ll draw up the contract for your father to review,” Paul says, casually.

Dexter sits up.“I need to see it.”

I agree.“We should be part of this discussion.”

Paul’s lips press together and I sense something I don’t like.“For now, you two need to get to know each other.Let your father and I handle the contract.”He glances at his watch.“Now, if you don’t mind.I have another meeting.”

“I’d still like to see a copy of the contract,” I insist.

“We insist,” Dexter says.We insist.His reply sets my heart aflutter.

“Of course.I’ll get the legal department to draft it up and send it to you both.”

I hate how smoothly he dismisses us, like we’re side characters in our own deal.We both leave the office.Dexter shoots off, walking so fast before disappearing.And I’m supposed to marry this man and make it look believable?

My mind is a whirr of different thoughts.My father isn’t well and maybe Paul knows.Maybe that’s why he’s rushing this?

That’s why I have no time.

I consider calling Raquel.I also need to speak to my parents.Paul broke the news to them that I had the right to tell them about.He probably told them not to contact me, but they’ll be wondering why I haven’t called them.

I head straight for the washroom, needing a moment to calm my twisted nerves.Try to settle the tight knot balling in my stomach.

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