The Magnate Who Claimed My Heart

tian, when have you ever been anything but distant with me, in the ways

g, what are you talking about? I love you. You know I do. We're getting married next week!" He rea

gust. "Don't touch me," I said, pulling my hand away. "And please, Christian, let's not pretend anymore. Yo

s. But right now, you're not feeling well. You need to rest, not... argue." He smoothed my hair back from my forehead, his touch sending shivers of revulsion down m

stess, the beautiful bait. I thought of the spiked protein shakes, the leche

said, his voice dropping to a sympathetic tone. "But this project... it's big. It involves the lan

ace. My soft spot. He knew exactly how to twist the knife. A tiny, foolish part of me, the part that s

can handle it myself. It'll be tough, but I'll manage." His voice was

parents' resting place being disturbed, spurred me to action. Foolish, I kno

hen a triumphant glint flashed in his eyes. "

llow. I swung my legs out of be

imberli. She was dressed in a shimmering silver cocktail dress, her hair perfectly coif

in his voice. "Kimberli's coming with us tonight! She's

help you out. You know, lighten your load. I'm a fast learner. You won't have to ca

warmth. "Anything to help the business." I walked past them, my head held high, the

times, always with Christian by my side. As we stepped out of the car, Christ

le. "This seat, right here," he gestured to the head of the long dining table, "is reserved for Annie. She's the

iver. He was set

ed. "Annie Byers!" one of them exclaimed, a lecherous smile spreading across his face. "Christian, y

on being here. Said she wanted to make sure our deal goes through. My dedicated f

r investor slurred, raising hi

third added, his e

Annie. The deal. It's hanging by a thread. You know what to do." He pulled away, a tight s

d. The bitter taste of resentment filled my mouth. I remembered his promises, whispered sweet n

, use me. And I, the fool, had walked right back into his trap. He was a master p