Chapter 3 A Battle Of Wills

Helena stepped out of her father's office, the sound of her heels echoing across the beautifully polished marble floors of the Sinclair home.

Mad and angry roiled in her veins, but under that emotion, an unyielding steel resolve asserted itself. If her father and Damien Wolfe thought they could play puppet master to her life, they were going to have to think again.

She needed to come up with a strategy.

She was inundated with choices. She could run, disappear, establish a new life somewhere besides here. But in private, she understood that it wouldn't be simple. Damien wasn't the type of man who let go. If she ran, he would catch her. And from what he had spoken of last night, there would be consequences.

No. Running wasn't possible. She required more information.

Her phone vibrated against her palm as she up the grand staircase to her bedroom. An unregistered number sending a text message.

Breakfast.

Seven-thirty. Be prepared.

Her lips pursed into a thin line.

The temerity.

He wasn't only making demands-himself and his own. Without the consideration of asking.

She considered just brushing it off, but deep down, she felt that wouldn't be wise. She realized she needed clarity on her situation if she wanted to take control of things.

With a huff, she typed again. Fine.

The next day, Helena arrived at the upscale restaurant Damien had specified, head held high. If she was going to be trapped in this quandary, she would at least maintain her dignity.

The restaurant's maître d' recognized Damien right once and showed her to a quiet corner where he was already sitting in a sharply wrinkled charcoal suit. Instead of looking up, he pointed to the chair across from him.

He remarked, "I see you decided to show up," while she seated.

"You left me little choice," she answered in a detached manner.

"So, what is all of this about?

More terms and conditions?"

Damien set his coffee cup down on the table and regarded her. "It is not a business meeting, Helena. It's breakfast.

Eat!

A server presented her with a dish of fresh fruit and pastries, and she scowled. She was in no mood to be instructed, but the food sounded delicious.

She crossed her arms and remarked, "I don't want to be addressed like one of your employees,"

After a moment of staring at her, Damien set down his knife and fork.

"Allow me to state one thing clearly. You are free to dispute with me as much as you like because you are getting married.

The faster you get that into your head, the better this will go."

She laughed. "You're expecting me to be grateful."

"I don't need thanks," he replied tranquilly.

"But I do need cooperation."

Helena leaned forward, her green eyes burning with rebellion. "And if I say no?"

His face didn't change, but his eyes were threatening.

"Then you'll make this more difficult for you than it need be."

The implicit danger was present. He had leverage, power, and influence, yet he wouldn't physically threaten her. She would be losing the battle if she engaged in combat with him. Helena's breathing was sluggish. Okay. She would offer him cooperation-her way-if that was what he desired. Her face remained enigmatic as she nibbled softly on a croissant.

"Okay, Damien. Let's talk. What do you hope to get out of this arrangement?"

For once, he was amused. "I want you to be your role outside as well. Appearance does matter. Our engagement will be announced publicly soon, and if it is, you'll have to go with me to functions, play the part of my fiancée."

Helena arched her brow. "And in private?"

Damien's jaw hardened. "You'll have your freedom. on reason."

She very nearly laughed. "Within reason. How generous of you."

His gray eyes caught hers, unreadable.

"There's more here at stake than you realize, Helena. I suggest you stop fighting and start adapting."

She refused to be intimidated and remained focused on him. He was terribly mistaken if Damien believed she would simply follow his orders.

Helena took another bite of her croissant and smiled. "We'll see, Damien."

And with that, the battle between them had truly begun.