Page 39 of Dex

“Well, she’s not for you to look at anymore,” my father says flatly.“She’s agreed to marry Dex.”

Matteo is texting on his phone.

Enzo shrugs.“Still pretty, though.”

“That doesn’t change,” Zach agrees.

“She’ll be your brother’s wife soon,” my father says sharply.“Have some respect.”

“As if you know anything about respect,” Matteo mutters, just loud enough, and without looking up.

The old man ignores him.“I’ll keep this short.No one outside this room, apart from Daniela’s parents, can know this is an arrangement.It must appear as a proper marriage.”He clasps his hands together.“Call it an alliance if you want.A merging of two powerful companies.”

Jett exhales sharply.“What’s in it for you?”

The old man’s mouth curves.“Like I told you before, access to the South American market.”

“Access?Or, if I know you, you’re probably planning to take it over.Slowly.Over time,” Jett says.

The old man’s smile doesn’t falter.“Fifty-fifty deal.They stay married for a year.We gain insight.Access to their books, their operations.We send our people in.We have meetings.We don’t have to move there, and they don’t have to move here.Apart from, of course …” He turns to me “ … yourwife.”

I feel heat course through my veins.That name.That label, sounds surreal.“She’s not my wife yet.”

“She will be soon enough,” he continues.“So the public will see a Knight marriage.This’ll be interesting.The first of this generation.Let’s make it count.”

Jett exhales loudly.“People already assume you only do things for money.I wouldn’t worry too much about your reputation.”

Paul levels him with a look.“It’s important for AO Eletronica.This must look like a genuine union.I don’t want bad press, rumors, or speculation.”He flicks his gaze back to me.“Just keep her sweet.You don’t have to sleep with her.You’ll have separate bedrooms.She’ll live in your apartment, but there must be none of your usual shenanigans.No hookups or scandal.”

Fuck.

“But I thought you said I could—”

“I don’t want anything to jeopardize this arrangement.”

Not that I was planning on doing anything.I just wanted to see why the old man has suddenly changed his mind from telling me I could have as much sex as I wanted, to being squeaky clean.

I’m not that type of guy.I don’t cheat.Even if I’m in an arrangement like this crazy one I’m about to get into.The old man’s change of heart tells me he has a lot riding on this.

Still, a whole year without sex isn’t going to be easy.Like my right hand isn’t already overworked enough.

“Prepare to clear your schedules in the coming two weeks.I’ll send out a memo about the wedding timeline.”

I tense.This shit is getting real.

“You’re getting married in Brazil,” he announces calmly, adjusting his cufflinks.“I’ll confirm the timeline out shortly.”

I open my mouth, then close it.

What the hell?

“If I’m getting married,” I say slowly, “shouldn’t I at least … I don’t know … talk toherabout it?”

Paul waves a dismissive hand.“No need.This is an alliance.A business deal.Just buy a ring.Get your stories straight.The rest, cake tastings, bridal fittings.I’ve already put my wedding planners on it.I’ll speak with Daniela’s parents.They’ll handle the rest.”

Jett lets out a dark chuckle.“How romantic.”

Paul ignores him.“Get it done.Get it over with.Plenty of photo ops.The press will love it.”

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