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A Final Deal by Nadia Lee
Release Date: August 15th 2017 by Four Isles Press
Pages: 330
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
One thing I never lacked in life is money. I was born to it. I've made it hand over fist. I have more than I know what to do with.
But all that money couldn't give me Faith Mortimer, a damaged heiress with secrets of her own. I found her irresistible two years ago, and would've laid my empire at her feet...until she betrayed me.
Now she barges into my office, offering marriage, ostensibly to help me fulfill the conditions of my father's hateful deal. Although I toss her out, I'm curious. Once I realize how desperate she is, I make a counteroffer that leaves her vulnerable and defenseless.
However, I never counted on my own machinations leaving me exposed in return...and both our hearts are going to break before this is over...
{EXCERPT}
It takes me a moment to register what he just said. “What?”
“Your proposal. Surely you haven’t forgotten?”
“Whatever happened to getting on my knees?” Because if that’s the condition of this ridiculous…change of heart, I’m going to disabuse him of the notion.
He waves it away. “You happen to be the lowest cost provider.”
I stop for a second, then laugh. Of all the things I imagined… “So, just like that? You don’t even know what I’m going to want in return.”
“Money, of course.” His gaze sweeps around my place, then lingers on my body. “A hundred thousand in cash seems like a fair price.”
“The portrait you’re going to get is worth millions.”
“So? You aren’t worth millions. Like I said, I can always go to someone else.”
I clench my hand. What wouldn’t I give to bloody his nose. But that would solve nothing. My PI failed to come through with Jordan, and as insulting as it is, a hundred thousand will take care of the immediate problem: ensuring that Mom gets the best care until… My breath catches, and I can’t continue the thought.
“Cash, upfront, you pay the tax,” I counter.
“No on upfront. How do I know you won’t take the money and run?”
“I’m a woman of my word.”
“Your word.” A small muscle in his cheek tics once. “When you disappeared, as I recall, it was without a word.”
If he thinks it’s a clever barb, he’s wrong. “Only when the situation warrants it.”
“Half upfront. Cash. I’ll handle the tax since you obviously can’t handle money.” Blake gives me a cool stare. “And you’ll move in with me immediately.”
“No. I’m perfectly happy where I am.” Away from you.
“You can’t be serious.” He gestures vaguely at my studio apartment. “This is a dump.”
“It’s my dump, and I like it.”
“Lies are best if they’re at least somewhat believable. Besides, regardless of how you feel about this place, appearances need to be maintained. I won’t tolerate a separate living arrangement.”
“Then it’s going to cost you extra.”
“Is that how you’re going to play this?”
“Tolerating your presence day in, day out does require commensurate compensation.”
He laughs. “A lot of women would pay me to spend time with them.”
“Yes, well… I have better taste.”
He considers. “An extra fifty thousand?”
I nod jerkily, surprised at how easy that was.
“Anything else you want extra payment for?”
I ignore his sardonic tone. “I’ll live with you, but I want a separate bedroom. No sex.”
“Is sex extra too?” he mocks openly.
“Five hundred dollars minimum per session,” I respond, unable to be a mature adult.
He sputters. “I’ve never paid for sex.”
“You’re the one who wanted the lowest cost provider. Surely you weren’t expecting full service.”
“I’m not going to live like a monk, Faith. And you have needs.”
“I don’t expect you to,” I say, ignoring his remark on my needs. That’s what vibrators are for, but my toys will not be a topic of our conversation. Ever.
“I expect fidelity,” he says darkly.
“I don’t, but don’t worry—I won’t sleep around and cause you embarrassment. The only thing I ask is you have the courtesy to stay away from me on the days you take care of your…needs.”
He stares at me, but I can’t decide if he’s shocked or angry or both. I forge ahead before I lose my courage. “I also don’t want to meet your family…or friends.”
“You will accompany me to social functions, Faith. That’s non-negotiable.”
“Once a month then, no more. And you can’t make it up if you miss one.”
“Any other stipulations?” he asks dryly.
“You can set any wedding date you want, but I prefer that it be in the next thirty days and my payment immediate upon the ceremony.”
“How are we going to have a ceremony if you don’t want to meet my family or friends?”
“There’s this thing called a courthouse. The marriage is only for a year, so there’s no need for anything extravagant.” I quirk a corner of my mouth up. “I’m the lowest cost provider, remember?”
His expression shifts. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he’s almost sad. “You’ve changed.”
“You haven’t.”
He pushes off the wall. “My lawyer will draft an agreement.”
“Good. You know my address.”
“I’ll be in touch.”
He lets himself out.
Breathing shakily, I plop down on the sofa. I got almost everything I wanted from the deal, including the money I need, but I can’t help but feel I didn’t come out victorious.
NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author Nadia Lee writes sexy, emotional contemporary romance. Born with a love for excellent food, travel and adventure, she has lived in four different countries, kissed stingrays, been bitten by a shark, ridden an elephant and petted tigers.
Currently, she shares a condo overlooking a small river and sakura trees in Japan with her husband and son. When she's not writing, she can be found reading books by her favorite authors or planning another trip.
Stay in touch with her via her website http://www.nadialee.net/ or her blog http://www.nadialee.net/blog/
Currently, she shares a condo overlooking a small river and sakura trees in Japan with her husband and son. When she's not writing, she can be found reading books by her favorite authors or planning another trip.
Stay in touch with her via her website http://www.nadialee.net/ or her blog http://www.nadialee.net/blog/
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