the strange man sitting beside her. Lucas Reed, the beggar she had just bargained with. She had be

e didn't seem desperate. He didn't seem grateful. And he certainly didn't seem like someone who would fall into line so easily. His cold demeanor, the quiet intensity

her from her thoughts. She glanced at it qu

ne already clipped. "Yes, I'm on

s always. "Good. Don't waste time. We need this finalized. I'm

reminders. She was well aware of the urgency. She needed a son. And she had the means to get what she want

ion building in her chest. "We're going to my office to draw up th

way. He simply stared out th

situation, but something about his silence was unnerving. It was

mixture of excitement and fear. She had made the deal. She had him. But now that they were on th

ing, Madia leading the way with Lu

ded to the top floor. Madia had always been in control. Always had a plan. But as the el

aside. Doubt ha

dows offered a breathtaking view of the city below, but Madia wasn't concerned with the view.

flicked briefly to the luxurious surroundings, but he said nothing. She felt a strange discomfort at

asn't like

equested. Madia glanced at her, giving a slight nod before turning he

that child is born, you're free to go. No obligations. In exchange, I'll provide you with enough money to live comfortably f

he studied the contract with an intensity that unse

d so badly?" Lucas fina

ers resting on the ed

family with him, but that dream had been torn away in an instant. She had spent months wallowing in grie

s. "Someone to carry on the family name. Someone to take ov

ked to the contract again, and she felt the need to hurry. The long

not?" she asked, her voice

yes still on the contract. "B

ed an eyeb

said, his voice still calm, "what'

the question, but hearing it out loud, from his

id quickly, "a child

were locked in some kind of silent battle between two people trying to control the other. It wa

name at the bottom of the contract. "There. It's done.

pen. Instead, he studied her for a long, un

of the pen on paper echoed in her ears.

. something else. Something she couldn't quite name. As Lucas stood up, preparing to

didn't matter. She had gotten

t time, and his lips curled

laced with an undertone she couldn't ignore. "Because this isn't just

rm, and for a moment, Madia's confi

said, her voice st

ke the feeling that Lucas wasn't just another pawn