The Billionaire's Hidden Desires

Chapter 3 The Faustian Bargain.

Jameson leaned a little further forward, his expression serious. "What Mr. Blackwood is offering you is a deal in which you sign up with him on some short-term agreement. A contract, he said, that you will be his girlfriend in the public eye. This way, you'll have a financial return with protection from the media proliferation, as well as better handling of the story."

Lila looked at him, her mind racing. "So you want me to be his girlfriend for some cash in return?"

Jameson nodded. "It would work out well in both our favor. This would be for just six months, at which time Mr. Blackwood will pay you a retainer and whatever sum you require to meet your business or personal needs. In return, you would be seen at some public functions with him, and generally keep up appearances."

Lila's mind was traveling at a mile a minute. It was ridiculous, and yet a part of her was intrigued. That money could save her bookstore and bring her vicarious stability— a place like Mimosa never had. But to stand under scrutiny, with every move open to the public eye, be lying about the two of them… It felt so wrong.

Sensing her uncertainty, Jameson added, "You would, of course, also be given free rein and be a person of absolute volition. Breaking the contract anytime you feel squeamish. We wish this to be as comfortable for you as for us."

Lila nibbled at her lip as she read over the documents. "What's in it for Mr. Blackwood?"

Jameson smiled a little. "First, it gives him some control over the narrative. He's an intensely private man, and the media frenzy can get serious about his business and personal life. It would help mitigate that sort of chaos if he had you as a visible, stable presence."

This was a very good offer; he could give her the world, but somehow, on the other hand, it felt like selling your soul to the devil. She didn't know so much. She didn't know Ethan Blackwood besides that very short conversation at the gala; could she trust him? More importantly, could she live with the lie?

Jameson rose as if feeling her indecision. "There is no need to hurry the decision, Miss Hart. Just take a little time to think about it. You can use the number on my card when you do."

As he turned toward the door, Lila yelled after him, "Why me?"

Jameson stopped and turned to face her, thoughtful. "Mr. Blackwood thinks you have a genuineness and sincerity that is missing in his world. And that makes you the perfect candidate."

He turned his back and walked out, shutting the door behind him very softly. Lila had sat there in terror, silent, her heart thundering, with her eyes glued to the papers lying on the table, knowing clearly how grave the decision on her part was going to be. The offer seemed big, but the penalties could be life-changing.

In the meantime, Ethan paced back and forth in his office, his head a circus, trying to fit it all straight. He knew that it was really go-for-broke, but now, he couldn't have afforded to have any scandal break. His company was already at the edge of a mammoth strategic merger arrangement, and anyway, any bad publicity could kill off anything. And he thought back to that fleeting meeting with Lila, the bonding that hitherto had passed without a test at all. He hoped she would take the offer, if for nothing else, then for his sake to get him out of this quagmire.

As the hours ticked by, nothing else could engross her mind. She finally rose and dialed Sophie, who was horrified but at the same time thrilled. "God, Lila, that's nutty, but this truly could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" Sophie shrieked. "Think what you could do with that money!"

Lila's brain was racked with thought, and she lowered her eyes to the floor a second in the form of a nod. It was true: money was now going to tamper with everything in her life. But was it worth it? Independence was what she had always wanted all her life. She had also always wanted integrity. To marry for no love, for the sake of money—that felt truly like crossing a line.

Finally, as the day turned into the evening, she had to do just that. She picked up her phone and dialed Jameson's card. He answered, and she took a deep breath. "I'll do it," she said, and her voice seemed remarkably level for the weight of turmoil inside of her. "I'll sign the contract."

Lila finally consents to his deal, asking whoever is on the phone to hang up.

In his apartment, Ethan watches a news story about the scandal brewing around him. The media frenzy escalates to speculation about whom the mystery lady might be and what she wants. The camera zooms into Ethan as the shadow of doubt crosses—will he do the right thing, and what secrets could this arrangement unravel?

She wasn't sure it wasn't an entirely new world she'd stepped into, one Lila Hart pulled like taffy, that plush, sleek, aching sophistication that wrapped the walls of Blackwood Enterprises around the mist-veiled corpse of an early morning—insulated by glass walls, the very spirit of slick modern design.

The fillip of workers about on the inside of the building oozed through into the minimalist bareness of its décor and the barely perceptible undercurrent of activity. The plain dress made her feel frumpy, but she squared her shoulders. She reminded herself why she was here. It was set; this was the moment to go through with it.

"Miss Hart, thank you for coming. Mr. Blackwood will see you shortly," he said, ushering her toward one of the room's two easy chairs. Lila nodded her thanks and took the offered seat, sitting as she willed her nerves to still. Her eyes strayed around the immaculately clean place and at how everybody moved with quiet efficiency. She sat there, considering what consequences lay ahead of what she was about to do—sign the contract. It felt unreal, like some scene from one of those romance novels that she peddled in her bookstore. After all, that wasn't real life, and those weren't exactly a set of stakes to take lightly either.

And right then, the door of Ethan Blackwood's office was thrown open, and a lady came charging out.

The assurance in gait, tallness, grace—it bespoke experience and command.

She was Victoria Blake. She had been an inviolable lawyer-c*m-advisor to Ethan all the while and, for sure, a very long-time friend. She should now be in her early forties, very much in control, and with rather sharp features—a set of keen, observant eyes, forever on the prowl. Her raven hair pulled to her head, and within the lines of her suit, she remained neat and professional right to the core.

"Lila Hart, right?" It was more of a song than a voice: liquid, soft, silken, but underneath perhaps warm, if it made any impression on Lila's frayed nerves. Victoria Blake. Mr. Blackwood's solicitor, this is the agreement we've already been through that you'll be perusing." Victoria held out her hand. Smiling into the situation, Lila shook her hand. "Nice to meet you once again," she said, trying to make it as sweet as possible. "I guess I need to appreciate that you took all your time going through everything."

Victoria just nodded. Her face was emotionless, yet not hard. "Please, step into the conference room. We can talk about the details there."