His price for her silence

Chapter 3

The door shuts behind them, soft and final. Somewhere outside, the music swells again, oblivious.

Inside this room, a storm brews. And she has nowhere to run.

"Sawyer," she began, her voice barely above a whisper.

He turned, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in her presence. "Savannah," he replied, his tone neutral.

She hesitated, the rehearsed words fleeing her mind. Instead, she reached into her purse, pulling out a folded piece of paper. Unfolding it, she handed it to him.

He accepted it, eyes scanning the contents. As he read, his expression shifted from curiosity to surprise, then settled into a guarded mask.

"The bank's notice," she explained. "They're about to repossess my parents' home."

He folded the paper meticulously, slipping it into his jacket pocket. "And you thought I'd be the solution?"

She met his gaze, her own eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "You're the only one who can help."

The room seemed to grow colder, the ambient noise fading into a distant hum. Sawyer's face remained impassive, but a flicker of some pain perhaps crossed his eyes.

"Why now, Savannah? After all these years?"

She looked away, focusing on a distant chandelier. "Because it's the last time I will have my family. I can't let it go."

He studied her for a moment, then nodded slowly."Let's talk somewhere private."

The private lounge was a stark contrast to the bustling ballroom. Dimly lit, with plush leather chairs and a roaring fireplace, it exudes warmth and intimacy. Yet, the tension between them was palpable.

Sawyer poured himself a glass of scotch, the amber liquid catching the firelight. He offered her a drink, but she declined, her throat too tight to swallow anything.

He took a sip, then leaned against the mantel, eyes fixed on her. "So, the damsel returns to the dragon," he mused a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Savannah flinched at his words but stood her ground. "I'm not here to rekindle anything. I just need your help."

He chuckled, a sound devoid of humor. "Help? After you vanished without a trace, leaving only a note? And now, you expect me to bail you out?"

She clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms. "I had my reasons."

"Enlighten me."

She hesitated, memories flooding back of whispered threats, of fear, of the overwhelming need to protect him. But she couldn't share that now. Not yet.

"It's complicated," she murmured.

He shook his head, disappointment evident." Of course, it is."

They sat in silence, the crackling fire filling the void. Finally, he spoke.

"You know, part of me wants to turn you away. To let you face the consequences of your choices."

She looked up, eyes pleading. "But?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "But another part remembers the girl who once meant everything to me."

Hope flickered in her chest.

"Don't mistake that for forgiveness," he added quickly. "I'm not offering charity."

"Then what are you offering?"

He approached, stopping just inches from her. "A proposition."

Savannah's heart pounded as she faced Sawyer, the firelight casting shadows on his chiseled features. He was close enough that she could feel the heat radiating from his body, yet his eyes remained cold.

"A proposition?" she echoed, wary.

He nodded. "Marry me."

The words hung in the air, surreal and jarring.

"What?"

"Marry me, for one year. In return, I'll settle your family's debts."

She stared at him, searching for any sign of jest. Finding none, she took a step back.

"Why?"

He turned away, gazing into the fire. "My father's will stipulates that I must be married to inherit the company. Time is running out."

"And you think I'm the solution?"

He faced her again. "You're convenient. And expendable."

The words stung, but she masked her pain.

"So, this is a business transaction?"

"Precisely."

She considered the offer, the weight of her family's legacy pressing down on her. "And after a year?"

"We part ways. No strings attached."

Silence enveloped them, the only sound the crackling of the fire.

Finally, she stepped forward, lifting her chin defiantly. "Fine. When do we start?"

A flicker of surprise crossed his face, quickly replaced by a smirk.

"Tomorrow. Be ready."

As she turned to leave, he called out, "Savannah."

She paused, glancing over her shoulder.

"Don't forget, this is just business."

She nodded, hiding the turmoil within. "Of course."