When Thea had blown up their relationship, they’d barely made it off the red carpet for the Juno Awards. The screaming match and her accusations of cheating had been caught by dozens of people and were up on YouTube before he’d even taken his seat inside. He’d been perceived as the villain, no doubt due to his role as the asshole in the show. He didn’t want to give the public another reason to harass him.
“The money on the table is yours for your time this evening. I’ll have Caroline provide you with a contact where you can get additional clothing and jewelry for our times together.”
She nodded and swallowed down more wine as she caught his gaze in the window. “Any requests? Seeing as you’re paying.”
The question should have sounded crass, would have had it been asked by any of his other female acquaintances. Somehow when it came from Marissa, it was more teasing than testing. He was paying for her to play a part and intended her to fall into the role flawlessly. The last thing he needed was for any of his peers to suspect he was paying for her company. “I prefer my women to dress in dark or neutral colors. I don’t want to draw unnecessary attention.”
“Noted. Anything else? Designers I should avoid? Jewelry I shouldn’t splurge on?”
Now she was testing him. “I would hope that you’d take this seriously. If this is nothing but a game to you—”
“I was wondering the same thing about you.”
Vince frowned. “What do you mean?”
“If this was a game.” Marissa turned and drank down a more than healthy portion of wine. “I mean, you tricked me into thinking you were someone else—”
“It really was my father.”
“—and then you throw all these rules at me. I just wanted to try and find a way to help myself with a problem, not create more issues.” She set her glass down and turned her back to him.
Okay, this wasn’t at all what he was expecting. “Are you okay?”
“Not really.” She shook her head and her shoulders dropped. “Can you have the captain or whoever drives the boat to take us back? I’m ready to leave.” She strode over, picked up her shoes and took three hundred dollar bills off the pile of cash. “You took the tag off so I have to keep it now.”
There were two things Vince wasn’t used to dealing with: rejection and dismissal. Marissa had managed to hit him with both with a single sentence. She looked over the railing that led to the galley. “Ryan? Hello?”
“What are you doing?”
“Leaving. This isn’t going to work.”
“Why not?”
Marissa straightened, smoothing her hands down her dress before facing him. “This is a terrible idea. I thought I was okay selling myself off. I mean, it’s just sex right…except you don’t want sex. I was actually mentally ready for sex, but no sex is just confusing. And yeah, Naomi said there might be dinners and movies and stuff, but then you’re here. And your dad is apparently so horrible that I needed to be protected from him. And…I thought I could do this but I don’t think I can.”
Vince opened his mouth to answer, shoot off a dismissal, something.
Nothing came out.
If she noticed his hesitation, she didn’t acknowledge it. “The only reason I was going to do this was because I can’t see another way out of my current mess without having my entire financial future come crashing down around me. I’ll be damned if I’m going to let Andrew’s temper tantrum ruin my life, but I’m not about to make matters more complicated than they already are. I’ll find another way to work this out. I just…yeah. I’m sorry.”
How could he have thought she was an innocent or weak? There was a core of steel to Marissa that transcended her years. Her internal fire glowed in her eyes that infused every inch of her. Only a pathetic man would dare harm a woman like this, try to grind her down so he could influence her. Do anything to destroy her dreams.
Without looking, he set his glass down and crossed over to the intercom. “Captain, could you take us back to the marina?” He turned it off without waiting for a response. Before she could say anything else, he reached over and retrieved the remaining stack of cash. “Regardless of how tonight went I intended this for you. Never let anyone take advantage of your time and not provide compensation. You are your brand. Demand others treat it and you with respect.”
She stared at him for several heartbeats before slowly reaching up and taking the money. “Thank you.”
“You’re right. I bullied my way into a situation without fully considering the consequences. My intent was to save you from my father. In the end, you had to save yourself from me. I’m sorry for that.”
“You didn’t actually do anything.” The blush crept across her cheeks again. “You weren’t that bad.”
“I was an asshole. As usual.” No wonder Simon didn’t trust his family and the media looked for whatever they could on him. His tendencies to try and control everything in every situation got him into trouble on more than one occasion. At least Marissa had called him on it; many others wouldn’t. “But now that I know you, I would like to help. At the very least, maybe I could offer you some ideas on how to get out of your predicament. Whatever it happens to be.”
The yacht shuddered as it began to change course to take them back to land. Marissa looked behind her at the changing skyline before sighing. “Maybe.”
“How about a fresh proposal? One between you and I and nothing to do with that site or my father.”
Marissa bit down on her bottom lip. “What are you suggesting?”
His chest tightened and his blood rushed a bit harder and faster through him. Shit, he was nervous. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d dealt with someone who could walk away with little more than a fuck you, buddy. Didn’t know the last time he was this excited. “Maybe we go out to dinner. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but it will be a chance to get to know one another properly. As friendly acquaintances.” She smiled and something loosened in his chest. “At least this time you’ll know that it’s me who you’re meeting you and not someone else.”
“That seems reasonable.” She pushed a lock of her blond hair behind her ear and smiled.
“If things go poorly, or even if one of us changes our minds, we cut our losses and walk away.” Vince laced his hands behind his back and waited for her response.
For the life of him, Vince couldn’t read her expression, get a sense of what she was thinking. But he knew, could tell on an atomic level, that he needed her to say yes. That feeling alone made another date worth pursuing.
Marissa finally let out a little sigh, held out her hand, giving him a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I agree to your terms.”
When she slipped her hand into his and squeezed, his body responded with anything but indifference. Vince was overwhelmed by the smell of her, the softness of her skin against his, the fucking light that danced in her gaze. She was young and fresh, and he wanted to drag her into his world where he would get her dirty. The dark, bitter part of him wanted to use her, wanted to fuck her just to hear what noises she’d make in bed.
No. The last thing he needed was to lose control and go down that path.
Marissa, oblivious to the war raging inside him, tightened her grip. “Deal,” he said with a smile, his voice was little more than a whisper.
He’d won. For now.
Chapter 5
Marissa had the limo drop her off down the street from her apartment. While having to walk the half-block was going to be murder on her feet, it was better than having to deal with the barrage of questions that would inevitably come from her landlord, Shelia. She lasted until she reached the bottom of the walkway before she kicked off her shoes. The throbbing of her feet did little to help relax her, but at least she wouldn’t accidently topple.
The bungalow appeared as normal as the others on the street. The shingles were new and Shelia w
as a surprisingly excellent gardener. The cuteness of the place is what had lulled her into a false sense of security the first time she’d arrived to look at the basement apartment. But opening the doors and seeing what was inside broke her heart. Unfortunately for her, it was the most reasonable apartment she could find given her limited funds, and despite the condition of her home, Shelia was a kind and wonderful woman.
Marissa walked up the stairs that lead to the side door, and took a steadying breath. Most days, Shelia had the door to the main house closed and locked, making everything seem like a normal arrangement. The stairs that led to Marissa’s apartment were cluttered with shoes and the occasional bag, but for the most part gave no indication of anything abnormal. But sometimes, especially when Shelia was having a bad day, she’d leave the door to the house open. There was no escaping a conversation on those days.
Tonight, the door was open, the sound of a gameshow echoed out to her.
Shit.
Marissa stepped into the foyer, dirt that had been previously tracked in now stuck to her bare feet. One step and a creak filled the air. It was loud enough to announce her presence as she stepped in and shut the door behind her. Maybe this time she could escape to her place without Shelia noticing—
“That you, Marissa?”
Nope. “Yes.”
“I hope you had a good evening. Have time to chat?”
Marissa was under no obligation to socialize with her landlady—she was paying rent, not seeking refuge—but she’d learned from experience, it was better to give Shelia the few minutes of time she wanted, rather than ignore her. Shelia wasn’t a bad person, not even in the slightest. But the condition of the living room gave Marissa a case of the creeps as much as it broke her heart.
She locked the side door knowing neither of them would be out again tonight, tucked her shoes under her arm, and carefully stepped over the piles of newspapers that had started to spread to the threshold. Mentally, she counted to three before plastering a smile on her face and crossing into the kitchen and through to the living room. “Hi there.”
Shelia was exactly where she always seemed to be at night, sitting on her couch directly between stacks of books, takeout containers, and clothing. She was a bird of a woman, her black hair neatly pulled back into a low bun at the base of her neck and her skin pale. Her brown eyes were wide, and she blinked in a slow, deliberate manner that gave Marissa the impression she could see into her soul.
Every time Marissa saw her like this, she became unnerved. Shelia was crow-like, watching guard over her pile of treasures. Marissa tamped down on her impulse to turn and run, to grab her things and bolt so far away she’d never be found. Dear God, what kind of horrible human being did it make her that she wanted to flee? She took another step into the room, which was the farthest inside she’d ever dare go.
“Oh my.” Shelia got up and effortlessly moved around the stacks of boxes and papers, to stand in front of her. Her smile lit her entire face, and for the briefest of moments, she looked genuinely happy. “You look stunning. I hope the young man appreciated what he had.”
Shelia was clean, her clothing impeccable; a complete contrast to the landfill that comprised her home. Shelia reached out and ran her hand along her bare arm, reminding Marissa that she was a good, kind woman who did her best. Shelia had never been anything but kind and polite. She certainly didn’t deserve Marissa’s scorn.
Forcing down her negativity, Marissa smiled and prayed it looked genuine. “I hope so as well. He certainly appeared like he liked the dress.” She really didn’t know how thing were going to go between her and Vince. The entire evening felt as though she’d spent it in some weird third dimension.
“As it should be. Are you going to see him again?” Her brown eyes sparkled as she spoke, and her smile widened. “I know I don’t know you well, but I hate seeing such a pretty thing as you all alone.”
The smell of rotten food buried somewhere in the room made Marissa’s stomach turn. God, she knew hoarding was a mental condition, but she couldn’t figure out how someone like Shelia didn’t seem to notice things like that. “With any luck things will work out.”
“I’m sure they will.”
“I’m surprised you’re still up. It’s nearly one in the morning.”
The light in Shelia’s eyes dimmed slightly. “I had some paperwork to do for work.”
Marissa knew she had a job, something that paid well, but she didn’t for the life of her know what it was. “That sucks. There’s nothing worse than having to work this late at night.”
Nodding, Shelia moved over to a pile of papers by her desk and turned her back on Marissa. “I also wanted to try and get some of this sorted tonight. I had a friend at work mention an article that they wanted to read, and I know I have it here somewhere.”
If it was anyone else, Marissa would have offered to help look. “I’m sure you’ll be able to find it.”
“Eventually.” Shelia smiled. “I won’t keep you. I know you’re itching to get downstairs and out of that dress.”
She shouldn’t feel relief at being offered such an easy escape, but she did. “Thank you. I’ll talk to you later.”
Careful to avoid hitting one of the stacks on the way out, Marissa went as quickly as she could through the mess to the stairs that led to her small home. She never bothered to take her apartment keys with her when she went out. Shelia had a copy in case of emergencies and she hadn’t let her friends know where she lived, so no one would come looking for her here. Lifting the old boot that stood on one of the stairs, she scooped up her key, unlocked the door, and escaped inside.
The air was fresher down here, but not by much. The basement had that old musty smell that resulted from the distinct lack of sunshine and air. She’d brought her few remaining possessions from her old apartment and had managed to brighten up the place. Her Vinyl Pop collection of lady Ghostbusters, Star Wars, and the Avengers lined the mantel over the unused fireplace. Their bright colors stood in stark contrast to the dark faux-wood paneling. She’d rested her mounted posters against the wall where she’d wanted to hang them. It would feel more like home once she’d managed to get them up, even if it felt as though she were putting lipstick on a pig.
The main reason she’d agreed to the lease was the fact the bungalow was also a backsplit. Tossing her shoes by the door and her key on the small kitchen table, she marched over to the patio door and opened it up for the fresh air.
Marissa leaned against the frame and let the night air wash over her. The rush of traffic was practically nonexistent this time of night, letting her hear the chirping crickets somewhere in the distance. Their song helped ease some of the evening’s tension from her.
What the hell was she doing?
More importantly, what the hell was she going to do with an arrogant television star and millionaire who wanted to use her as a companion?
Sorry, multimillionaire. Practically a billionaire.
She snorted in the dark.
This wasn’t what she wanted from her life, to be used by another person for his own convenience. Yes, she would get money out of the arrangement, and thankfully there was no sex involved, but that was far beyond the point. She’d gone down this road with Andrew, had been used without being self-aware enough to clue in to the fact. After he’d left, trashing her life on the way out, she’d promised herself she’d never let that happen again. She was determined to fix this mess, and to do things on her own terms.
So why the hell was there a part of her that wanted nothing more than to crawl into Vince’s lap and have him take care of her? He was cold, practical to a fault and with a simple look had managed to irritate her. Yes, he probably was putting on as much of an act as she was, but that didn’t explain why despite how much he rubbed her the wrong way, she couldn’t help but be curious about him.
The last thing she needed was to fall in
love with a man who was far too much like Andrew for her liking. It was easy to look back on their relationship now, to see all the ways Andrew had been cocky and controlling. She’d also watched far too many episodes of Bull Rush to not be aware that Vince was every bit as controlling as Andrew.
And yet…
He’d given her a chance to back out. Given her a chance to try again, if that’s what she’d wanted. He had nothing to lose from making the offer of dinner, and she had everything to gain.
If she wasn’t misreading him and making a colossal mistake.
The weight of the world seemed to press down on her, her head falling forward. She’d been exhausted for weeks now, though it felt more like years. All she’d ever wanted was to be her own boss and have someone in her life who loved her unconditionally.
Given how much Vince had to lose himself, she suspected he wouldn’t do anything to intentionally hurt her. As he said, his reputation was his brand, and she had the potential to damage it. But this couldn’t be the only way to get herself out of this mess? Putting all her faith in a man was what had caused her problems to begin with. How was this any different?
No, she’d gotten into this mess on her own, and she’d damn well get herself out of it. There had to be some sort of debt consolidation she could explore, or a low interest bank loan. Hell, maybe she’d have to declare bankruptcy if she wanted this mess to go away. It was only seven years to recover her credit score. How bad could that really be?
Exhaustion hit her hard. As much as she wanted the air, she slid the patio door closed and dropped the security bar down. The last thing she needed was to have someone break into her place and try and steal something. Oh, the irony.
Stepping out of the dress, she hung it in plain sight as both a reminder and a warning. She’d agreed to a test date with Vince, but the more she thought about it, the more she knew it was a terrible idea. She’d go with him, enjoy the meal and then break things off. She’d have to tell Naomi at school that the sugar daddy thing didn’t work out for her. That would be an interesting conversation.
Sugar Sweet Page 5