CEO's CONTRACTED BRIDE

I am unable to accomplish it. I let the coffee burn my throat as I sipped it. "My last week will be next week."

Joy, my eight-year-old best buddy, gave me the worst puppy-dog eyes. Stupid, Victoria. Not even your two-week notice has been sent. I owe you money for the favor I did for you; isn't it time? She pleaded, snatching my hand and enclosing it in hers.

My tummy grumbled. She was talking about the escort job she secured for me. It was going to keep me from looking for a real job until I did. That didn't happen. In addition, as long as you ignore the fact that you spend your Friday nights with destitute, lonely men, the money is good and the clientele is fine. Whatever. At least I make a significant amount of money on the weekends rather than wasting it.

The biggest issue was the public's blatant dislike of what I do. Not that I was fucking these people, but nevertheless... People were continuously making snap judgments. Naturally, I stopped introducing myself as an escort and changed the conversation to a silly game of charades. But as I get older, the game itself is becoming stale. I'm sick of misleading everyone. How long can I go without acquiring a useful skill before my brain becomes numb?

Joy's predicament was worse than mine. Did she have to stay here forever? My brain was wracked for an answer. You ought to be the one quitting, right? For four effing years, you've been doing this. Why don't you try something different?

She scowled and gave me an insane look, as if I were crazy. "Like what?" you ask.

My train of thought stopped in its tracks. She brought me there. I also didn't know what to do with myself. With my dad's condition, I couldn't take a wage reduction to study something new because I needed the money. Food has to be placed on the table by someone. A girl had to make every effort to ensure the survival of her family. I turned my focus back to her. "Like, go to college."

Her stomach rose and fell as her shallow laughter shook her. Miss Prim asked, "Do you really think I want to attend university like you?"

My heart rate spiked. Prim? I kept my mouth shut. Considering what I do for a living, that was a compliment. What concerns you about attending college?

Joy dismissed the notion, saying, "I ain't smart enough for that." Victoria, I'm twenty-five. That seems a little advanced for college, don't you think?

I had been trying to get Joy to stop the escort nonsense and enroll in college with me for the past few months. She had, however, argued that she was too old and incompetent to enter and change. That wasn't it. The reason was that the money was simply too good. I stopped fumbling with my zipper and made another attempt to persuade her. "Aren't you more motivated now than you were at age 18? Simply climb inside and press the gas. On the other side, you'll be a better person.

My dad wasn't able to pay for my college education when I graduated from high school, so I turned to escorting as a way to make money to enroll in architecture school. I had a strategy. Earn money as an escort before getting my ass in class. I stayed longer than anticipated because Dad later became ill.

Her lips were moving, but I hadn't realized she was speaking. "You're ready to give up; I know that. But Victoria, I ask you, please. With me taking sick leave in the thick of everything, Rosalyn is already furious.

Joy decided to get a boob job on her own since she felt she didn't have enough going on "up top." She should have recovered in two to three weeks, but a month had passed and she was still recovering.

Rosalyn, our employer, was initially enthusiastic about the breast lift but had to find other girls to replace her when her crew shrank.

I said, my voice dripping with disgust, "I shouldn't have messed with mother nature."

Between her amber eyes was a line. Are you unwilling to assist a buddy who is in need?

My tummy grew sluggish. She was correct. Joy was often a pain in my rear, but she was a faithful friend, and I expected the same of her. I had a hard time letting go of my own aspirations in order to support her. "One more job won't kill me," I complained.

"Yay!" Joy wrapped her arms around my neck and clung to me as she attempted to suffocate me. "I appreciate you doing this. It is significant.

I emphasized, raising my index finger in the air, "Just this one." "I'm finished now. Never again will I return.

For the first time during the entire chat, Joy's countenance brightened as she grinned and bobbed her head. "I'm aware, girl. And I'm happy that you selected a profession that is superior to this one.

My dad, who was anticipating my visit, crossed my mind as my ribcage constricted over my tummy. Last night, while I was wrapping up with a customer, paramedics transported him to the hospital with a heart issue. It was, fortunately, not serious for any of us. I had to admit that it wouldn't hurt to take on Joy's customer, and the money would be helpful. The hospital bills for my dad never stopped. I got up from the luxurious couch. "When do we meet with the client?"

Joy fumbled with the button on her pajamas. "Monday morning next week. He is arriving to resolve a conflict with the boss. Rosalyn will be informed that you will be taking over for me. Have you let her know you're leaving?

I forced the growing lump in my throat down. I was terrified about meeting the boss. It was improper to text or message her to tell her to stop. The fiery redhead was infamous for losing her temper and snapping when I first started working for her two years ago. I had never witnessed that because I always strived to do a good job at what I was doing. The day is Monday." I'll go Monday when he's there and talk to Rosalyn too. I'll throw one stone and get it done. She'll comprehend. It was an optimistic lie. Rosalyn's reaction was unknown to me, which frightened me.

Could she compel you to remain? Joy asked quietly.

As my heartbeat boomed through my chest, heat spread.

"Oh my god, no. Rosalyn wouldn't get away with that kind of nonsense. Her head would spin from the speed at which I turned her in to the Department of Labor.

I took a big breath and relaxed the tense muscles in my neck. The employer typically behaved honorably. Customers had to follow the regulations. Rosalyn gave us the option to end the contract if a particular client harassed us and still paid us. No one was made to have sexual contact. Ever. It was a girl's decision, and if a customer acted strangely in response, he could take his business somewhere else. So I respected Rosalyn in that manner. Although she occasionally had temper tantrums, at least she stood up for us. My palm was wet as I rubbed it on my jeans. I turned the doorknob. "I should get going," I said. "I still need to see how my dad is doing and check in on him."

Victoria, thank you once more for doing this. I'm incredibly appreciative, and it means a lot to me. Before I carefully closed the door, she gave me a hug.

The Florida sun suffocated my face. I would only have one more task left before I was no longer an escort. I didn't despise my job. In actuality, I found it to be rather enjoyable. I enjoyed sipping expensive champagne while playing dress-up. I was hired to go to formal balls with men who had no dates. Win-win. Right?

The issue was that I had made a promise to myself and was now reneging on it. I detest failing to meet my goals. I wanted to marry my prince and raise a family. I would never tell my future children that I was an escort. even if I hadn't screwed up my clients.

Under me, a taxi cab's wheels were turning. People were walking along the pedestrian lane as cars blurred by. As the hospital could be seen through the window, the cab came to a complete halt. I gave the driver my money and ran outside to see Dad.

When I entered his room, he was awake and cheerful. He was donning one of those hospital gowns, although it was a different shade this time. As soon as he spotted me, his face brightened up. I gave him a sincere kiss on the cheek while grinning and approaching.

He looked at my face with an arched gray brow, as though something needed to be evaluated. The question, "Where did you go?"

My tummy grumbled. He despised my professional decision, but my father and I had a deal that I would always be truthful with him. I took a sip. " I went to Joy. She requested that I cover a shift for her.

His lips tightened into a tiny line, and his face darkened. Did you schedule that meeting with the college advisor?

I straightened my shoulders and seated myself on a chair that was nearby, by the edge of his bed. Still not. For joy, I'm undertaking this. She is ill and unable to work.

"Sick? What is she holding?

Shit. If I told anyone about her botched boob job, she would kill me. My bottom lip was bitten. I'm not sure.

Is this the way you advance in life? By hanging out with idiots who have trouble finding dates?

My nose was filled with hot air. Even my own father was beginning to question me now that I wasn't making out with anyone. That kind of girl wasn't me. Before having sex, I believed in love and chemistry. And right now, sex doesn't exist in my universe, just like love doesn't. I raised the issue. Do you believe I have had sexual relations with these men?

Why wouldn't you be? Who the hell pays for a simple talk and a date?

Words struggled to come to me. He didn't understand, and I had long since had enough of justifying my position. Do you believe that everyone can discover love as easily as you and your mother have?

He remained silent. The strongest love that has ever existed was between him and my mother.

I was fortunate to grow up in a household that loved me, but who else did that? Their romance was an accident. It was naive of my dad to think that love came easily because such a close link simply didn't exist anywhere else. Think it's that easy? Most people spend their entire lives deceiving themselves by meeting the wrong people. The majority of the other half of marriages should also end in divorce, as half of all marriages end in divorce. It's a pretend game, marriage. Since dating is a nightmare, I don't blame my clients-in fact, I think they're wise to stay single.

I was abruptly troubled by my negative words. Had I actually started to think it was all a joke? My dad's lips started to smile, but I had already raised my hand to cover my mouth.

He raised his head and crossed his arms. "If you're not open to falling in love, you can't."

Love is a waste of time. Pins poked me in the underarms. Why was my love life, or lack thereof, currently up for discussion? I swiftly shifted the conversation. Joy is ill. If I let her down, she'll lose her job, so I have to be a nice buddy.

The sneer must have vanished from his face as he realized he was losing the battle. "Victoria, I'm sure that agency has dozens of escorts. Can't another person take charge in its place?"

It's one final job, I insisted. "I don't want her to become unemployed. She is my best friend, and losing her job would break her heart. Likewise, our friendship would be over.

He scowled and cocked his head downward. Like I had done previously with Joy, he flashed one finger in front of me. "One final task. After that, you start studying and get your ass in gear.

When he finally consented, I put my hand over his. "After this, I swear it'll be over. But for the time being, I want you to put your worries aside and concentrate on getting healthier, okay?"

"I will. You pay attention as well. After enrolling in college, you start studying. Be like me, Victoria girl, not like me.

"Too late for that!" I chuckled. I have to go to the dry cleaners. I promise to return in the morning.

"Victoria?" Eyes as focused as mine belonged to my father.

I stopped clattering. "Yes?"

He gave my hand a squeeze. I said, "Thank you."

I could make it happen. I was paying his hospital fees and would do so for the upcoming few weeks. Only two or three weeks have passed. What could possibly go wrong?

Monday morning arrived quickly. As I stretched and pushed my hair out of my face, sunlight streamed through the bedroom window, illuminating the white linens covering my mattress. Jumping out, I changed into a black pencil skirt and a fuchsia silk top, had breakfast, and then went to see how my dad was doing. When I poked my head inside, he was still sound asleep in his bed. Yesterday, the doctor gave us the go-ahead to transport him home.

I practiced saying the lines to Rosalyn during the journey to get ready for the talk. Even though I dreaded her reply, I dragged myself into the empty building. Rosalyn had a conversation with one of my coworkers by the counter. When she sensed my presence behind her, she abruptly halted and turned around.

"Good morning," I said.

Good mornings were said by the two of them before Rosalyn escorted me into her office. I was taken by the scent of lavender and wood.

Rosalyn motioned for Victoria to take a seat in her swivel chair. She rocked back while tying her hands behind her head. Joy claimed that you took on the project in her place.

I blinked. "Yes. Is it alright? I winced as I awaited the curvy, fit woman's opening comment.

"Why would I find that problematic?"

"I'm not sure. I stumbled: " Well, there's one more thing.

"Yes? Inform me.

I continued to nod. "I know you've been a terrific employer for the past two years, but I need to continue my education and look into my other choices. This job can't go on forever.

Rosalyn concurred, raising an eyebrow. "No, you cannot," she said. "You have my approval to resign, and once you've handed in your resignation letter, I'll accept it. Let's now discuss this new initiative. She made a quick exit. "The client ought to show up in under an hour."

Her words vanished as I searched in vain for signs of resistance. She should be more angry or astonished, right? It was troubling that the resignation process had gone so smoothly. For the remainder of the conference, I clenched my teeth and felt nervous.

We talked about the client's basic information. He was so brand new and appealing that Rosalyn didn't seem to mind that I was leaving. She placed a folder on the table made of black glass while her hand shook.

I noticed a single white page with a name printed on it when I opened the folder. It's Steve Clifford. The name sounded familiar, but both my thoughts and the paper were blank. I took it in my hands and turned it over. Are you kidding me?" Nothing is present. What about his profile?

Her arms were crossed. "He did not provide it for us. We'll just know what we need to know, he said.

Who was this person? What if he's not who she believes him to be? I did not enjoy it. Not at all. The door swung open, and I started to object.

He entered.

I clenched my mouth shut as I struggled to contain a gasp that came from my throat. His sleek, dark hair caught the eye of every girl in the room, and the entire workplace became silent. He looked around, his eyes severe and unwavering, surrounded by a sense of power. His blue eyes followed me until they came into contact with mine, where they entered the depths of my soul. I fought back a shiver as a flood of thick arousal rushed between my thighs.

Rosalyn jumped out of her black leather chair and raced over to him, greeting him with "Mr. Clifford."

I froze when I thought about perhaps dating this man. He was really hot-by far the hottest man to enter the office-and he was still staring at me. I wrangled my fingers out of the knitted-fabric chair and stood up.

My boss gurgled, attempting to get his attention back. "It's so nice to finally meet you," she said. We appreciate you stopping by today to talk with us about this.

As he fixed his gaze on the short redhead, his eyes wavered. He smiled politely in return. "Absolutely."

Rosalyn gave us a tour.

He looked at me. Allison, Miss. It was my pleasure meeting you.

I briefly closed my eyes when I heard him say the word "pleasure" before telling myself to calm down. It was a business transaction. The issue was that my pelvis began to heat up in response to his loud voice. My nostrils were filled with the sandalwood aroma of him, which made me drunk and made my limbs flimsy. I tensed and made an effort to hide any noticeable changes in my breathing rhythm. I took a deep breath and struggled to keep my stature under control. That was absurd. He wasn't the only attractive man to enter the room. My response was stupid and pointless. Victoria, get yourself together. It's just a dude. I mentally recited the phrases and reached out a shaking hand to him. "Mr. Clifford, it is my pleasure to meet you as well!" I exclaimed. Then halt. I took a deep breath and let my shoulders drop.

His smooth, warm palm made me feel like putty. My tension was relieved and relaxed by his touch. Despite the sharp lines of his black suit, his broad shoulders showed chiseled curves. His flawless skin shone.

There was no avoiding it. He was the real deal-an alpha.

Before I could further embarrass myself, I withdrew. They were both seated to do business when I somehow lined my buttocks up with one. I found it difficult to pay attention to what she was saying. She was discussing joy.

He didn't even realize that his escort had changed. Oh my gosh. And this was the client of Joy? Was she using drugs? How on earth could she think of leaving such a handsome man?

My heart was racing. I was far from heart-thumping Joy's beauty or elegance. I was just a plain Jane with auburn hair standing next to her-every man's fantasy. The abrupt reversal was likely to disappoint Mr. Clifford, so I braced myself for the inevitable rejection.

He began to smile and returned his focus to me as his angular jaw relaxed.

Rosalyn shifted her line of sight. In your opinion, Miss Allison.