Chapter 13
DANIELLE
Imagine standing in front of your ex, sweat dripping down your back from running most of the way there, as a judge asks you if you agree to the vows you’ve not listened to.
Blake’s eyes lock onto mine, and I hesitate—thoughts of my mother’s gasp at learning about the wedding through the media and of Issac’s annoyed glare from across the room taking over.
Someone coughs, and I blink, realizing it’s the judge.
Blake lifts an eyebrow, and my heart rockets through my chest.
“I can’t do this,” I whisper, so faintly I don’t think anyone hears me.
But Blake does.
“Sweetheart.” Blake scoops my hands into his, shooting me a winning smile. “Of course, you can. Okay?”
His voice soothes my frayed nerves, but the show he’s putting on in front of the judge is sickening. His loving gaze sweeps over my face, like he’s obsessing over the fact I’m going to be his wife.
Issac frowns from behind Blake, the expression nothing but hopeful.
Oh, what the fuck am I doing? Get a grip, Danielle. Think of the money.
“I do.”
The two words escape my lips, sealing my fate before I can change my mind.
I’m sure Mom won’t mind when she’s mortgage free, relaxing on a beach in the Caribbean.
Blake relaxes, glancing back at the judge. “That was close.”
The judge smiles at us before asking Blake the same thing.
This time, Blake lifts my hand to his lips, kissing it softly.
It’s too loving, and I shrink back, wanting to kick him in the balls.
“You may kiss the bride.”
Before I can protest, Blake pulls me into his arms, dropping me dramatically into the crook of his left arm.
His eyes hold me captive as he whispers against me to play along.
His lips crush mine, and I have no option but to play the loving bride.
I refuse to kiss him back, despite my lips twitching to do so.
Fucking Blake.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
Oh my God.
I’ve done it.
Blake grins at me as I pull away from him, giving the judge a wide smile. “Thank you.”
The judge looks puzzled, glancing between me and Blake. “You’re welcome. But it’s not a business transaction; it’s a union. Enjoy it.”
Blake laces his fingers through mine, nodding at Issac who looks like he’s going to be sick.
Somehow, we make it to the limousine that’s waiting for us outside, and Blake ushers me in.
The door closes behind me with a neat click, and I sit, numbly, absorbing what I’ve done.
The leather seat is cool and hard, just like my marriage.
My marriage of five minutes.
Blake climbs in beside me, adjusting his shirt collar. He barely glances at me, pulling out his phone to bring up his emails.
I’m not sure why, but his silence bothers me.
“Shit, I need to go back to the office.”
“You’re joking.” I stare at him, unsure if I’ve heard him right. “You’re going to go back to the office?”
Blake types on his phone before responding to me. “You don’t need to pretend anymore, Danielle. It’s just us.”
I feel like he’s slapped me. “But I thought…” I stop as Blake frowns at me.
What did I think?
That we’d go back to our marital home and make love beneath the stars, moonlight highlighting the insane cheekbones of my husband?
“You thought we’d consummate our marriage?” Blake laughs, shaking his head. “You go home and get yourself settled in. Don’t worry about me or where I am, and I won’t worry about you either.”
“Until you tell me otherwise?” My words wobble on my lips, but I shake my head, trying to push away my preconceived notion that marriage meant love.
Because it doesn’t.
It’s a transaction; something the man who married us didn’t know.
No.
This is business, and the platinum band on my finger does nothing to change it.
“You know the contract as well as I do, Danielle. Stick to that and you won’t go wrong.”
The car ride is silent until we reach Blake’s house, sorry—mansion—and the driver opens the door for me.
Swinging my legs out, I refuse to turn around and look at the man who’s ruined my life twice now.
“Think of the money, honey,” Blake calls after me.
Tears sting my eyes as I walk forward, my head held high.
I am Danielle Vee.
Like fuck I’m taking his name.
I’m doing this for the money and to save the business.
And I slept with the groom's best friend the night before my wedding.
Take that, Blake James.
BLAKE
“Now what?”
Issac sighs, throwing a pile of papers in my direction. “Another operator ceased trading.”
Frowning, I scan the papers. “Right, who?”
“Skies The Limit.”
Fuck.
Dad invested heavily in them, and now they’ve gone under?
“The director has filed for bankruptcy,” Issac adds, massaging his temples.
“You’re kidding.”
Issac shakes his head—no.
“Do you know how much we’ve lost?”
Issac meets my eyes, shaking his head again.
“A hundred million, Issac. One hundred million dollars.”
Issac inhales sharply, cursing under his breath.
I know how he feels, but this is catastrophic. A bad investment is the same as throwing your money into the river.
“I’ll call Brian, see if he can think of anything,” I mutter, sinking into my chair.
Issac nods, unsuccessfully suppressing a yawn. He looks tired too, which isn’t like him.
“Go home, Issac. There’s nothing we can do right now.”
“What about you?” Issac asks, rising to his feet cautiously. “You going back home?”
There’s nothing I can do from here, but I do need to call Brian, and I’ll need all the paperwork to get accurate advice.
“I’ll go after I’ve called Brian.”
Issac hesitates, and I shrug at him.
“What?”
“Did you want me to check on Danielle?”
I’ve already dialed Brian’s number, otherwise I could’ve pressed for more information behind his question.
I shake my head: no.
Danielle is a big girl, and she doesn’t need protection.
I have no doubt that if she were in any trouble, she’d have no issue dealing with it herself. Danielle may be cute and pretty, but she takes zero bullshit from anyone.
“Brian speaking.”
“Hey, Brian, it’s Blake James…”
I lose myself in conversation with the best lawyer I know, but thanks to Issac, I’m worrying about my little wifey at home.
Hilarious, me with a wife.
The band on my finger is plain.
I don’t even know what Danielle’s looks like.
Shit.
Maybe I’ll go back, take her a carry out and try to be civil.
We have five years to get along, after all.