Page 24

Yet, one million dollars does make the deal very tempting.
“I need some time to think about it,” I say. The money is appealing, but it’s also a double-edged knife. One side gets rid of my problem, but I haven’t had a problem for three years. And being in West’s life might mean I become public knowledge. I’m not so crazy about my life changing, but I do want to stop running.
“Of course,” he replies smoothly. “Take all the time you need.”
But the way his eyes glint tells me he doesn’t want me to take too long. I stand up, only then noticing my legs are shaking beneath me.
“Thank you for considering it,” West adds as I leave the room and head for the corridor. Back to the bedroom I’m staying in.
I pause at the door and glance back at him. His pale blue eyes are staring into mine, but still his expression is unreadable. There’s something in his eyes that makes me think this is more important to him than he’s letting on.
My mind races with what that is as I reach my room.
Perhaps he thinks a fake engagement won’t stifle his true self. Maybe he has a specific sexual preference, and that’s why he goes to Club Elysium.
Oh. My. God.
Will he want me to provide whatever that may be?
My feet move back to him before I can stop them. Now he’s in the living room, staring out at the city, drinking amber liquid from a crystal glass.
“West,” I say, my voice trembling.
He turns and looks at me, his pale blue eyes locking onto mine. “Yes?”
My gaze roams over his body, noticing how defined his muscles are as the fabric stretches over his torso. I imagine that body on top of me.
Stop it!
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “About this arrangement. There’s something I need to know.”
He raises an eyebrow but stays silent, waiting for me to continue.
“The sex club,” I blurt out. “If we’re engaged, I don’t want you going there anymore.”
West’s expression remains unreadable, but he doesn’t respond immediately. The silence stretches between us, thick and heavy.
“I mean fake engaged, and...” My voice shakes slightly. “What I mean is, if you expect sex from me as part of this deal, I don’t want you going there. If you don’t want sex, then that’s fine.”
His eyes narrow as he considers what I’m saying, but he still says nothing.
Why the hell did I mention sex?
The silence feels like it’s crushing me, and I can’t stand it any longer.
“Sex is negotiable.” His voice is gruffer than I have ever heard from him.
Yet, it sounds so transactional.
“You’re not paying me for sex.” My voice lifts up an octave.
West laughs. “I meant we’ll talk about it when you’re ready. When I’m ready. And after we give each other a clean bill of health.”
“Oh.” I glance away before turning back and looking him in the eye. “My ex-boyfriend…Felix,” I say so quickly that the words tumble out before I can stop them. “He said I was a prude in bed. So maybe you should reconsider this whole arrangement.”
A flicker of something crosses West’s face—interest? Amusement? I’m not sure.
He sets his glass down and walks forward, his eyes never leaving mine. “Maybe your ex-boyfriend was rubbish in bed, Amelia,” he says with a small smile. “Maybe you need a man who guides you.”