CHAPTER 5 — TERMS AND CONDITIONS

(MARIANNA'S POV) 

"I need a bodyguard," I said, stirring my coffee absently as Sandra scrolled through her phone across the breakfast table. 

Her head snapped up, perfectly shaped eyebrows arching high. "A what? Why would you possibly need protection?"

I glanced around the breakfast cafe, lowering my voice despite the relative privacy of our corner booth. "It's Vin."

Sandra leaned forward, her black bob swinging with the movement. "What about him?"

I remembered I haven't told Sandra about that accident and I didn't plan to, it was embarrassing but who knew it would come to that. 

Sandra noticed I was quiet and leaned back 

"So..." Sandra broke the silence, eyes fixed on her breakfast. "Where exactly did you sleep thaty night? I came back to the room around two, and your bed was empty."

I hesitated, heat creeping up my neck. "I was with someone” 

“Is that stranger named Vin?" she grinned

Her grip tightened on her fork, waiting for my response.

I looked up at her wondering how she knew

“How did you—?” 

"I knew it! I recognized that look when you walked in this morning." She swept her short locks behind her ear, grinning. She wanted to hear what I have to say about that. 

"How was it? The man looks like he could satisfy a monastery."

"I don't remember," I admitted, the words bitter on my tongue.

Sandra nearly choked on her coffee. "What do you mean you don't remember? Were you that drunk?"

"No.” I bit my lips “Yes. I don't know” 

We both groaned with Sandra's lips on the edge of her coffee cup, muffling words I couldn't hear. 

I went on “I remembered going to bed, hearing the door closed. Then...nothing until I woke up with him on the bed this morning."

Her playful demeanor vanished instantly. "Marianna, that's serious. Do you think he—"

"I don't know what to think anymore. My head's been foggy since yesterday." I pressed my fingers against my temples. "I need answers before anything else happens."

Sandra fell silent for several minutes. "Well," she finally said, her voice attempting lightness, "disappointing that you can't remember what must have been an incredible night. From what I saw of that man, he's not one you forget easily."

I recognized her attempt to defuse my anxiety with humor. It was what made Sandra my closest friend, her ability to balance seriousness with levity.

“So what next?” she asked 

"I overheard what he said in his office." My hands trembled slightly as I recalled the scene. "The door was ajar and he was on the phone."

"And?" Sandra prompted, her earlier playfulness evaporating.

"He said, and I quote, 'If she proves difficult, we'll have to take more permanent measures." I swallowed hard

Sandra's face was drained of color. "That doesn't sound like the man I met that night and before that. He seemed charming."

"That's what makes him dangerous." I grabbed her hand. "You need to help me find security. Professional protection."

She nodded slowly. "I know a company. Top-tier, discreet. They handle executive protection for half the Fortune 500."

"Take me there. Now."

Sandra's car weaved through traffic as I stared out the window, thoughts racing faster than the scenery blurring past. In a few minutes, we made it to the building. 

"We're here," she announced, pulling into an underground garage beneath an unmarked building. "Elite Shield Security. They're not cheap, but they're the best."

“I'm not complaining” 

As we stepped from the car, the gravity of my situation settled over me like a shroud. Whatever was happening, whether what I heard from Vin or any other threats, I needed protection until I could unravel the truth.

I straightened my shoulders and followed Sandra into the building, determination replacing fear. I needed to protect myself first before I end up losing this second chance to a man I barely knew.

A receptionist with a military posture led us through a maze of corridors to a conference room where a man in an impeccable suit awaited.

"Ms. Kingwicke, Ms. Salton," he greeted us with a firm handshake. "Samuel Norwood, Executive Protection Division. How can we assist you?"

I explained everything to him and he nodded, tapping something into his tablet. 

"I have someone in mind. Alec Reeves. Former special forces, five years with diplomatic security. He specializes in executive protection for high-profile women in business."

I scanned the details, relief flooding through me. "Perfect."

We spent the next forty minutes finalizing paperwork and protocols. By the time we left, a weight had lifted from my shoulders.

"Feel better?" Sandra asked as we stepped into the elevator.

"Much," I admitted, checking my watch. "I should get back to the office."

We returned and went our separate ways. I walked toward my office and froze when I saw who was waiting inside.

Vin lounged in my chair, long legs stretched out, examining a photo frame from my desk. He looked up as I entered, dark eyes unreadable but somehow amused.

"There you are," he said, his voice a smooth baritone that sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. "Your secretary said you'd only be gone a short while."

I remained in the doorway, hand still on the knob. "What are you doing here?"

He set down the frame and stood. Even across the room, his presence was overwhelming.

"My assistant mentioned you came by my office earlier, then left without explanation." He stepped around my desk, closing half the distance between us. "I was curious what was so important that you'd come personally, yet not important enough to wait."

Before I could respond, he reached into his jacket and withdrew a thick document bound in leather. "Since you're here now, we can discuss this."

He laid the document on my desk. Bold text across the top read "PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT."

My heart stuttered. "Prenuptial?"

"For our marriage," he said, as casually as if discussing lunch plans. "Since the arrangement involves both our families’ interests, I thought we should have our own private terms as well."

I stared at him, struggling to mask my shock.

"You look surprised," he observed, eyes narrowing slightly. "Second thoughts already?"

I recovered quickly, years of boardroom battles teaching me how to hide my emotions. 

"Just surprised you brought this here rather than having lawyers handle it."

"Some matters are too personal for lawyers." His smile didn't reach his eyes. "Page six contains the more intimate arrangements."

With trembling fingers disguised as impatience, I flipped through the document. Page six detailed everything from required public appearances together to, I swallowed hard, bedroom expectations. My face burned as I read terms that essentially treated me as property.

"These clauses are unacceptable," I said, pointing to three separate items. "I won't agree to being at your beck and call, nor to these...intimate requirements."

Vin didn't seem offended. Instead, he handed me an expensive fountain pen. "Then amend them. What would you prefer?"

I set the pen down. "I'll need time to review everything properly."

"Of course." He nodded, seemingly pleased by my response. "You have until tomorrow. We'll need the agreement finalized before we obtain the marriage certificate."

"Tomorrow?" I echoed, panic rising.

"As agreed," he said smoothly. "The merger depends on the timely completion of our union." He leaned closer, his cologne enveloping me. "Don't look so worried, Marianna. This is a business arrangement, though I promise the benefits will be mutual."

His hand brushed mine as he pushed the document closer. "Until tomorrow, then."

I watched him leave, mind spinning. 

I had many thoughts running through my mind, different escape options popping up as I calculated risks they entail

I could run. Change my name. Disappear.

"Marianna." My grandfather's gravelly voice jolted me back. "You haven't touched your risotto."

I glanced up at him "Just distracted," 

His eyes studied me carefully. "Having second thoughts about Vincent?"

"The marriage makes me uncomfortable," I admitted. "Something feels wrong."

He leaned forward. "They aren't people you want as enemies. They've worked hard to legitimize their business, but old habits die hard."

"You mean...?"

"Vincent's father didn't build his empire by playing nice." Grandfather tapped the table thoughtfully. "But they honor their word. Always have."

"What are you suggesting?"

"Make a deal, one that protects you. They respect clear boundaries. You'll fare better negotiating than running." His expression grew distant.

"So draft a counteroffer?"

"Precisely." He kissed the top of my head. "You're a Kingwicke. Act like one."

I went back to my room to thoroughly go through his terms. If I was going to marry a monster, I needed to safeguard myself

My phone chimed from an unknown number.

“Watch your back”

I dropped the phone, suddenly aware of how exposed I was. Drawing the curtains quickly, I caught movement in the building across the street. A shadow, there and gone.

With trembling hands, I called Alec Reeves. My security couldn't wait until morning.

Someone was watching. And wanted me to know it.