Ronan,Riley, and I sit at the conference table at a discreet office downtown while Jackson flips through a stack of printed documents.
The last thing we need is for Sean O’Keefe to catch wind of the fact Riley is with us before our deal has been solidified in writing.
The heat from my earlier discussion with Ronan still taints the air between us, so we keep quiet, and Riley looks like she’s seconds away from throwing up or passing out. Or both.
“I’ve drafted the preliminary framework.” Jackson slides copies to each of us. “We’ll keep it simple with no shared assets and no legal entanglements beyond the appearance of marriage.We’re not trying toactuallybind you together, but we do need to make it look convincing.”
Riley glances at me before flipping through her copy, but I keep my gaze on Jackson.
I reach up and undo another button on my shirt, the collar suddenly feeling too tight around my neck.
“As far as your story goes, we’re keeping it straightforward,” Jackson continues. “You and Miss Walsh have been dating in secret for months, but her family’s attempts to force her into a marriage pushed you to make things official. Romantic getaway, elopement, that sort of thing.”
“And the paperwork?”
“Brennan’s handling it,” Ronan chimes in. “We’ll have a marriage certificate that will pass inspection, along with travel records and staged photos. If Sean O’Keefe wants to question it, he’ll find nothing but confirmation.”
“And what about her family?” Though I already know the answer.
“I’ll talk to them myself and make it known that supporting this marriage is in their best interest.”
I lean back in my chair. “And if they don’t?”
“Then they can take their chances with the consequences.”
There’s a ping from Ronan’s phone on the table. When he turns it over to check the notification, he mutters a curse before getting to his feet.
“I’m late for Ciara’s OBGYN appointment. Are you good to finish this with Jackson?”
“Yeah. We’re pretty much done anyway.”
Jackson gives a small nod. “I’ll finalize the contract and send it to both of you for review tonight.”
I sneak a glance at Riley and notice the tension in her shoulders.
She’s trying to keep it together, but it’s clear as day that she’s out of her depth.
Good.
Maybe that will keep her honest.
