AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yes. And a one-month trial period. If, at any time during that period, you or I want to nullify the contract, we can.”
“And I’d still get some of the money?” I don’t want to sound too gold-diggery, but this is a job after all, and compensation is a big part of why I’m even considering this.
“Yes. You’d get a prorated amount.”
A quick calculation tells me that a week is worth over nine thousand dollars, which would be enough to cover four months of rent. I could even throw in some groceries.
“Okay. I’ll do it.” I’ve already been rocking this part for five years, after all. Adding a rich husband to the mix doesn’t scare me.
Colton’s lips tighten into a brusque smile, and Max springs to his feet. “Great. We’ll get a contract drafted right away.”
“When exactly will we sign the contract? And when will I get my first check?”
“All your expenses will be paid once you enter the contract,” Max says. “Everything will be stated there. But basically, you won’t have to pay for anything for two years. You will then receive the agreed-upon payment at the end of the contract.”
“Oh,” I say, my cheeks burning. “Well, when will the job start?” In other words, how long will I be living behind a dumpster?
“Our lawyers should have a contract ready in a few days.”
“What’s the matter, Jane?” Colton asks.
I don’t want to confess my situation. Mostly because I don’t want their pity. Unfortunately, as I’m beginning to discover, Colton Green is not someone you say no to.
“I have, um, a small budget emergency, and I need some cash right away. I know that’s not how it works. I’m sorry. I should find another—”
“How much do you need?”
I stare back in shock. “What—no.”
“I can give you an advance,” he says, and Max leans over to whisper something I can’t hear. Probably telling him to shut up and not give handouts to a girl who hasn’t even signed a contract yet.
Laying his hands on the table, he tilts his body toward me. “Jane. How much?”
“Three thousand. Just to cover rent and some other bills. I just received a three-day notice, and—”
“Done. Max,” he rumbles, turning to his companion. “Can you get Jane some cash?”
“Colton, can I talk to you first?” Max asks through a forced smile.
“Not necessary. Make sure Jane gets the money she needs by day’s end.” His tone has dropped twenty degrees, leaving no room for argument.
Max nods. “Certainly. I’ll get that delivered to your address later tonight.”
“Thank you,” I mumble to Colton.
“Of course. This is an advance on what you’ll earn, so it’ll be deducted from that.”
“Yes, naturally.” My chest feels lighter. “Thanks again. I really appreciate it.”
“We’ll be in touch soon,” he says, offering his hand. As I shake it again, a wave of warmth consumes me. Everything about his demeanor is cold, but whenever we touch, it’s like I just entered a furnace.
By ten o’clock, a messenger has already delivered an envelope stuffed with cash to my door. Six thousand dollars exactly. Double the amount I requested. Inside the envelope, I find a note.
“In case you need more. Colton.”
Simple and frosty, just like the man who stood in front of me only hours ago, but also . . . nice? That doesn’t fit the character I met earlier. Maybe he’s not that bad after all.
Okay, maybe marrying him won’t be such a big deal. First, it’s a great opportunity for me. I’ll be moving into a mansion—I don’t care that Colton called it a house. If it has wings, it’s a mansion. I’ll have all my expenses covered for two years, meet major players from the industry, and score a nice paycheck at the end of the gig. When I really stop to think about it, I just won the lottery. And even if all this dredges up a shadow of fear, given my past, I know I’ll be protected by the contract. History will not repeat itself. I will not be someone’s prisoner ever again. In fact, I consider this the first step toward my freedom.
