Chapter 2 - The Indecent Proposal
The air in the dining room suddenly felt incredibly thin and suffocating.
Ren stared at the black leather folder as if it were a venomous snake preparing to strike.
"You bought my brother's debt from violent loan sharks?" she asked, her voice shaking with a mixture of anger and terror.
Damon stood up gracefully, his tall frame dominating the space as he walked slowly toward her.
"I prefer to think of it as an investment in my personal staff," he said coolly.
Ren took a step back, her back pressing against the swinging kitchen door.
"I can't pay you fifty thousand dollars, Mister Cole."
He stopped just a few inches away from her, completely invading her personal space.
She could smell his expensive cologne, a dark blend of cedar and bergamot that made her head spin.
"I don't want your money, Ren."
He reached out and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
His touch sent a violent, electric shock straight down her spine.
"I need a fiancée for a corporate gala this weekend in Chicago, and you are going to play the part perfectly."
Ren stared at him in absolute disbelief.
"You want your personal chef to pretend to be your future wife?"
"My enemies are expecting me to arrive alone and vulnerable," he explained, his eyes darkening.
"If I show up with a beautiful woman on my arm, it changes the entire dynamic of the negotiation."
He stepped back, returning to his usual, stoic demeanor.
"Play the part convincingly for three days, and your brother's debt is entirely forgiven."
Ren knew she was making a deal with the devil, but Toby's life was on the line.
"I'll do it," she agreed softly.
May you like
Damon smiled for the very first time, and it was a terrifyingly handsome sight.
"Good, because my psychotic stepbrother Silas will be there, and he has a habit of killing the women I care about."
