BOUGHT BY THE RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE

MRS BLACKWOOD

Chapter 2: Mrs. Blackwood

The Blackwood penthouse was not a home. It was a museum.

Everything was black, white, and cold glass. Amara stood in the middle of the living room in her cheap dress and old sneakers, clutching her single duffel bag, feeling like a stain on the perfect marble floor.

"You are late," Ethan's voice came from behind her.

She turned. He was in a black shirt, sleeves rolled up, revealing strong forearms. His hair was slightly wet, like he had just showered. He looked even more dangerous without a suit.

"Your driver just brought me," she whispered.

He walked around her slowly, inspecting her like she was something he had purchased. Which, she realized, he had.

"That dress," he said flatly. "Burn it."

Amara's face burned with shame. "It's all I have."

"Not anymore." He pressed a button on his phone. "Sophia, bring them in."

A tall, elegant woman entered with three racks of clothes. Designer dresses, shoes, bags that cost more than Amara's entire life.

"Mr. Blackwood said you are a size small," Sophia said with a kind smile. "I am your stylist. Let's get you ready. The engagement party is tonight."

"Engagement party?" Amara's eyes widened.

Ethan poured himself a drink, his back to her. "My family, my board, the press. Tonight, you become Mrs. Blackwood to the world. Try not to embarrass me."

Three hours later, Amara didn't recognize herself in the mirror.

A deep red silk dress hugged her body perfectly. Her curly hair was straightened and fell like a dark waterfall down her back. Diamond earrings sparkled on her ears that Ethan had given her without a word.

"You look... acceptable," Ethan said when he saw her, but his eyes darkened as they traveled down her body, lingering on her chest, her waist, her legs.

His gaze made her feel hot and nervous all over.

"You are staring," she whispered.

"I am looking at what I bought," he replied coldly, stepping closer. He lifted her chin with his finger. "Remember the rules, Amara. Tonight, you smile. You hold my arm. You tell everyone you fell in love with me at first sight. You do not mention the contract. You do not mention the money."

"And if I break a rule?"

His thumb brushed her lower lip, making her breath catch.

"Then I will have to punish you, wife."

The engagement party was in a ballroom filled with New York's richest people. Cameras flashed everywhere. Amara's hand was shaking on Ethan's arm.

"Relax," he murmured in her ear, his hand sliding possessively to her lower back. "You are safe with me. As long as you are mine."

Then she heard a sharp, cold female voice behind them.

"So this is the little gold digger?"

Amara turned to see a stunning blonde woman in a white dress, her eyes full of hatred.

Ethan's entire body tensed.

"Vanessa," he said, his voice like ice.

Vanessa smiled cruelly at Amara. "Ethan, darling, you didn't tell us you were into charity work. Where did you find her? On the street?"

Amara felt tears coming, but before she could speak, Ethan pulled her hard against his chest.

"Watch your mouth," he said to Vanessa, his voice low and deadly. "This is my wife. And if you insult her again, I will ruin your family before midnight."

Vanessa gasped and stepped back.

Ethan looked down at Amara, his grey eyes burning.

"Anyone who messes with you, messes with me," he whispered only for her to hear. "Do you understand? You are a Blackwood now."

For the first time, Amara felt something other than fear when he touched her. She felt protected.

But then Vanessa laughed.

"Oh, does she know, Ethan? Does your new wife know what you did to your last fiancée?"

Amara's blood ran cold. She looked up at Ethan.

His face had turned to stone.