Chapter 8 A Dangerous Proposition

Aurora's breath was shallow, her heart hammering as Damien's words echoed in her mind.

Everything.

That's what he wanted from her.

She stood frozen in his office, the dim glow of the city lights casting shadows across Damien's sharp features. He was watching her-studying her-as if waiting for her next move.

Aurora swallowed hard. "What does that mean?" she whispered.

Damien's lips curled slightly. Not a smile-something darker. "It means I don't play games, Aurora. And I don't take risks I can't control."

She bristled. "So that's what I am to you? A risk?"

His gaze never wavered. "A very unpredictable one."

Aurora exhaled sharply, stepping back. She needed space. Distance. But Damien moved too, closing the gap between them once more.

"This file," she said, nodding toward the one in his hands. "You've been digging into my life."

"I had to."

Her jaw tightened. "Had to? Or just wanted to make sure I wasn't some gold-digger trying to trap you with a baby?"

A flicker of something unreadable crossed his face, but it was gone in an instant. "I don't assume. I verify."

Aurora scoffed. "Right. Because God forbid the great Damien Lexington leaves anything to chance."

"Exactly." His voice was calm, but his eyes burned with intensity. "And yet, here we are."

Aurora shook her head, disbelief bubbling inside her. "You're unbelievable."

Damien exhaled, then stepped away, running a hand through his hair. "This isn't how I wanted this conversation to go."

She let out a hollow laugh. "And how exactly did you expect it to go? Did you think I'd be flattered that you've been spying on me?"

"I haven't been spying."

She crossed her arms. "Oh really? Then what do you call keeping a dossier on me?"

Damien studied her for a long moment before speaking. "I call it being prepared."

Aurora let out a breath, shaking her head. This man...

"Look," he said, his voice softening, "I understand why you're upset."

"Do you?" she challenged. "Because from where I'm standing, you still think you can control everything-including me."

Damien was silent for a beat, then said, "I don't want to control you, Aurora. But I won't let chaos into my life either."

Her stomach twisted. "Is that what you think I am?"

His gaze was piercing. "You tell me. You were a stranger I spent one night with. And now, you're carrying my child. That sounds like chaos to me."

Aurora's throat tightened. She hated that he had a point.

It wasn't supposed to be like this.

But it was.

And now, she had to decide what came next.

A Proposition She Can't Ignore

Damien leaned against the desk, arms crossed, his sharp gaze fixed on her.

"I'm not going to force you to stay here, Aurora."

She blinked, surprised by the statement.

"But I am going to offer you something," he continued.

Her stomach clenched. "What?"

Damien exhaled slowly. "Marry me."

Aurora's entire body locked up.

Her ears were ringing. She must have misheard him.

"What?" she rasped.

His expression was unreadable. "I said, marry me."

She let out a breathless laugh. "You can't be serious."

"I'm very serious."

Aurora shook her head, her mind spinning. "Damien, we barely know each other."

"I'm aware."

"And you don't even like me."

His lips twitched. "I find you infuriating, yes. But I respect you."

Aurora stared at him, stunned.

Respect? What did that even mean coming from a man like Damien Lexington?

She folded her arms. "And let me guess... this isn't about love."

Damien let out a low chuckle. "You already know my stance on that."

Of course. Damien Lexington didn't believe in love.

She exhaled sharply. "Then why the hell would I marry you?"

"For security. Stability. For our child." His voice was calm, controlled, as if he were making a business proposal. "You wouldn't have to struggle. You wouldn't have to worry. And our baby would have the best life possible."

Aurora clenched her jaw. It was tempting. Damn him, it was tempting.

But...

She narrowed her eyes. "And what do you get out of it?"

Damien's gaze darkened. "Control over my own family. No custody battles. No legal complications. My name on my child's birth certificate-without question."

Aurora swallowed hard.

This wasn't just about security.

This was about power.

She stepped back. "And if I say no?"

Damien's jaw tightened slightly, but his voice remained steady. "Then you'll still have my financial support. But you won't have me."

Aurora sucked in a breath.

He was giving her a choice-but it felt like there was only one real answer.

She shook her head. "This is insane."

"Is it?" he countered. "Or is it the smartest decision you could make?"

Aurora bit her lip, her mind racing.

A marriage without love.

A deal, not a relationship.

She would have everything-comfort, stability, security for her child.

But she would also belong to Damien Lexington.

Could she really do that?

Could she survive being tied to a man like him?

Damien took a step closer, his voice dropping to a murmur.

"You don't have to decide now," he said. "But don't take too long, Aurora."

His gray eyes locked onto hers, unwavering.

"Because my offer won't last forever."