ry stillness settled over the room. Denice sat back d

Vincent, as silent and unobtrusive

ross the table. "This is a draft of the

last for two years, during which both parties would share resources and maintain the public image of a loving couple. After two years

us offer, but Denice's eyes

tection," covering, but not limited to, legal, commercial, and personal security. Furthermore, regardless of

her eyes. "Mr. Collins, this seems to go bey

gray eyes. "The heir to the Montgomery fortune deserves the best," he said sim

ice felt there was more to it. This m

no problem with the agreement. Bu

me

k." Denice's voice was quiet but firm. "

That estate was the Slater ancestral home, wort

uy a loaf of bread. "Done." He took out his phone and sent a

s, negotiations, difficulties. She had not expected him to agree so ef

tmosphere eased slightly. Cul

ved an exquisite velvet box from his bri

iamond ring lay nestled on the silk lining

is t

casual as if he were commenting on the weather.

r. She had just discarded one ring that symbolized a false love. Now, s

slid it onto her left ring finger. It was a

xtended his hand across the table. "A pleasu

lus that spoke of something other than a life spent behind a desk. His grip

immediately. His thumb brushed over the back of her knuckles, a

. She smoothly withdrew her ha

ened. He stood. "Vincent will handl

or, then paused and

ed with command, "move out of that apartment.

, giving her no op

on her hand. She felt as if she had just stepped into a

ge, she needed the sharpest weapon she cou

rd, respectfully offe