mi'

late a

taircase with deliberate, measured steps, and I froze, gasping for oxygen. L

o..." His lips curled into a chil

e. His massive body appeared even more menacing in the low light. "

"I didn't know there was a timeline," I managed, thoug

his pricey cologne enticing and

aid sofly, his tone surprisedly c

red, the words tastin

or. "Sorry won't save you he

face up so I could look into his eyes.

." He said his voice falling to a menacing mumbl

heart pounding in m

oadly, but it lacked

released my chin and stepped back, pointing to

if I should move or wait

yelled, with an

intricately carved ceilings, and walls lined with valuable artwork, the mansion's ov

at the top of the stairs. He stopped in front of one and unlocked it, expo

is voice was emot

t softly illuminated the room, and the floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out over the city

" I asked, my voice b

eyes. "Did you expe

cheeks. "I-I h

menacing voice. "You're here because I need you to play a part.

reluctant to loo

rew a little softer. "Because

ge of the bed. My legs finally gave way, an

ct, Roman's icy gaze, and the mansion's intimidating

k at the door and jumped

." I said

eath was undone at the collar, and he was no longer wearing his suit jacket. His ey

when he said, "I se

" I sta

"Good. Because tomorrow, you'll begin your new rol

that means." i admitted,

is gaze sharp. "It means you'll do as yo

aze. "I don't understand why it has

is isn't a fairy tale, Naomi. This is su

he stepped closer before I could reply. It was an

ow and perilously intimate. "I can be ruthless, Naomi. And if y

ought he was going to kiss me. The tension in the air between u

d closed the distance, he stepped

door and muttered icil

elief and bewildermen

ehind him. As my fingertips touched the silky du

e. A black folder bearing Roman's initi

ands trembling as

sional, the words "Marriage Contract"

list below th

The wife

ve than the one before it whe

, one line stood out, the ink darker as

will be immediately revok

embling, my heart pounding in my ch