Chapter 5

• Lucas’ POV
• The scotch in my hand was smooth, but the burn at the back of my throat was dull compared to the irritation building in my chest. Justin was late. The kind of late that spoke volumes about his disrespect—or maybe just his incompetence.
• The lounge was quiet, just as I preferred. Soft leather chairs surrounded me, and the dim lighting cast shadows on the walls.
• When the door finally opened, Justin walked in with his usual showmanship. His cologne—bold and suffocating—arrived before he did, announcing his presence rather than enhancing one. Justin wasn’t cheap—far from it. He was wealthy, rich enough to make most men envious. But he liked to flaunt his money in ways that made his insecurities all the more glaring.
• “Lucas,” he greeted, flashing a grin as wide as his ego. He extended a hand, which I ignored, gesturing instead to the seat across from me.
• I held back from lashing out, putting him in his place. I needed this deal to work. Three months of trying to find my angel had bore no fruit, so I needed to make my move. I had less than a month before my interest in the corporate world would be announced, I needed a pretty face with brains to distract the media while I worked.
• "Justin,” I replied flatly.
• He took the seat, adjusting his cufflinks like we were here to admire his fashion choices. “Sorry about the wait. You know how it is with traffic.”
• "Traffic isn’t my problem,” I said, my voice cold. “Let’s get to it.”
• Justin chuckled awkwardly, obviously unsettled.
• "You’ve got something I want,” I started, getting down to business.
• Justin’s grin returned as he pulled a folder from his briefcase. “Her profile. Like I said, she’s perfect. Trained, polished, and knows how to handle herself in the spotlight. She’ll fit right into your world.”
• Flipping through the pages, I realized that everything about her was intact—her background, education, even personality traits—but there was one glaring omission.
• “There’s no picture,” I elucidated.
• “That’s because pictures can't do justice to her looks. You’ll see what I mean when you meet her.”
• How confident, I thought in irritation. I wasn’t impressed.
• “You are sure you understand what I need?” I asked, closing the folder. “This isn’t about appearances. I need a partner who can hold her own in the corporate world. Someone who won’t make me look like a fool in front of investors.”
• Justin leaned forward, his grin returning. “She’s perfect. Trust me. Polished, poised, and loyal to a fault. You won’t find better.”
• “Loyalty isn’t something you can guarantee,” I shot back. “And your words don't mean much to me.”
• Just like I wished, his smirk was replaced by a flinch “Come on, Lucas. This is me we’re talking about.”
• “That’s exactly why I’m skeptical. Money’s not an issue,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “Tell me your price, and let’s finish this.”
• Justin hesitated “Actually, I was thinking... no money.”
• I raised a brow. “No money?”
• He nodded, his expression growing serious. “Think about it. You’re moving into the corporate world. I’m already established there. I can help you—connections, introductions, the whole package. In exchange, you owe me a favor.”
• I didn’t like favors. Favors made you vulnerable. But the deal was tempting. With Justin’s help, I could accelerate my plans, and he’d be tied to me in ways he couldn’t escape.
• I studied him carefully, searching for any sign of deceit. “If I agree, you’re not just giving me your wife. You’re giving me your loyalty. Permanently. Are we clear?”
• Justin swallowed hard but nodded. “Crystal.”
• The deal was struck with a handshake—one I didn’t enjoy but tolerated.
• “Good,” I said, my tone final. “Bring her in.”
• Justin whistled and leaned back, folding his arms. A man in black surfaced and on seeing Justin's nod, returned to the inner chambers. Moments later, I heard footsteps on the stairs. Hesitant, almost reluctant. When she appeared, my breath caught. It was her.
• The woman from my strip club, the one I’d dreamt of every day for three months. Her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and her eyes—they held a mixture of fear and defiance. She looked fragile but strong, a contradiction that made her even more captivating.
• For the first time in years, I felt... something. Something I couldn’t name but couldn’t ignore.
• She stopped at the bottom of the stairs, her gaze locking with mine. I noticed the small streak of blood from her busted lip, her eyes, darting around, scared.
• He’d hurt her.
• “Mey,” Justin casually said in a slur “Meet your new husband.”
• My grip tightened on my glass, the sound of it cracking breaking the silence.
• This wasn’t just business anymore. This was personal.