Page 28 of Wicked Praise

Someone she could trust.

In a nutshell, she could offer shares, so someone with great wealth would be less likely to accept the two-year term. Why would they?

It would also be nice if they liked each other and were compatible. Sex wasn’t off the table, but it was probably better if it was.

“One way or another, I’m getting married.” Bella sighed. “At least this way you get to interrogate them first.”

“Excellent point,” Knox said. “However, you don’t need to get married, Bell. Ward Enterprises is a billion-dollar business now. We can fight Randall.”

“You know we can’t. It would cost too much. And Dad shouldn’t have to pay the legal costs for this. And I can’t sell my shares of Kennedy to fund it, or I lose my power,” she said, pushing off her shoes. “Plus, fashion isn’t my thing.”

“Really?” he teased. “Alert the media.”

“Shut up.” She laughed.

They went quiet for a moment.

“I know you think I’m crazy, but I have to do this. For Mom. For the grandparents we never met,” Bella said. “It all lies on my shoulders being the firstborn.”

“I know. I guess I’m just focused on working for Ward Enterprises and moving forward. I wish you would too.” He sighed.

“I’ve tried. But with my birthday approaching, it’s consumed my every thought. So, isn’t it better that I marry someone you know or trust, or a little bit of both?”

Had she planned this speech?

Why yes, she had.

She knew her brothers. And you don’t survive growing up with three protective oafs without learning how to manipulate them a little.

“Fuck. Yes. Fine.” Knox growled. “Maybe you will be a good businesswoman.”

Bella snickered, even though she knew he was wrong. Running a multi-billion-dollar empire she had no idea about.

“Tomorrow I’m attending a fundraiser. If you wear something from the Verity Lane Collection, you can come along.” Knox sighed.

Knox now heads up the marketing for Ward Enterprise’s luxury fashion line Verity & Co. Verity Lane was this year's top-end collection.

Bella pouted, even though he couldn’t see her. He often teased her about her less-than-glamorous closet, given what she’d grown up around.

“I’ll have something sent over. Now go to bed and get your beauty sleep. I’ll pick you up an hour before it starts and go over a few men I think... ugh...that might suit,” Knox said.

Bella held back her giggle, knowing how hard this was for him. “Thanks little brother.”

“I’m four inches taller than you.”

“And eighteen months younger.” She smirked, tucking her arm under the cushion.

“Go to bed,” Knox softly growled.

Click.

Bella dragged herself into the shower and then under the covers. As her eyes closed, her mind drifted back to earlier as she’d sat astride Blake, her wrists bound and his cock filling her completely.

You are fucking gorgeous.

Good girl, take all of me.

Even in her state of exhaustion, her body stirred, wanting more, knowing she couldn’t. In a few days or weeks, she would be an engaged woman.

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