THE BIDDING OF Love

dan's warning still echoed in her mind. Loyalty is everything. If you betray me, there won't be a way out. She hadn't expected anything less from him. A man like Aidan Sinclair didn't do things witho

med photographs, no signs of a life outside of work. It was cold. Just like its owner. Leila's fingers curled around the strap of her bag. "This is where you'll be staying," Aidan said, his voice even. "Your room is down the hall." She turned, studying him carefully. "And yours?" His lips curved slightly. "That's none of your concern." She let out a slow breath, turning away before he could see the way her pulse skittered. Of course. This wasn't real. It was a business arrangement. Nothing more. The Rules of the Game Aidan leaned against the marble kitchen island, watching her. "There are a few things you should know." Leila crossed her arms. "Let me guess. More rules?" A glint of amusement flickered in his eyes before it vanished. "Yes." Of course. "First," he continued, "you will attend all events with me. If I tell you to be somewhere, you show up." She exhaled sharply. "Fine." "Second, your personal life-" he paused, his gaze sharp "-no longer exists." Her stomach twisted. "Excuse me?" "You wanted my protection. You have it." His voice was smooth, unreadable. "But that means you belong in my world now. And in my world, there is no room for distractions." She stiffened. "My life is not a distraction." His expression didn't change. "It is now." Leila clenched her fists, but before she could argue,