Mr Prices contract marriage

A Deal With The Devil 

Elena

I never believed in fate or the notion of a higher power. But as I sat across from the man who held my future in his wrinkled hands, I wondered if the universe had a hand in my life or if there was a higher power pulling the strings. 

All I could think about was my mother, and the fact that she was laying all alone in a hospital and the cold truth that I couldn't save her. 

At least, not on my own. 

Thomas Price – one of the most influential men in New York – sat across from me, exuding the effortless confidence of a man who never heard the word 'no'. Expensive tailored suit clung to his wide shoulders, the deep navy fabric complimenting his eyes which never left me. 

"You understand what I want from you, right?" he asked, his smooth voice making my heart stop for a minute. 

I forced myself to meet his gaze. His face held the same look I had seen my whole life – the stare of a powerful man who knew they owned the room. 

Owned you. 

"I do." I replied, moistening my lips with my tongue. 

The hospital's deadline was in three weeks. My mother needed surgery as soon as possible and I had exhausted every option I had – begging the bank for a loan, picking up several extra shifts and even considered selling our small apartment. 

Nothing was enough. 

And now, here I was, about to sell my soul to the devil in a designer suit. 

"So, I marry your grandson." I said, forcing out the words. "In return, you erase my past and pay for my mother's surgery." 

A slow, satisfied smile spread across his face. "You are a smart woman, Elena. I was sure you'd make the right choice." 

I scoffed. The right choice my foot. 

There was no right choice when you were backed into a corner. 

I glanced down at the document in front of me. A contract which would seal me to a man I barely knew, save for the occasional news reports on TV. A man who was far above my class and standards. 

Evan Price. 

Ruthless billionaire and Manhattan's most eligible bachelor. From the rumors I heard, he was a man who took orders from no one – including his own grandfather. 

My heart pounded as I thought about what' he'd do to me when I met him and proclaimed I was his wife. I pushed the thought away immediately. It was best not to think that far into the future. 

"Your grandson won't like this." I muttered.

Thomas chuckled. "He won't."

My stomach knotted. He said that as if it was a good thing. Heavens save me. What the hell was I getting myself into?

I had the option of walking away. I could stand up and walk out of this overpriced restaurant, let my pride win and figure out another way to sort out my mother's medical bills. 

But there was no other way.

And that was not the only problem. Thomas Price had my deepest, darkest secrets in his hands. Secrets I would rather remain buried. 

I took a deep breath in. "Fine." I answered. "But once the contract ends, I get to walk away, right? You'll keep your own end of the bargain?"