Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 21996 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21996 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
When the elevator stops, the doors slide open revealing another man in a suit.
This guy is dressed sharp and I feel out of place in my navy and blue polka-dot dress and plain white sneakers. Maybe I should have changed in the bus station bathroom. I didn’t even think about what I looked like. I’ve just spent twenty hours on a bus. I’m sure my hair’s a mess and I don’t have a drop of makeup on.
“This way,” he barks and starts walking.
I glance back to Jason. He nods for me to follow the man, so I do. I have to jog to catch up to him. When I do, I see he’s only a few inches taller than me, which isn’t saying much. He leads me into an office where a woman in a white coat is sitting with a medical bag. He takes a seat behind an expansive desk. The chair he’s in is too big for him and makes him look like a child. It looks like it belongs to someone much bigger.
As I look around I realize the whole office is enormous. Everything is made of rich dark wood and a large fire is roaring in the fireplace. Monitors line one wall, but all the screens are blank.
I was told my husband was thirty-five, but this man looks to be in his late forties and is balding. His chubby hand reaches for a folder and he carefully maneuvers it toward him. It’s as if he doesn’t want to touch me. I glance at the woman, who’s either a nurse or a doctor, but she says nothing while sitting as still as a statue. Her blonde hair is pinned up, and if she didn’t blink I would think she was a robot.
“You’ll be marrying Dane York,” the man tells me, studying my face. I think he’s waiting for a reaction, but I have no idea who Dane York is.
“Okay.”
He narrows his eyes on me. I bite my lip, unsure of what else I’m supposed to say. The information I’ve been given isn’t much.
“This marriage is in name only, but when others are around you are to be the doting, loving wife. When Mr. York requires your presence, you are to present yourself and Mr. York in the best possible light.”
I nod. Easy enough. I don’t know why he needs a fake wife, but okay.
“Mr. York is a busy man. You do not bother him unless absolutely necessary. If he needs you, he will call for you. This is why he needs a…um, pseudo wife. He doesn’t have time for women. Especially ones who throw themselves at him at events, or the ones his mother is always trying to set him up with.”
“I can do that,” I tell him.
His eyes run over me. “I think you can. You won’t be a distraction.”
Ouch. I hold back my flinch. I know I’m not the prettiest, but I’m not horrible looking either. This guy is a jerk.
“So no sex?” I push, wanting to be sure. It’s hard to even get the words out, and my cheeks heat, but I need to know.
“No. If Mr. York requires it, I’ll have someone else fill that need for him.”
I swallow. That should be a relief, but it still feels funny. I know this is a fake marriage, but still.
“Dr. Link is going to give you a physical. After everything comes back clear we will move on with the paperwork and pre-nuptial agreement.” He taps the folder. “When she’s done I’ll take you to your room. You’re on the east side of the building. Mr. York is on the west. Don’t venture to his side. He likes his privacy at all times. Read over the papers while we wait for your blood work so you’re ready to talk about everything. I don’t want any misunderstandings.”
He seems so cold, but this really is just a business deal. I never thought this was how I’d get married, but I guess there’s a first time for everything.
“Will we get married right away?” I ask.
“No. In a week or so. Mr. York is going to take you out a few times. Let people see you with him so it seems as if you’ve been dating. I’ve come up with a story of how you met. Everything is right here.” He taps the folder again.
“Dr. Link,” the man says. It’s then I realize he didn’t even tell me his name. I’m guessing he’s Mr. York’s lawyer. I’m also guessing Mr. York is a very rich man. I didn’t really get to take a look around before I was rushed into this office, but with all the people working for him, and this talk of protecting his assets, it’s not hard to make assumptions.
The doctor stands and comes toward me.
“Paul, get out of my fucking chair!” I jump at the barked order. “And you. Don’t touch her.”