Entangled

Elena Carter tightened her grip on the ledger, her knuckles turning white. She stared at the numbers glaring back at her, willing them to change. But no matter how many times she recalculated, the truth remained the same: Carter’s Books & Café was drowning. Her mother’s dream, the small, cozy bookstore nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, had been her entire world since she was twelve. Now, it was on the brink of closure, thanks to a ruthless homeowner and a city that no longer valued the charm of paperbacks over digital screens. The bell above the entrance jingled, pulling her out of her spiraling thoughts. She pasted on a smile, the kind she had perfected over the past few months, even as the surrounding walls caved in. “Welcome to Carter’s Books—” The words stuck in her throat as she looked up and saw him. Adrian Sinclair. Billionaire. Media mogul. Walking controversy. And now, standing in her struggling bookstore like he had a reason to be there. Elena’s heart clenched. She had only seen him in magazines and on television—always in crisp designer suits, his dark hair perfectly styled, his piercing blue eyes holding the same enigmatic intensity they did now. He wasn’t just powerful; he owned power. A single headline from one of his media houses could make or break a career, yet here he was, in her tiny bookstore, looking far too out of place. She crossed her arms. “Are you lost?” The corners of his lips twitched as if her defiance amused him. “Not at all." I came here to see you.” Elena arched a brow. “Why would a man like you have any reason to see me?” His gaze swept over the shelves, the scent of old books and coffee filling the space. He exhaled, slipping his hands into his pockets, exuding effortless confidence. “Because I have a proposition for you.” Her stomach twisted. She had seen enough movies to know that nothing good ever followed those words. “I’m not interested,” she said, turning back to the register. Whatever deal a man like Adrian Sinclair had to offer, she wanted no part of it. “You haven’t even heard what it is,” he said smoothly, stepping closer. “I don’t need to.” “Elena,” he said, his voice dropping just enough to make her pause. “I can save your bookstore.” That made her freeze. He must have seen the flicker of hesitation in her eyes because he pressed on. “You’re weeks away from losing this place, aren’t you?” She swallowed hard. “That’s none of your business.” “But it could be,” he countered. “If you agree to one thing.” Elena’s heart pounded against her ribs. “What do you want?” Adrian took another step, his presence overwhelming. “I need a fiancée.” The words hung in the air like a thunderclap. Elena blinked. “Excuse me?” “A temporary one,” he clarified. Six months. No strings attached.” She let out a short, incredulous laugh. “You’re joking.” “Do I look like a man who jokes?” No, he didn’t. His expression remained unreadable, yet there was something in his eyes—something calculating, dangerous. She should have told him to get out, should have walked away. But then she thought about the eviction notice sitting on her desk. The debt. The dream slipping through her fingers. And just like that, for the first time, a deal with the devil didn’t seem so impossible. The silence stretched between them, thick and suffocating. Elena’s mind raced with the implications of his offer. Marry Adrian Sinclair? Even for a short time? It was absurd. And yet… “How exactly would this work?” she asked, hating how weak her voice sounded. Adrian’s lips curled slightly, as if he had already known she wouldn’t dismiss him outright. We drafted a contract. A legal agreement that binds us for six months. In exchange for playing the role of my dutiful fiancée, I will settle your bookstore’s debts and ensure it remains yours, free and clear.” A contract. That made it sound almost reasonable. Almost. Elena narrowed her eyes. “Why me? You could have anyone.” He let out a humorless chuckle. “Precisely. Anyone would come with expectations. You, on the other hand, need something from me as much as I need something from you. That makes us equals in this arrangement.” She wasn’t sure about that. “And what exactly do you need?” His gaze darkened. “I need to prove something—to the world, to the board of my company, and to certain individuals who believe I am incapable of commitment.” Realization dawned. “You’re trying to clean up your image.” His silence confirmed it. The tabloids had painted Adrian Sinclair as a heartless playboy, a man who burned through relationships like matchsticks. If he were trying to secure a major deal or cement his position in his empire, a respectable, wholesome fiancée would do wonders for his reputation. Elena ran a hand through her hair. “This is insane.” Adrian checked his watch. “I’ll give you forty-eight hours to decide. But I’ll warn you, Elena—opportunities like this don’t come often.” She glared at him. “Oh, I’m sure they don’t.” He smirked. “Then I’ll be seeing you soon.” With that, Adrian turned on his heel and strode out of the store, leaving Elena with nothing but the scent of his expensive cologne and an impossible decision weighing heavy on her chest. She exhaled sharply, gripping the edge of the counter for support. Was she considering this? A business arrangement with a man like Adrian Sinclair? The idea sent a shiver down her spine, equal parts apprehension and curiosity.