The Favor: A Marriage of Convenience Romance

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They were props, like she’d said. He’d developed a habit of forgetting that. Just as he often forgot she wasn’t truly his—at least in not in the way that mattered. Which bothered him more than he liked. A person should always be self-aware if they wish to succeed in life. Knowing your strengths and blind spots is important.” I’d heard that sextortion went on, but I hadn’t believed I’d ever be a victim of it. I’d known that if the secret video he’d taken of us ever went live on the internet, I’d lose everything. I’d literally felt my world coming apart around me. I was about to buzz you when someone opened the main door to leave the complex. I slipped inside before it could close.” He took a slow step forward. “I was hoping we could talk.” Really, his mistake had been in instating her as his PA in the first place. He’d known better than to plant the temptation of her in his path day in day out. He’d done it anyway.

She jolted. “Are you just going to overlook the fact that you’re not thinking clearly? Because I can’t, Dane. One of us needs to be the voice of reason.” When I’d gotten called into Dane’s office later that day, I’d been sure he meant to fire me. Instead, he’d informed me that he’d be moving me to another department within the building. Namely, his … The dark tailored suit looked damn good on him, but no suit could hide the menace that seemed to lurk just beneath the very controlled surface he showed to the world. That menace occasionally flared in his eyes or deepened his voice.While she headed off to her room, he retreated to the private bar and poured himself a drink. Her earlier words drifted through his mind …

Dane had no illusions about himself. He knew he wasn’t anyone’s idea of a good person. More importantly, Vienna knew it. She knew him better than anyone else and, as such, knew she wouldn’t be getting the best deal. You won’t keep her in the long-run, you know. She’ll see that I’m right about you eventually. Then she’ll leave you.”Just then, the car began to slow. I looked out of the window and saw the restaurant in the near distance. Yes. And I’m no more interested in marriage now than I ever have been. I don’t even have any interest in a relationship.” No, but you were happy to let me take care of the problem for you. And I did. Thoroughly. Now I need something from you.” I took a sip of my coffee, but I barely tasted it. “You have a whole year before you need to be married. You could meet someone within that timeframe who makes you reconsider your views on marriage.” Reaching the footpath that led to the main entrance, I neatly sidestepped the cans, wrappers, and crinkled flyers that littered the ground near the overflowing trash can.

It wouldn’t require any acting skills on my part to seem attracted to him. I just hoped he believed it was an act, because I didn’t want him knowing about the little crush that I’d done an amazing job of hiding so far. And how did I know he was clueless about it? He hadn’t found a new PA. Dane did not keep women around who mooned over him. Fingers brushed my hair out of my face, and a warm mouth grazed my temple. “You should have known better than to think I’d so easily let you go,” he whispered, the words so low and soft I barely caught them.” But if Clint could have been handled using a calm, professional manner, you’d have gone down that route, wouldn’t you?”Even if Dane had been prepared to dismiss the matter, he couldn’t have kept me as his PA—I’d have lost the respect of everyone at the company. I wouldn’t have wanted to stay anyway for the simple reason that I couldn’t have looked any of my coworkers in the eye. Wrong? Well, depending on how she felt about remaining married to him, maybe nothing. Then again, he thought as took an another swig from his glass, maybe she’ll do the smart thing and run.