THE BILLIONAIRE'S BARGAIN

marble floor. Catherine sat at the dining table, her untouched coffee growing cold before her. The penthous

charity events-nothing familiar from her old life. She had always thrived on a packed schedule, work

ound of Richard's voice. He stood in the doorway, impec

she replied, pushi

iberate. "Skipping meals won't do you any good." She b

ranged for a chef to prepare your meals. You'll find it easier to maint

moothly. Catherine's jaw clenched. There was no kind

today," she said,

need some air." Richard's li

"I'm not a prisoner,

" "And locking me up in this penthouse is your idea of safety?" "You'

d here." "Except freedom," s

d. He glanced at the screen, his expression h

ion later." As he stood, Cathe

e while you're gone?" R

t hung in the air as he walked

once more. Catherine paced the living room, her thoughts racing. She

the wall. Richard had demonstrated its functions during one of

the interface, she discovered a log of security footage.

rine's stomach churned. She was being watch

spered. "It's a prison." The tho

ry move, he was sorely mistaken. She turned

h uncertainty. But she was determined n

reading and sketching, anything to distract hers

hard had yet to return. The sun dipped below the

alive with glittering lights. Her solitude was shatt

the penthouse remained empty. Her brow f

cautious. Voices echoed faintly from R

and curiosity. "You're asking for a lot of

"But the payoff is worth it." "You're playing a da

strained to hear more, but thei

eal was Richard involved in? A

eaked beneath her foot. The conversati

is expression icy. "Catherine," he said, his vo

pounded. "

s eyes gleaming with war

legs felt rooted to the spot. Richard's gaze seemed to b

ept in the dark," she said, t

n't need to know everything, Cath

e repeated, he

flashing with warning. "As my wife, y

ized that she was trapped in a n