The Favor: A Marriage of Convenience Romance

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I’d read once that chemistry couldn’t possibly be one-sided, but my situation was evidence that theory was complete bullshit. The undeniable, inexplicable force always pulsed in the air around me whenever I was near him; always made my nerve-endings tingle and my body feel so very aware. But it was abundantly clear that my boss was totally unaffected. He also tended to forget that, unlike him, not everyone was married to their job. But in many other ways, he was a good boss. He paid well, looked after his employees, rewarded hard work, and didn’t tolerate any workplace bullshit. Reaching the footpath that led to the main entrance, I neatly sidestepped the cans, wrappers, and crinkled flyers that littered the ground near the overflowing trash can. I gave a curt nod. “I’m sure you can now understand why I really wasn’t delighted to see him at o-Verve.” If it comes to it, I’ll deal with him.” Dane adjusted his cufflink. “Who ended the engagement? You or him?”

Not that those images were anything new. There’d been far too many moments over the years when he’d imagined himself doing all manner of filthy things to his PA. Until it had pretty much become the norm. But keeping his hands off her was a lot more difficult now that he’d had her. In the beginning, I used to bristle at his curt manner. Now? I was used to it. I knew not to take his rudeness personally. Dane didn’t put much effort into sparing the feelings of anyone. Yeah,” he agreed, his eyes on the picture. “Her name’s Vienna. I named her after the sweetest, strongest girl I ever met.”I was pretty sure he grunted by way of hello, but it was hard to tell from all the way over here. Taking in his default unimpressed expression, one might think he suffered from chronic indifference. It tended to make people nervous; they often seemed compelled to try to please or amuse him. The latter was truly a waste of time. In all the years I’d worked for him, I’d never heard him laugh. Not. Once. The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author. It wasn’t the scents of various foods that dominated the air. It was perfume, cologne, fresh flowers, and burning candles. Feeling his mouth tighten, Dane stalked through the hotel suite and over to the bedroom she was using. “Vienna, have you seen the—” He halted right there in the doorway, poleaxed by the sight of her in only her bra and panties. Jesus Christ. Since I would definitely have lost my own job, I’d have had to find another. Dane might have allowed me to conceal from future potential employers why I’d lost the job. But, knowing my ex, he’d have been spiteful enough to send my new employer a damn copy. After all, he’d warned me that he’d send one to my landlord, neighbors, and any future boyfriends.

I’ve never made any secret of my aversion to relationships. I rarely date the same woman twice, and I don’t take the time to get to know them. People would never buy that I’m suddenly head over damn heels for a relative stranger. It would look especially suspicious to anyone who’s aware of the strings that are attached to my trust fund, yes?” I wouldn’t have been the only one affected. My father and foster parents would have stood by me, but they’d have suffered embarrassment from it, too. People might have made cruel or snarky comments to them—maybe even at their place of work, which would have led to them defending me and possibly losing their jobs.So you’d already put your plan into motion before approaching me with your proposal. Why did you wait two months to ask me?” He hadn’t originally asked someone else, had he? Had I been second choice? And what did it even matter? Yeah, he’d informed me of that earlier, but I hadn’t realized he’d meant we’d do it here. He’d left o-Verve at 4 p.m. and still hadn’t returned by 6 p.m. Figuring that we could postpone the discussion until tomorrow, I hadn’t lingered at the office. He gripped her arms and hauled her close. “Yeah, that’s where I want you.” Fisting her hair, he dipped his head, keeping their mouths a mere inch apart. He found his gaze drifting to that lower lip that drove him crazy. “Everywhere we go, I catch someone staring at your mouth. And I know they’re wondering what it’d be like to sink their teeth into this plump lower lip—I did the exact same thing the first time I saw it. So soft and bitable.” He bit said lip and gave it a gentle tug. She gasped, her mouth opening just enough for him to sink his tongue inside. He walked in like he owned the place and glanced around. One corner of his mouth canted up. “So, you’re still all about the clutter.”

Pursing his lips, he shook his head. She’d find out soon enough. “Be fast.” Turning to leave, he cast a glance at the nightstand. “Don’t forget your rings.” Like I’d share that with Hanna, who couldn’t hold in her own pee. “It’s not that, it’s just … he gave me an opportunity that not a lot of people would have.” That would never happen for two reasons. One, I don’t love him. Two, I wouldn’t leave you in the lurch like that.” I didn’t pine for him, though, for two reasons. First, I was a realist. I knew there would never be anything between us, and that surety enabled me to box the whole thing into my mental fantasy drawer. A drawer I only ever opened when I was spending quality time with my vibrator.Casual and confident, he steered me into the restaurant. The pressure from his hand was light but very much firm and dominant as he, essentially, took control. Dane scratched him behind his ear, making Ranger’s eyelids droop in pleasure. Well, he’d won over the dog fast enough.”

July, while we’re on a business trip in Vegas. We’ll also marry while there, as if we saw no reason to wait. It’ll be fast, yes, but I’m known for moving fast when going after what I want.”It was just an observation.” Ashley smiled at me and wagged her fingers. “See you tomorrow, Vienna. Bye now, Dane.” Lady Gabriella of Awesomeness wrote: "Just read and reviewed Spiral of need !! Loved it Suzanne ! Cant wait for DEEP IN YOUR VIENS #5 ! To be honest that my favorite series of yours :D"