Chapter 8

• Just because Jose was a philandering poor excuse of a man didn't mean I had to go and follow suit.
• Wiping my eyes I stood.
• "I should go," I said shakily, unable to keep the tremors out of my voice. He stood with me, blocking my entrance.
• "Wait. I'm sorry. Please stay."
• As he spoke, he grabbed my hands and held them in his own. I marvelled at how small my fingers felt against his own.
• "I have to go back home, Christian," I whispered. He took a step closer, which forced me to tilt my head up.
• "Stay. Just for a little while longer."
• I closed my eyes, and absorbed this moment for a second longer before taking a step back.
• "I have to go."
• Christian studied my face for a moment longer before nodding.
• "Okay. I'll have my driver take you. Before you do, Ana. I have a favor to ask."
• Crossing my arms over my chest, I waited.
• "I need your assistance. Remember what I told your-Jose?" I knew why he refused to say my husband, and I would be lying if I wasn't secretly thrilled. But I couldn't show that. Because it wasn't right.
• "Yes. That you needed help planning a party, or help with an event for your company?"
• "Correct. I do need someone for that. My own personal assistant normally would, but she just got married to one of my security guys, Sawyer, and they are on their honeymoon."
• Sighing, I ran my hand through my hair.
• "Christian. You are a very successful businessman. I'm sure you can find someone to plan your event accordingly."
• Sliding his hands into his pockets he agreed with me.
• "That's true. But they're not you."
• "Excuse me?" I said. He took a step closer, even as I backed up a step.
• "Think about it, Ana. You're married to the commissioner. He and I run in similar circles. You have access to these people. Since he already thinks you are working with me, it would be in your favor. Plus, the position pays well."
• I hadn't been paid in a long time. As a matter of fact, if it wasn't given to me, I rarely had access to any of the money. When my parents died, I was forced to give it to all the bills they owed, and burial costs. Jose, who I thought was my friend at the time, offered for me to come stay with him. After several months, we started dating, he started paying for things. The rest of what I did have I paid for the last year of my school, so I could at least finish that. When I graduated, Jose was adamant on us being a couple, and because I was too weak to fight, and he was the only person with me when I lost my family, I caved.
• A move I regret everyday of my life.
• It wasn't until I was married to him that I learned the truth. I was something he couldn't have, and when he did, he was ready to move on to the next thing. His rich family line, and parents wouldn't allow a divorce. Even his mother, as horrible as she is, let me know my role, and how I could have dalliances of my own, as long as I was discreet. It was a nightmare, that I dreamed of getting out of, but had no way out.
• But maybe, just maybe, if I took this job, I could start to save my own money. Then move. There was only so much embarrassment a person could take.
• "How much does it pay?" I asked.
• Christian studied my face before answering.
• "Two-hundred thousand a year."
• Eyes wide, I shook my head.
• "That's too much. For a planner?"
• Chuckling, Christian shrugged.
• "Ana. A planner for corporate positions get paid this amount. Because it would be considered a private contract job, they choose their pay, and hours."
• It was a lot of money. But, it was more than enough to get my head start.
• "How long would I be doing this?"
• "Three months. I need you to plan a quick and easy luncheon in the next two weeks, but the bigger one will need to be in another month."
• "Why?"
• "Because I have important financial backers flying in, and they are interested in investing more money should my new venture work out."
• Biting my lip, I mulled over what he said before glancing back at him.
• "Two weeks, you say?"
• By the gleam in his eye, I could tell he was happy that I was considering it.
• "Yes." Taking another step towards me, I tried to move away, but found that I was backed against a wall.
• "Christian."
• "Say yes. That you'll take it. And before you say anything, nothing will happen that you don't want to. I promise."
• I knew he was telling the truth, but I know that answer was a roundabout one. Oh, nothing wouldn't happen that I didn't want, but just several minutes in his presence, and I could already tell he was big on convincing people to his way of things.
• "I'm married."
• "I know."
• "I'm going through a lot right now, Christian."
• "So am I."
• "I'm a mess. I can't-"
• "You can. You can do anything you put your mind to. And the first thing you should be doing is saying yes to this job. Then we can talk about the rest on Friday over dinner."
• "Over dinner?"
• Smirking, he nodded.
• "Yes."
• "Does anyone ever tell you no?"
• Last