Broken Beast

"Yes, Mr. Bellamy will be joining. Thanks Louis. Can I call you Louie?" Remy asks.

"I hope you do." He smiles at Remy, but I can't tell if it's flirting or friendliness.

Remy takes it as flirting, of course. "As long as you call me Remy. And not Mr. Bellamy."

"Mr. Bellamy has a nice ring to it," Louis says. "But whatever you'd like, Remy."

Yes, flirting.

Definitely flirting.

Is my brother getting more sex out of this than I am?

"Can you tell me about this mysterious agreement?" Remy asks.

"I'm afraid I've signed an NDA," Louis says.

"If I ask nicely?"

Louis shakes his head.

"What if I get on my knees and beg," Remy says.

"Then you're uninvited," I say.

"She's so mean. Can you believe that?" Remy teases. "Keeping her mysterious rich boyfriend a secret. Then she turns it around on me. Do you have a sister?"

"Three," Louis says.

"So you know the pain," Remy says.

"They can be difficult. But they mean well." He looks to me. "And I know the three of them would do anything to protect me."

"Damn, he's just like you, Danny. Makes everything sentimental." Remy shakes his head what a shame. "Do you need a minute? I can entertain my new friend."

"How will you do that?" he flirts back.

"Five minutes. Be good. Please," I say.

He smiles maybe I will, maybe I won't.

He really does live to torture me.

I pee, wash my hands, brush my teeth, find a suitable pair of socks and boots. My hair is a little messy, but it's not a total travesty. And I suppose makeup free is the best for trying on clothes. I don't want to accidentally stain a several-thousand-dollar gown.

There.

I meet Remy at the door, grab my coat and purse, follow Louis down the stairs.

Louis keeps my brother engaged as we climb into the back seat, drive to midtown, stop in front of a skyscraper.

He insists Remy stay in the car with him. "We'll grab another cup of coffee. Talk about your sister's taste in art."

Remy jumps at the opportunity to flirt, but he still hugs me goodbye and whispers, "Are you sure you'll be okay alone?"

"Yes." I leave before he can ask questions I can't answer with confidence.

I don't know if I'm making the smart choice. I don't know who Adam is or what he wants.

I take the elevator to the office myself. Spend half an hour with my lawyer. One from a different firm. To look after my interests.

She explains the details of the contract.

My year at Adam Pierce's beck and call starts the minute I sign. For three hundred sixty-five days, I do what he asks, whether it's staying in the mansion, in my private bedroom, traveling halfway across the world, or donning a tight dress and charming rich assholes.

In public, we present as a loving couple. He'll never ask me to do more than kiss him. Not as part of our ruse.

In exchange, I earn seven-figures, plus Remy's scholarship and the rest of the mortgage.

A year of my life for a million dollars.

A year of my life to secure my brother's and my future.

There's no question.

This is the right choice.

I sign on the dotted line.

Chapter Seven

Danielle

The department store is all glass walls, wide aisles, expensive clothes.

A place for stylish rich people.

"Oh, let me pick something!" Remy squeals as he takes in the display of women's clothes on our right. Three mannequins, in fabulous suits: simple black, bright pink, subtle metallic leaf print.

"You're not dressing me." I scan the massive space for something more my style. Professional, yes, but more artist than CEO.

"I dress with more intention than you do." He motions to his jeans. His chunky grey sweater. His long bangs.

Yes, Remy's hair is more well-managed than mine.

But he dresses like a hipster artist. He's a Brooklyn-based game designer. It works for him.

For my new role as Mrs. Adam Pierce?

Not so much.

He turns to Louis for support. "What do you think? Who dresses better?"

Louis smiles, somehow charming both of us. "I'm afraid I'm not the stylish type." He motions to his simple black suit. "I wear the same thing every day."

"I'm an actual artist," I say.

"Maybe behind the camera." Remy takes in my outfit with his now critical eye. He examines my faded wool coat and shakes his head.

Louis nods. "Let me take that for you, Ms. Bellamy."

"Thanks."

He helps me out of my coat. "And you too, Mr. Bellamy?"

"I'm good." Remy smiles.

Louis drapes my coat over his arm and turns toward a tall brunette in a sharp pantsuit and expensive heels.

"Mr. Diaz." She smiles and holds out her hand. "How lovely to see you. How is Mr. Pierce?"

He shakes. "Not that Mr. Pierce."

"Oh?" She arches a brow.

"Adam," he says.

"I didn't realize he was attending social occasions." She turns to Remy and me. "He needs help with his… friends."

"Only Ms. Bellamy," Louis says. "She's going to be accompanying him."