Bound by the Billionaire's Terms

ia's

====

coaster that was already speeding down the tracks. I had barely processed what I'd

everything I'd worked for, to pull my father's gallery out of financial

the same time, completely insignificant. And the drive was quiet, too quiet to be honest and Damon sat next to me, his eyes

e sunlight like some kind of palace. White marble floors, towering ceilings, art that probably cost more t

not to feel completely out of place. As it felt like I was

aid, his voice breaking the sile

I couldn't. I mean, w

made for royalty. And I noticed a few people talking in hushed voices-staff, I assumed-and they all tu

aid, curtsying slightly. "We'r

on my lower back, guiding me to a seat. "This is my fiancée, Sophia." he in

an

right with me because I knew I

belong in. While the press had already caught wind of our engagement, and the flashes of cam

Blackwood?" one reporter asked

t excited, that this was a business deal, not a fairy tale. Bu

cameras, gave polite, rehearsed answers, and made it all look so e

of place with each passing minute. The guests-society's elite-looked at me like I was a spectacle. A curiosity. And the whi

here were t

ce low enough that I couldn't help but overhear. "How long h

ess

ugh me like a knife.

n't change as he merely nodded and excused himsel

hell is Vanessa. Was she is ex girlfriend? I was very curious to kno

his office bad It was just as grand as the rest of the house-shelves lined with books I doubte

ed, leaning against the

ome kind of praise, but I wasn'

I said flatly, glanc

ng closer. "You're not

d, my voice sha

urprised. You're not here for the perks. You

his words. "Tha

his voice. "No? You think

"You don't get to make me feel like I owe you. Thi

relationship is the only way for you to save that pathet

n hearing this and I cou

for you?" I asked, my voic

"It's not about you,

out?" I demanded, m

en he recovered. "My family. My father.

hit me lik

eated, my bre

significant amount from my family before he died. It's a debt that

this-the engagement, the sudden interest in me-had nothing

ll me?" I asked, m

Damon replied, his eyes hard. "But now

hung in the air betwee

l to you," I whispered

, but I held up a hand, s

raction of a second. "I never wanted to hurt y

m, my hands gripping

about power. Family. And a debt that had be

was in the