His Temporary Wife

Rain hammered against the glass walls of Blackwood Tower. Evelyn Carter stood in the luxurious lobby, clutching the worn leather folder that held her résumé. Her heels were soaked. A strand of chestnut hair clung to her cheek, but she didn't bother fixing it. She had attended twelve interviews in the last two weeks. Twelve rejections. Her phone vibrated. Unknown Number. "Miss Carter," a deep male voice said. "Mr. Blackwood will see you now." Her heart skipped. Damien Blackwood. The billionaire every business magazine called ruthless. The man whose name could make stock prices rise—or destroy companies overnight. The elevator doors opened onto the top floor. Silence. Luxury. Power. Everything about the office screamed money. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked Manhattan, while a single man stood with his back to her. Tailored charcoal suit. Broad shoulders. One hand tucked casually into his pocket. Without turning around, he spoke. "You're three minutes late." Evelyn frowned. "The storm delayed the subway." "I don't accept excuses." His voice was calm. Too calm. He finally turned. Dark eyes. Sharp jawline. A face so handsome it almost looked unreal. Yet there wasn't an ounce of warmth in his expression. He studied her as if she were another business investment. "Sit." She obeyed. Damien placed a thin file on the desk. "My assistant investigated you." Evelyn stiffened. "You owe two hundred thousand dollars in medical debt." Her fingers tightened. "You work two part-time jobs." Silence. "Your landlord has already given you a final warning." She swallowed hard. "And tomorrow..." His eyes locked onto hers. "...the bank begins the legal process to seize everything you own." Her face went pale. "How do you know all this?" "I know everything I need to know." The room felt smaller. He slid another document toward her. "This isn't a job offer." She glanced down. The title made her breath catch. Marriage Agreement. "...What?" "You'll marry me." She laughed. It sounded nervous. Almost broken. "This is a joke." "I never joke." "I don't even know you." "You don't need to." She stood abruptly. "I'm leaving." "You can't." She froze. "Because if you walk out that door..." Damien said evenly, "...your sister's surgery will be canceled next week." Her blood ran cold. "How do you know about Lily?" "I told you." He leaned forward, his expression unreadable. "I know everything." Evelyn stared at him in disbelief. "What do you want from me?" "For one year," he replied, "you'll become my wife." "No." "I'll pay every debt." "No." "I'll protect your family." She shook her head. "No." Damien walked around the desk until only a few inches separated them. He was taller than she'd imagined. Close enough that she could catch the faint scent of cedar and expensive cologne. Close enough to feel her pulse betray her. "You still haven't asked what I get in return." She lifted her chin. "What?" His gaze lingered on her face for a heartbeat before he answered. "You." The word landed between them like a spark. Evelyn's breath caught. "I don't belong to anyone." A faint smile touched Damien's lips for the first time. "I wasn't asking." His next sentence shattered what little certainty she had left. "I've waited ten years to find you."