Chapter 2 The Terms of the Deal

Adriana sat stiffly in the back of Marco's sleek black limousine, her pulse a frantic rhythm in her ears. The weight of her decision pressed down on her like an iron cage. Had she really just agreed to marry a man she barely knew?

The world outside blurred as they drove through Manhattan, the rain streaking against the tinted windows. The towering buildings and glowing city lights should have felt familiar, comforting even. But tonight, they seemed foreign-like she had stepped into an entirely different reality, one controlled by Marco Romano.

Across from her, he sat with the kind of calm that only a man completely in control could possess. His broad shoulders rested easily against the leather seat, his long fingers tapping against the armrest. He exuded power, effortless and dangerous, as if he already knew exactly how this was going to play out.

Adriana swallowed hard and forced her voice to remain steady. "So, what happens now?"

Marco shifted his gaze to her, his dark eyes unreadable. "Now, we draft the contract."

Adriana blinked. "A contract? You mean like... a legal agreement?"

His lips curved slightly, though it wasn't quite a smile. "Of course. This is a business arrangement, not a love story."

The words stung more than they should have.

Marco pulled out his phone, tapped a quick message, then leaned back against the leather seat. "We'll meet with my lawyers tomorrow morning. The contract will outline the terms of our marriage-your responsibilities, my obligations, the duration of the agreement."

Adriana tensed. "And what exactly will those responsibilities be?"

Marco regarded her for a moment before answering, as if weighing how much he wanted to tell her. "You will move into my penthouse. Attend social events as my wife. Maintain the appearance of a devoted spouse. In return, your financial troubles will disappear. Your mother's hospital bills will be covered. You will receive a generous monthly allowance."

A chill ran down her spine. It was exactly what she had agreed to, yet hearing it spoken so plainly made it feel real in a way that terrified her.

She swallowed. "And at the end of the year?"

"We part ways," Marco said smoothly. "You will be free to go, with a compensation package that will ensure you never have to worry about money again."

It sounded simple. Too simple.

Adriana shifted in her seat. "And what about... intimacy?"

For the first time, Marco's expression flickered-just for a second. Something unreadable passed through his dark eyes before he leaned forward slightly, his presence pressing against her like an unseen force.

"That," he murmured, "is entirely up to you."

Her breath caught. She hadn't expected that answer.

Marco tilted his head, watching her with quiet intensity. "I have no interest in forcing anything upon you, Adriana. If our marriage is to remain purely for appearances, so be it. But if, at any point, you decide you want more..." His voice dropped slightly, dark and silky. "...then you only have to ask."

The air between them grew thick, heavy with an unspoken challenge.

Adriana's stomach twisted. Was he testing her? Laying out a trap to see how she would react? She didn't know. But she hated the way her body reacted to his voice, to the quiet dominance in his tone.

This was a mistake. It had to be.

But there was no turning back now.

The car slowed as they pulled up to a towering glass skyscraper, its modern design gleaming against the rain-slicked streets. The entrance was guarded by uniformed men, their sharp gazes scanning the area before one of them stepped forward to open Adriana's door.

Marco glanced at her. "Welcome home."

Her stomach flipped.

Home.

The word felt foreign in her mouth.

Adriana stepped out, the cold night air hitting her skin. She barely had a second to process the towering building before Marco was at her side, his hand pressing lightly against her lower back, guiding her inside.

The lobby was breathtaking. A grand chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm golden glow over the marble floors. Everything screamed wealth and power-the kind she had never been a part of.

The doorman greeted Marco with a respectful nod. "Mr. Romano."

Marco barely acknowledged him as he led Adriana to the private elevator. The moment the doors slid shut, enclosing them in the silent space, she felt the weight of his presence settle over her.

She was alone with him again.

The air felt warmer, tighter.

Adriana glanced at him, searching for any sign of hesitation. But there was none. Marco Romano was a man who never second-guessed himself.

"You don't have to look so afraid," he said, watching her through the reflection in the polished steel doors.

Adriana stiffened. "I'm not afraid."

He smirked, just a little. "Then why are you gripping your purse like it's a lifeline?"

Her fingers loosened slightly.

Marco turned to her fully, his gaze dipping to her lips for half a second before returning to her eyes. "I keep my promises, Adriana. I won't touch you unless you want me to."

Her heartbeat stumbled.

She should be relieved. Instead, something in her chest tightened.

The elevator dinged. The doors slid open to reveal a breathtaking penthouse-floor-to-ceiling windows offering a sweeping view of the city, sleek modern furniture arranged in perfect harmony. The space was minimalist, masculine, and meticulously designed.

And it was hers now.

Marco stepped inside, shrugging off his jacket. He loosened his tie slightly, moving toward the bar. "Drink?"

Adriana hesitated. "I don't-"

"One drink," he interrupted, pouring a dark amber liquid into a glass. "Consider it a toast to our new arrangement."

She sighed and stepped forward, accepting the glass he handed her. Their fingers brushed-just for a second-but it was enough to send a strange shiver down her spine.

Marco watched her over the rim of his glass as he took a sip.

Adriana followed suit, wincing slightly as the alcohol burned down her throat.

Marco smirked. "Not a whiskey drinker, I see."

"Not really."

He set his glass down and leaned against the bar, his expression turning serious. "Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow, we finalize the contract. After that, there's no turning back."

Adriana's fingers tightened around her glass.

No turning back.

She already knew that.

But why did hearing him say it make her chest feel so heavy?