A DEAL WITH THE DEVILISH BILLIONAIRE

ces. She rubbed her temples, trying to will away the pounding headache that had been her constant companion since the

ith an astronomical amount of money which was far more than s

glanced at the screen. It

Have you figured

onse. "No. It's bad, Layla. Really b

ng. Ava picked up, grateful for

aid, her usual confident t

my apartment last night. They tied up my parent

sharp. "Ava, that's insan

work. If I go to the police, they'll make things worse

it?" Layla as

, then told h

lot. I don't even think my parents could cover somethi

ything. I've been calling in favors, asking everyone I know for help,

ther end of the line. "Wha

ueless of what she was talking abou

h twisted. "

y you any amount in exchange for the contract marriage. It's in

e room. "Layla, I can't just,

I know you hate the idea, Ava, but your parents are in d

as she hated to admit it. Damien was her only way out. But the thoug

ly. "I'll support you no matter w

murmured, though she alre

*

ld think of. She even went to the office of a wealthy former client, begging for a loan, b

elt heavier than ever. Her father was sitting in his armchair, staring blankly

etheart?" her mother a

a lied, unable to me

quietly. "I know you're trying to fix

r voice breaking. "I can't just s

t Ava shook her head. "I have to go out

her mother asked, wor

ing," Ava replied, forcing herself

*

hat screamed wealth and power. Ava had been here once before, for an unrelated

g with each passing second. When the doors opened, she was

appointment?"

h Mr. Cross," Ava said, her

de a quick call. After a brief exchange,

st. When she reached the double doors to Damien's offic

ed on her as she entered. He looked as polished as ever,

smoothly. "To what do

m intimidate her. "I've thought about your offer," she

slow, knowing smile. "I see.

said sharply. "I'll do it

ir, steepling his fingers. "B

games, no manipulation. You clear my father's debt, and I fulfill what

he couldn't read. "Agreed," he said finally. "But you'll find, Miss Hart, t

ugh she wasn't sure if she was t

nding his hand. "T

ng. As his fingers closed around hers, she couldn't shake