His arm moved. His hand came up and settled on the small of her back.
The touch was stiff, mechanical, like he was following instructions from a manual. But it was something.
And despite the circumstances, despite the danger, despite everything, Novi felt a shiver run down her spine at his touch.
“Right,” Zach said quietly. Desmond watched them with sharp eyes. The silence stretched like a rubber band about to snap.
Then he laughed. It was a genuine laugh, warm and surprised, and it transformed his face from distinguished to almost kind.
Well, well, he murmured. I never thought I’d see the day. He turned to Vernon, whose face was cycling through various shades of purple.
The wedding is off, Mr. Cross. Vernon looked like he was about to stroke out.
But the debt, the arrangement, the arrangement was for your stepdaughter to marry a brown.
Desmond’s smile turned calculating. So, it doesn’t have to be me. Novi’s blood ran cold.
What? The venue is paid for. The officient is still here. Everything is ready. His gray eyes sparkled with sudden excitement.
Marry her, Zachary. Today, right now, uncle, Zach started. And Desmond continued, turning to Vernon.
If Novi remains married to my nephew for 5 years, long enough to start a family, I’ll consider your debt paid in full.
Vernon’s eyes went wide. The whole four million, every cent. Vernon looked like he’d won the lottery.
Novi felt like she was drowning. Married to a stranger for 5 years. Zach opened his mouth to say something.
Novi could tell from his expression that he was about to protest. She quickly grabbed his arm, cutting off whatever he had been about to say.
“Excuse us.” Novi pulled him toward a side door. The moment they were alone in the small anti room, she released him and stepped back.
“I’m sorry,” she said quickly. “I know this is insane, but please agree to he cut her off.
You’re asking me to marry you. I’m asking you to help me. One more time.”
Her voice cracked. “I know I have no right. I know we just met, but please, please, just consider it.
You want me to spend 5 years married to a complete stranger? I won’t bother you.
I swear. The words tumbled out desperately. I’ll stay completely out of your way. It’ll be a marriage and name only.
You can even date other women if I don’t date women. Novi paused. Oh, are you gay?
No. The word was sharp. I’m not gay. Then I don’t date anyone. I don’t form romantic attachments.
I I don’t understand them. He began to pace, his long legs eating up the small room.
The games, the expectations, the constant need for emotional validation. It’s exhausting, inefficient. I’ve tried it and it never works.
Novi watched him pace. There was something almost vulnerable in how he described his isolation.
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