Page 8 of Dex

It’s my father’s chance to boost his company.

I have no choice.

I have to lie to Raquel.

If things work out, and there is a marriage, I’ll have to convince her that this is love, not business.

And I must make an alliance, because if I fail, if somehow I can’t walk away with a Knight, then I’ll have no choice but to marry Oscar Ramos.

And that isn’t a choice.

It’s a death sentence.

The boarding announcement crackles over the speakers, and I rise, smoothing down my dress.I pick up my phone one last time, staring at Raquel’s name.

Then I tuck it away.

I’ll deal with herlater.

For now, I have bigger battles to fight.

***

Paul Knight paid for my flight, and set me up in a glamorous hotel in New York.

I arrived in New York from Brazil last night.I’ve been here twice, for a weekend with friends when I was studying in Washington and the second time when I ran the marathon.This city isn’t completely alien to me.

Landing so late, I went straight to bed and have spent the morning getting my bearings, reading up on the Knight brothers again.I’d already done my research before leaving Brazil, but looking at photos of them online now, knowing one of them might end up as my husband, makes it feel different.

There are five of them.They all look ...impressive.Handsome, powerful, successful.But I don’t care about looks.That’s never been my priority.It’s the person inside that I’m more interested in.

And the “why?”

Why would someone marry a stranger for a year?I have my reasons, and I’d like to know theirs.

I’m due to meet Paul Knight at his apartment later this morning.He told me he doesn’t think I should go to his office.He wants to talk about this informally.

I’d like to believe him, I really would, but for a man heading the multi-billion Knight Enterprises, I’m surprised he’s able to make so much time for me and at such short notice.

He mentioned that he’s hosting some kind of high-profile event tonight at his penthouse, and I’ll have to come to that.He’s asked me to “Dress to impress,” for that event.

For now, this morning’s meeting is an informal chat about “how we can best help one another” and he’s arranged for a chauffeur to pick me up.

I’m curious about meeting him.

I should be grateful that he agreed to meet me so soon.For now I’ll focus on what my father told me: One year.That’s all we need, filha.One year, and the cash injections from the Knights will go a long way to helping with our ambitious plans to boost AO Eletronica.

I get ready quickly, nerves frayed as my mind buzzes about what to expect.I’m nervous as I get into the chauffeured car.My heart races when I step into the elevator of the building where Paul lives.This sprawling tower symbolizes wealth in a way I didn’t think was possible.As I ascend, shimmering glass and mirrors everywhere, I’m in awe of the magnificent views of the skyline.

I know this lifestyle well.The wealth, the glitz.I’m used to this life of privilege and security.I’ve grown up surrounded by luxury, attending exclusive events, brushing shoulders with politicians and billionaires.

I shouldn’t be surprised, but this is another level.

Anxiety floods my veins, and I take a few calming breaths and try to imagine my father smiling and healthy again.

The elevator dings and the doors glide open.I step into a world of polished marble and large expansive windows overlooking views of places I’ve only seen in films before.

A maid ushers me in, but I barely take in my surroundings before Paul Knight greets me.

---