Chapter 7
Madison
I stared at Alexander like he’d grown a second head. “One year? As your girlfriend?”
“Think about it logically.” He loosened his tie, looking far too comfortable for someone who’d just proposed the most insane arrangement I’d ever heard. “Your mother gets the care she needs, and you won’t have to work yourself to death with side
jobs.”
“How exactly is this different from your first suggestion of being your personal…” I swallowed hard, “prostitute?”
His eyes darkened. “Don’t use that word again.”
“Why not? That’s essentially what you’re suggesting – trading my body for money.”
“No.” He pushed off from his desk and invaded my personal space. “I’m suggesting we date. Exclusively.”
I backed up until my legs hit the chair. “Date?”
“Yes, Madison. Date. You know, spend time together, go to dinner, attend events.” His lips quirked up. “And yes, physical
intimacy would be part of it. But only between us no other partners.”
–
“How romantic.” I rolled my eyes. “A contractual relationship with an expiration date.”
“Think of it as a mutually beneficial arrangement between two consenting adults. We already know we have chemistry.”
Heat flooded my face. “That was different. You were drugged.”
“And yet I remember enough to know it was incredible.” His voice dropped to velvet, making my knees weak. “Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about it.”
“I’ve thought about finding a new job,” I snapped, though my voice wavered.
“Where you’ll make enough to cover your mother’s medical bills?” He raised an eyebrow. “Face it, Madison. This solution
benefits us both.”
“And after the year is up?”
“We part ways amicably. No drama, no complications.” He shrugged. “Simple.”
I laughed. “Simple? There’s nothing simple about pretending to be in love for a year!”
“Who said anything about love?” His smile turned wicked. “I’m talking about enjoying each other’s company, having fantastic
sex, and maintaining appearances.”
His words triggered memories I’d tried to suppress–his hands exploring every inch of me, the way he’d made me cry out his
name, and how perfectly our bodies had fit together. Heat crept up my neck.
“Your silence speaks volumes.” Alexander’s knowing smirk made me want to slap him. Or kiss him. I wasn’t sure which.
“What happens when you get bored?” I crossed my arms “Or when some supermodel catches your eye at one of those fancy galas?
“That would constitute a breach of contract ” He spoke as if discussing the weather. “I’d pay the penalty clause and terminate our arrangement immediately,”
“There’s a penalty clause now?”
”
“Of course ” Alexander’s smile grew predatory. “And before you ask yes, the same rules apply to you. No other men, no secret rendezvous, complete exclusivity”
I blinked rapidly, my brain struggling to process this surreal conversation. “Let me get this straight. You want me to be your
Chapter 7
+25 BONUS
fake girlfriend for a year, attend fancy events, and…” I gestured vaguely between us, “…all that in exchange for helping with my mom’s medical bills?”
“I wouldn’t call it fake. The activities would be very real.” He winked, and I fought the urge to throw something at him.
“Why me?” The question burst out before I could stop it. “You could have any woman in Manhattan–models, actresses,
“Why? It happened. And it could happen again, minus the chemical interference.” He straightened, his eyes never leaving mine. “Think about it–you need financial assistance, and I need a companion. It’s mutually beneficial.”
Alexander’s lips twitched. “Take your time with the decision.” He stepped back, giving me room to breathe. “No pressure.”
“No pressure? You just proposed turning me into your personal-”
“Careful with your words, Miss Harper.” His eyes glinted with amusement. “I believe we covered that particular comparison already.”
“Right. Your ‘girlfriend.“”
“Much better term.” He returned to his desk, picking up a pen and twirling it between his fingers.
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