Vows of Convenience, Hearts of Fire

stepped into the penthouse, his polished sho

e, cautious, or flat-out cold. Maddox had the kind of char

y, gesturing to the minimalist cou

, setting the lilies on the nearby c

w. "I didn't realize I was

test headline. I just had to meet the mystery wife who managed to

ms. "So you don't

s anything without calcu

moral compass before he lo

é. You're sharp. But Asher used

o needs saving. But if you're stuck in something dangerous, I'm just sayi

nger. And I don't need you-or anyone-

ression before pulling a card from his co

faint trail of expensive c

dressed in his signature charcoal-gray

asked without lookin

his tie. "I saw Mad

"He dropped by. Said h

rowed. "What

g as a husband, a CEO, or a

"He shouldn't

to be friends. G

I built something bigger th

"He seems to think this m

her gaze.

it harder t

all it is

y, walked to the bar, and poured himself

ly. "Feelings don't come easy to people w

e that's your problem. Not everything

her mentor and part-time therapis

tired,"

ike a che

married to a corporate monarch

And now people are watching-an ex-best

ok. "And which of those ar

ted. "None o

u're starti

ere are moments... when the arrogance drop

"Are you afraid you'll fall in love with the

n't have

roposal for her consulting client, she

nd the corne

ng in a sleeveless emerald dress. Her fingers brus

ughter that followed was like a

back before

ally asked, "Fr

blet. "Luciana. From the trade c

noticed. She touched you

matter i

"Are you trying

to be jealous?

each other fo

urned and

gala together-an event Asher couldn't

like a second skin. Asher's eyes linger

stopped short,

playing

arm. "Like you'

nd murmurs. Elara smiled politely, walked gracefu

ght, Asher leaned tow

good a

wh

woman the

oice low. "And you

moment. "But I like th

aybe someday you'll learn

e buzz of music and murmurs

y, the silence between them

asked, turnin

eady looki

to this marriage?

ecause it protec

ld've picked

want jus

nce.

't ask questions," she guessed

eone strong enough to match me-w

d n

ven't stopped thinking about you since

eath c

her

erness. But it was something-a flicker,

st