I just can’t believe I’m on the verge of moving in with a man who has more cash than scruples—a man I can’t trust. But I need to know more of what I’ve signed on for.
“Why three months?” I ask casually, as I watch a rivulet of rain track down the car window.
“The property is going to auction in the autumn. My plan is to secure it before then.”
“Won’t the owner hang out for the auction? More bidders usually means more money.”
“He isn’t motivated purely by money. He’s selling a piece of history and wants to do right by it.”
“Then he should find a totally different buyer,” I mutter, glancing his way.Screw it, I’m not holding back.“From where I’m sitting, neither of you deserve it.”
“We’re nothing alike,” he utters icily.
“Except when it comes to manipulating me.”
“He put you in this position,” he grates out, straightening his cuffs.
“And you’re just taking advantage of it, right? Totally different.” Folding my arms, I give my head a reproachful shake.
“The suite. Preferably today.”
So much for that tactic. “Fine. We’ll be roommates.” He might take advantage of me, but that doesn’t extend to my body. Not that he seems all that interested. “What else is on your nefarious agenda? Am I supposed to pretend to be some doe-eyed sycophant—a rich man’s airhead?”
“I would like you to be yourself. Without the attitude, preferably.”
Myself?I give a huff of disbelief.
“Two reasons.” He glances down, tweaking the pleat in his pants. “First, you’ll need to convince my friends.”
“They don’t know about your taste for blackmail, I take it.”
“If they find out, you’ll be on a plane back to the US quicker than you can say ‘forcible deportation.’”
“Got it. Keep up the pretense in front of your friends.”
“Good.”
“They really aren’t in on this thing with the house?”
“It’s a private matter.”
“What’s it called, anyway?” These types of buildings usually have names. Castle this. Mansion that. Never 123 Easy Street.
“I’ll tell you when you need to know.”
“Whatever.” I feign indifference.I guess I won’t be googling the heck out of that.“When will Nora get her money?”
“When I get my house.”
“What happens if I can’t swing it?”
“Then the deal is off.”
“But that’s not fair—I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to carry this off.”
“Then you’d better try very hard.”
Asshole.
