The Contract Wife: Thorne's Redemption

s office was as absolute and

a, the rain-slicked streets and buildings laid out like a map. The other walls were bare, painted a stark, gallery white. The only furniture was a massive desk of dark, polish

t like a stray animal brought in from the storm, dripping onto a priceless rug. The vellum c

defenses layer by layer. He hadn't spoken a word since he'd dismissed the gawking crowd in the lobby with a single, c

nything. Is he angry? Is he going to throw me out? He looks like he could shatt

ly, his expression unreadable. The only sound was the soft rustle of the vellum and the quiet, persistent drumming of the rain

placed the document back on the desk

, resonant baritone, as cold and smooth as the marble in his lobby. "B

didn't realize I'd

. He steepled his fingers, his gaze pinning me in place.

ice. He knew what the cont

is is a shakedown.* The thought stung, addi

Mark, he's trying to have me committed to a psychiatric facility. He

he Sterling Group." It wasn't a question. He knew exactl

I whi

isheveled state-the cheap scrubs, the wild fear in my eyes. He was

said, the words delivered with th

er me so powerfu

e you with my absolute protection. No one will touch you. In return, you will perform the duties required of Mrs. Thorne in a public capacity. You will be

was honest. After Mark's suffocating web of lies, Julian's brutal clarity was a strange,

y voice barely a whispe

n his intercom. "Evelyn, bring the registry documents. And have m

space of a few hours, I had gone from being a pris

red with a folder, the doo

o expensive-looking lawyers. His perfect suit was slightly dis

, burning with rage, landing on me. "

hed as if to grab me. "Clara, this is in

ts at Julian, who hadn't moved a muscle. He simply watc

g in the silent office. "She's mentally unstable

ts contents. Falsified psychiatric reports. Documents filled with lies designed

a tone of feigned concern, a performance for Julian.

touch was electric, a jolt of pure terror. I cried out, trying to pull aw

muscle and fine tail

y in front of me, shielding me with his body. His hand came up and closed around Mark's wr

ud. It was lethally low, a quiet rumble of thunder that promised

, stunned into sil

pen from Evelyn's trembling hand. He pulled the marriage certificate fro

a step. He then turned to his head of secur

rom my building. And then, I want you to ruin him. Financially. Professionally. Persona

" the security chief

ully constructed world crumbling around him in real time. The

larating sense of release. I stared at Julian's back, at the man who had,

his shoulders tense. Then,

racked, and the look in his grey eyes was one of raw, unguar

a low, urgent whisper th

ng through my shock. "Tell me everyth