Page 6 of Nothing to Win

Yeah, why would he bother to treat her as an equal when the goal was likely humiliation?

“We would be in a pseudo relationship?”

“Yes,” he said, “a serious relationship.”

“And the duration?”

“Until I say otherwise.”

Ha!That was worthy of a laugh.“No.Indefinitely?No one would agree to that.”

“Eight weeks.”Specific.And quick.Another test?“If you renege on the deal, I drop everything and take my money with me.”

“And if you can’t find Jarrod?”

“I can,” he said without an ounce of humility.“There will be ground rules.”

“Such as?”

“Subject to change.Number one is always unequivocal compliance.At all times you will defer to me.”

An all-consuming relationship like that was alien.An all-consuming romantic relationship anyway.A familial relationship like that though… Which led to the first, insurmountable, obstacle.

“My father won’t allow it.”

“Leave your father to me.Once the contracts are signed your business matters become mine.”

“Contracts?”And she hadn’t been talking business.“I don’t have assets or money—”

“You won’t need either,” he said.“Not from the Sears.”

“You want me to prostitute myself to you?That’s what it would be, Mr.Spurn, money for Shanna, sex from me.”

He showed no reaction at all.“Forget about sex.Concern yourself with selling this publicly.”

“This…?Being your girlfriend.”

“Yes,” he said.“For eight weeks, lead the world to believe we are an item.Make them believe it.”

With reassurance sex wasn’t on the table, she could at least consider the request.

“I don’t understand,” she said.“Shanna could need thousands of dollars, maybe millions, who knows?Someone could be holding Jarrod hostage.You would bankroll her mission in exchange for a few dates with me?Why?”

“Does it matter?”he asked.“Jarrod’s addiction is just another of your charities.You care for your friend and want to help her.”

And this was a way to do that.

“Is this about my father?You know if I tell him we’re dating that he’ll have a fit.”

“This is not about him.My grievances with your family are strictly business.I have no personal vendetta against them or desire to damage them personally.”

“Then why?”

He stood slowly.“That’s not important.Do as you’re told, maintain the pretense no matter the cost, and keep this arrangement secret… even after it’s over.”

Another deep breath.

She curled her fingers into her palms and moistened her lips.“I agree to be your girlfriend for eight weeks with no obligation to sleep with you, and you’ll give Shanna what she needs to find Jarrod.”