Chapter 5 Be My Wife For Eight Months

Eleanor Vance POV

I froze in the corner of that bathroom the moment Major General Julian Blackwood's voice filled the room. I turned around slowly. My legs felt like lead. When I finally faced him, I met his deep, dark eyes. I felt like he wasn't just looking at me. He was looking straight into my soul.

I quickly wiped away the tears on my eyelashes. My fingers were shaking. I tried to think of something to say. There was no logical reason for me to be here in this fancy place, looking like a mess.

He pulled a dark pack of cigarettes from his back pocket. He took one out with his index and middle fingers. His hands looked strong and serious. He slowly raised the cigarette to his lips. I waited for him to look away. I just wanted him to blink so I could breathe, but he didn't.

Even when he lit the lighter, he kept his eyes on me. The orange flame reflected in his dark pupils. He was intentionally keeping me trapped in his gaze. I felt like a bird in a cage, unable to fly away. He didn't say a single word.

My anxiety got worse. My eyes darted around. I could barely stand on my feet because of my father's threats. My breath became shallow and messy.

I was trapped. Outside this room, away from the protection of the Major General, were the debt collectors. They would find me sooner or later.

My eyes shimmered with new tears. I struggled not to cry in front of the man who was watching me like a silent painting. He blew out a cloud of smoke slowly. It swirled around him like a thick, dark mist.

"I am still waiting for an answer!"

Julian reminded me. He narrowed his eyes, studying my frozen face.

I looked at him, my mind spinning. I had no other choice. I had to tell him. Maybe he could help me. He was a Major General, after all.

I took a deep breath and tried to stay steady.

"Mr. Blackwood, please help me."

I whispered it. I was so helpless. I squeezed my hands into fists so hard that my knuckles turned white and the bones showed through my thin skin. I bit my lip in distress.

I looked up at his dark eyes again. The moment our eyes met, a shiver ran down my spine. It made it hard to breathe. He leaned his head back against the marble wall. He acted like he hadn't even heard my plea. I clenched my teeth so hard my jaw ached.

"I am being followed. There are men looking for me."

He looked at me with cold indifference. Then he stood up straight, showing his tall, powerful height.

"And?"

"Can you help me get out of here without them seeing me?"

I begged him. I looked at the door. I was trembling. I could hear loud noises in the hotel hallways.

My heart dropped into my stomach. Many footsteps were coming our way. They sounded like war drums getting closer and closer. The sound of my racing heart was the only thing I could hear in the quiet room.

Doesn't he understand? Can't he see the terror in my eyes?

Finally, he decided to speak. He crossed his strong arms over his chest. He moved his tongue inside his mouth in a mysterious way.

"And what do I get in return?"

When his deep, masculine voice hit me, it felt heavy. My fingertips went numb. My brain stopped working. I blinked over and over. In return?! How could he ask for something from a girl who was about to drown?

"What could I possibly give you in return for your help?"

He kept looking between my eyes. His focus was so intense it stole my will. Without any hesitation, he spoke firmly.

"Be my wife for eight months. Then we will get a divorce."

My eyes went wide with shock. I felt the cold air dry out my throat. My mouth fell open. I couldn't believe it. What the hell did the Major General just say? Was he joking?

I ran my hand over my face. I gave a bitter, angry laugh.

"What??"

"My offer is on the table. I am waiting for your answer before those men walk in."

I gave a desperate, shaky smile.

"Don't joke, Mr. Blackwood. Joking doesn't suit you."

He ran his tongue over his bottom lip slowly. The movement made me swallow hard.

"Do I look like I am joking, little one?"

My smile disappeared. His serious face and confident eyes told me he meant every word. Marriage?! I stared at the marble floor. The light from the fancy chandeliers reflected on the ground. I couldn't speak. I hadn't even known him for an hour!

"What do you mean?"

"Exactly what you heard. I will protect you from those men following you. In return, you will be my wife for a while. Then you will be free."

He said it simply, like he was giving a military order. He took confident steps toward me. He got so close that I had to hold my breath. I stepped back until my back hit the wall.

He kept coming until his shiny black shoes touched mine. He leaned his face down toward me. I felt the heat of his breath. It smelled like tobacco. It danced over my skin.

He moved his index finger under my chin slowly. His skin felt rough and warm. His cheek brushed against mine for a split second. It made my blood boil in my veins. Then he leaned toward my ear and whispered.

"Time is running out, Miss Vance. They will be inside at any moment."

I looked at him boldly, even though I was shaking.

"And who would you be to protect me from them?"

I saw a ghost of a smirk on his lips. Then he dropped the final blow near my ear.

"My woman."

I froze. That word hit me like an arrow through my chest. I felt my heart jump into my throat.

"Your woman?!"

He stepped back quietly. He rubbed the tip of his nose with his finger.

"That is if you agree, of course."

Suddenly, he blew a cloud of smoke right into my face. I looked away and coughed. The strong tobacco choked my lungs.

I was about to answer him. But then, the door burst open. A group of huge, brutal men rushed into the room. They ruined the quiet of The Savoy with their violence.