Page 6 of Fiancé for Hire

“What the hell?” the man barked, and a shiver skittered over Annika’s skin.

Good Lord. That voice.

That deep, sexy, make-you-want-to-drop-your-panties voice surged through her, sending shock waves to every nerve in her body.

Mentally, Antika shook herself.I’m not interested. I’m not interested.

So what if his voice should be used to read sex scenes aloud in every romance novel…

It didn’t matter.

She wasn’t interested.

At least that’s what she kept telling herself.

“I’m sorry, but you’re not what I asked for,” Antika continued and waved her hand up and down, gesturing at his body. “You’re tall, but that’s it. Nothing else matches my criteria.”

“Well, excuse the hell out of me, lady. Do you know who I am?” he asked, his voice going even deeper as he scowled at her.

Mrs. Ross leaped from her chair and moved around to the front of the desk. “Ms. Wilcox,” she said, her tone soothing. “May I call you Antika?”

Antika nodded, wondering again why she had let Tamera talk her into this foolishness. No—it was actually because of Edward. Antika had let his silly words get to her. So this was all on her.

“I know Drevon might not be exactly what you requested, but I assure you that he is perfect for you,” Mrs. Ross said, then raised her hands in a placating gesture. “I mean, he’s the perfect escort for what you’re looking for. Trust me, dear. The men that work with our agency are the most eligible bachelors in Atlanta; perhaps in the entire country. In addition to that, I’ve been credited with matching couples since before you were born. I assure you that I’m very good at what I do, and my success rate is stellar.”

“Hey, if she doesn’t need a man, cool. I’m out of here,” the guy said, and once again his voice—deep and raspy—rocked Antika from the top of her head to the soles of her feet.

Goodness. When it came to distinct, soul-stirring voices like Barry White, James Earl Jones, and even Morgan Freeman, this man was absolutely in their league.

Still, it wasn’t enough for Antika to change her mind.

He turned for the door, but Mrs. Ross rushed to block his path.

“Don’t leave the building,” she told him. “Wait for me in the other room.”

He stared at the woman for the longest time, then dropped his shoulders and gave a slight nod.

Antika sensed a silent conversation going on between them, but couldn’t be sure. Maybe he had worked for the woman long enough to where they could communicate without words.

It didn’t matter. She was no longer interested in being matched.

“Antika, you wouldn’t have come here if you didn’t want a handsome man on your arm to attend a few events with you,” Mrs. Ross said after the man left. “You’ve already done the hard part—completing the personal profile. Why not give me a chance to show you how good I am at what I do?”

Antika shook her head, willing herself not to fall for this woman’s persuasiveness and charm. “I can’t. I have never been so uncomfortable in all my life. I don’t do this—I don’t buy or hire guys to go out with me.”

“Honey, don’t look at it like that. You’re hiringmeto provide a service for you. That’s all it is. Granted, on the surface, Drevon doesn’t look like the man you had in mind, but I assure you he’s a perfect fit. Give him a chance.”

Antika released a shaky sigh. “I don’t know. This is so not like me. I—”

“Givemea chance. If you don’t enjoy Drevon’s company, I’ll refund your money one hundred percent.”

After a long hesitation, Antika started to sayno thanks.

Instead, for some reason, she said, “Let me think about it.”

ChapterFour

The moment Tamera opened her apartment door, Antika shoved past her and headed to the living room. She plopped down on the black cushiony sofa and huffed out a sigh.

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