Page 16 of Bearing Secrets
She blinked, carefully schooling her features into a neutral expression, trying not to give away her surprise and excitement. There would be a price. There wasalwaysa price.
A sudden jolt of fear spiked her adrenaline. What if he was a criminal? Did he have ties to organized crime? Just what was she getting herself into here?
“What’s it going to cost me?” she asked, deciding to speak plainly, without hidden context or meaning. If he said something like a favor or anything she didn’t like, Natalia decided she was done then and there. It wasn’t worth getting tied up in. It just wasn’t. “And don’t lie to me.”
Watching him closely, she saw his jaw muscles tighten ever so slightly. He wasn’t ready to tell her what he needed, she realized. Maybe she’d pushed too far too quickly. Was he about to leave?
The more she thought about it, and the longer the silence went on, the more she began to think he was, in fact, going to leave. Just like that, her only chance was going to disappear back to the place he’d come from. But just as she thought he was about to get up, Kirell sat back into the bench, taking another drink from the glass in his hand. And itwasglass, she realized abruptly, not the flimsy plastic cups that were served downstairs.
It was just another sign that the owners of the club considered him an important person. But whowashe? She didn’t recognize the name in the slightest, but that didn’t mean a thing. Corporate America had more rich business titans than she could begin to count, most of them flying well under the radar.
“I need you for a similar operation.”
She’d been so lost in thought that when he did speak, she almost didn’t register the words. “You need a wife?”
“Not…exactly.”
It was the first time she’d seen him uncomfortable, and to her surprise, she didn’t like it. It was awkward. Confusing, and thoroughly unappetizing. Just what was he hiding?
“If you’re with the mob or mafia or something like that, I don’t want anything to do with it,” she said, the words tumbling from her mouth before her brain could catch up. “I don’t want to get involved in anything shady.”
“I promise to you it’s nothing like that.” There was still some resistance to his words, however, indicating he didn’t want to talk about it any further.
“Very well. Keep your secrets. For now. But you’re going to have to tell me eventually, you know that, right?”
Kirell’s fingers tapped against his glass thoughtfully. “I need you to act in a similar situation. The whole marriage part isn’t necessary, but you will have to act like you believe me to be your, um, soulmate.”
“I see.” She didn’t. “Why do you need that?”
“It’s a necessity for me to be granted something. From my family’s will.” He added the last part so quickly that she knew immediately he wasn’t telling the truth. Not all of it.
“What’s my share?”
Kirell coughed suddenly.
Covering your surprise? I’m not that easily convinced to help you out. If you’re getting rich because of my help, you’re damn right I want a piece of the pie.
“You are already getting something. A husband, remember? You solve your problem, I solve mine.”
“Sounds to me like you get an awful lot more than I do. I think a gesture of good faith is in order as well.”
Kirell was shaking now, unable to contain his laughter. “The woman is an extortionist,” he muttered, more to himself than to her, though she could hear him fine, thanks to a well-timed change of songs from the DJ.
“I just want to make sure everything is fair.”
“Fine. Your share will be…is ten fair?”
She inhaled slowly through her nose. “Ten thousand?” It was far more than she’d expected him to offer, but if she couldn’t keep her cool, he’d realize that. Natalia had never had much of a poker face, but she was learning quickly with Kirell that it would be a good time to develop one.
“Yes. That should be enough.” His voice had become firm. He’d noticed.
Damn. I guess I won’t be negotiating for more.
“And it’s all a sham? I don’t have to sleep with you?”
Kirell nodded. “Correct. That part would be entirely optional and up to you.” His eyes roved over her outfit, not making an effort to disguise what he was looking at. “Though I am forced to admit that I wouldn’t object to that course of action.”
“I’m sure you wouldn’t,” she said with a snort of laughter, doing her best not to get too flustered at the idea of being taken to his bed.
