touched between them. The morning sun filtered through the penthouse windows, casting s

l weight pressing down on her shoulders. Alina shifted

Graham said, sip

ing to try to own me on paper," Alina

his marriage is a contra

row. "Protects us bo

cts both of us, Alina. You get financial security, a

sent you well in public. That's all I

a saw a flicker of something in his eyes. S

e contract, shall we?"

n without mutual consent. Clause 2: No spending over $10,000 without prior approval. Clause 3: No intimacy u

tic involvement outside the marriage for the duration of the co

n incredulity. "You're

gaze piercing. "Some

ap. "You want to keep me on a lea

atment paid for. You agreed,"

our wife-not your pris

en stop acting like a marty

trembling with emotion. "I got wha

am stood and walked around the table, stoppi

he heat of him-his presenc

ld. "But while you're wearing my ring, you will rep

. "Then I hope you're re

didn't reply. Instead, he tur

ty luncheon this weekend.

or that too?" Alin

the doorway. "T

eeling with the implications of the contract. She wasn't su

she'd make it through the year without challengin