Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
“What?” I huff out a laugh.
“Fuck-you money. You know, you don’t give a fuck what it costs because you have money to throw away.”
“Money changes people.”
Lachlan shakes his head. “Not you. You’re solid. Good head on your shoulders and all that jazz.”
I huff out a laugh. “It would have to be someone I trust, and that’s the people in this room and my parents.”
My words have all eyes going to Monroe. I turn to look at her as well. She’s been silent through all of this. Her electric-blue eyes meet mine, and there’s something there, something swirling that I can’t name.
“What am I, chopped liver?” she asks. Her smile lights up her face.
“I included you in the list of those I trust,” I remind her.
“Yeah, but you didn’t consider me for the position.”
“What position?”
“Your wife.”
Those two words falling from her plump lips stir something inside me. Something other than anger and resentment. “My wife?” I repeat.
She shrugs. “Sure, why not? It’s only a year, right? I’m not dating anyone, and you know you can trust me. You get your millions, and we get divorced.”
“Just like that?”
This time, she nods. “It doesn’t have to be complicated, Legend. I know you don’t want this. You’re against marrying for money, and I get that, but it’s a lot of money. You said it yourself: it could change lives. Besides, if I were in your shoes, you’d do it for me.” She pauses as her eyes bounce around the room. “All of you would.”
“Not me,” Roman speaks up, and we all laugh.
“We know, bud.” Forrest laughs. “You’re married. We get it.”
“It deserves repeating.” Roman grins as he snuggles Emerson closer.
Monroe rolls those big blue eyes of hers, then focuses on me. “It’s not a big deal. If you want to do this to satisfy the terms of that archaic letter, I’m your girl.”
My girl.
Why is my heart racing at the thought of Monroe being mine?
CHAPTER
FOUR
Monroe
Legend’s staring at me like I’ve lost my damn mind. I fight the urge to fidget under his gaze. Not because I regret my offer, but the look he’s giving me is so intense and, let’s face it, sexy as hell. His face is all stonelike and brooding, and those full kissable lips of his are being tortured by his white teeth as he clamps down on his lip.
“No pressure.” I raise my hands in defense. “I won’t be offended if you don’t think it’s a good idea, but you can trust me. Once you meet the requirements, we’ll get a divorce, and all will be right in the world.”
“That’s a year of your life, Monroe. Longer, because we’d have to date, plan the wedding. It has to look real.” His eyes never leave mine. He’s likely looking for regret, but he won’t find it. Legend is a good guy and a friend. This is what you do for your friends. At least in our circle, you do.
I nod. “Understood. Look, the offer stands, but the ball is in your court. I’m just trying to help out a friend.”
“You sure about this, Mo?” Emerson asks.
I pull my gaze from the sexy, brooding man sitting next to me and look across the room at my best friend. “It’s two years maximum. I’m single and unattached, as is Legend. We’ve known each other for years, and he knows I’d never try to gain access to his money at the end of this. I’m twenty-one. I’ll be twenty-three at the oldest when this is over. Plenty of time to meet Mr. Right and start my happily ever after. This old man, though.” Reaching over, I pat Legend on the back. “He’ll be ready for retirement by the time our marriage is over,” I tease.
“I’m thirty-one,” Legend grouses. “I’d be thirty-three. That’s far from retirement.” His eyes bore into mine, and it’s obvious he’s failed to find the humor in my words.
“You’re right. Semiretired.” I lean my shoulder into his and offer him a bright smile. Surprisingly, the corner of his mouth twitches. Mr. Sexy and Brooding isn’t immune to my humor after all. I hate seeing him this way. Legend is usually happy and upbeat.
I lean my head on his shoulder and keep my next words low, just for him. “I don’t expect or want anything, Legend. I’m just offering to help. I’m available to do so, and that’s what friends do.”
I can feel him nod, but he doesn’t reply for the longest time.
“One million dollars,” Legend says. His voice is low and rumbly, and it’s hot as hell.
I lift my head from his shoulder and meet his gaze. “What?” I’m too lost in the sound of his voice and the deliciousness of the man next to me to comprehend what he’s trying to say. “I thought it was five million?”
“I’ll give you one million dollars.” He penetrates me with his gaze.