Page 68 of Wicked Praise

One who had no interest in her as a daughter or a business partner.

Well, too bad, Dad. I am coming to take back my family’s legacy.

Blake had said he would support her. She liked how insistent he’d been about the insider trading. It was a risk for both of them.

But what she kept flashing back to was his initial reaction.

And you thought I’d marry you?

His words had hurt her. Far more than she thought was possible.

She liked this man a lot. He was probably a terrible choice just based on that. But as they’d talked and then after making love, she couldn’t imagine doing it with any of the other men she’d met.

In two years, though, they would part ways and Blake would be a mega wealthy man, rivaling his Dufort Hotel cousins, and women would be lining up to be with him.

If he didn’t have one lined up already.

The fact he was willing to do this, obviously to save InkWell and for his financial gain, was a blessing for her.

Bella had to stay focused on her own reasons.

And not a future broken heart.

Cain had left her, and she’d survived.

Blake would leave in two years.

Then she’d be free to find true love. Thirty. She would still be young enough.

“Ms. Montgomery,” Dick Hillard, Director of the Museum, said, glancing up over his glasses. “I received your message. I have five minutes. What can I help you with?”

“I need to take a week off. I have some personal things to deal with which unfortunately cannot wait,” Bella said.

She knew asking last minute like this would not be received well. She loved her job, she really did.

But there was a lot to do. First, she wanted to get the contracts drawn up with the lawyers. They’d indicated they would need at least three days with her. Perhaps more.

There was no putting this off.

If Mr. Hillard declined her, she may have to resign.

She didn’t want Blake to change his mind, nor did she want to go through that humiliating process with another man.

Blake had driven her home this morning and while she wouldn’t have called it awkward, it was obvious both of them had a lot on their mind.

As she’d climbed out of the car, Blake had caught her wrist. “Hey, I’m on board. I just need to see the contract.”

“Yes, of course,” Bella said as he pulled her in for another one of his panty melting kisses.

“We’ll make this work. Plus, signing up for two years of sex with you isn’t exactly punishment.”

When she blushed, he grinned.

“You better get out of this car or those pink cheeks of yours are going to land you in the back seat with your legs in the air.”

She’d squeaked and climbed out.

God. That man. He was going to cost her millions in destroyed underwear.

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