CHAPTER THREE

RICHARD HALE POV

Twenty-five million dollars.

That was the number killing me, the number that had me pacing my room like a caged animal. A week to pay off Stone Inc., or my father’s company would be gone.

A week. Twenty-five million. Impossible.

I cursed, fists clenching. That selfish bastard can rot in hell. Did he really think I could just pull that kind of money out of thin air?

Before I could spiral further, my door burst open.

“Richard!”

Clara was Crying.

I rushed to her instantly, pulling her into my arms. My little sister is fierce sometimes, but mostly a crybaby. And when she cried like this, something was very, very wrong.

“What’s wrong?” My voice cracked with panic.

She shoved a letter into my hands, shaking like a leaf.

I read it once. Then again.

Shock hit me like ice water.

“We are more than willing to aid you in your debt with Stone Inc. Cross Incorporated will pay in full and take over the company. In exchange… for Clara Hale’s hand in marriage.”

“What the hell ” My blood boiled. How did Cross Inc. even know about our debt?

Clara sobbed against my chest. “This is the only way, Richard. If I marry him, the company survives.”

“No!” I gripped her shoulders, forcing her to look at me. “You love Ethan. You’re not marrying some stranger to pay a debt. I promised I’d walk you down the aisle and hand you to the man you love, and I will keep that promise.”

“But ”

“No buts. Forget this letter ever existed. Go out with Ethan. Let me handle it.”

Her tears slowed. She nodded. But when she left, she left the letter with me.

I stared at it, fury burning through my veins.

How dare he.

How dare Damien fucking Cross think he could trade my sister’s life for our company.

I called Gabriel, my driver.

“Prepare the car,” I snapped.

“Where to, sir?”

“Cross Inc.”

Let’s see how the bastard reacts when I show him exactly what I think of his little proposition.

By the time I stormed through Cross Inc. 's lobby, I was pure fire. The staff stared. Secretaries called after me. Nobody dared stop me.

“Sir, you can’t just ” a woman tried, but Adam blocked her path.

I shoved open the door to his office.

Four suited men looked up. But it was Damien who caught my eyes.

Damien Cross.

Perfect hair, perfect face, every inch the arrogant golden boy from the business magazines. If I weren’t already seething, I might have admitted he was gorgeous.

Instead, I thought, this is the bastard trying to ruin us.

“Claire, it’s fine,” Damien’s smooth baritone cut through the room. Even his voice was annoyingly perfect. “I know who he is.”

The men filed out, leaving just us. He gestured for me to sit. I stayed standing.

“Why do you want Hale Inns?” I demanded.

He smirked. “Expansion. You’re an opportunity.”

“And you don’t care who gets trampled?”

“I don’t think you understand. I’m doing you a favor.”

“By forcing my sister into marriage?”

“By saving your company from bankruptcy. The way I see it, win-win.”

“The way I see it, lose-lose.”

His grin widened. “You’re being impractical.”

“At least I have a soul.”

“Last I checked, a soul wasn’t required for a business license in New York.”

Cocky bastard.

“You’re not marrying my sister.”

“And why is that?”

“She already has a boyfriend. Unlike you, I care about her happiness.”

“You’re the kind of brother who puts feelings above business,” he shot back, eyes sharp.

“Damn right.”

Then he tilted his head. “What about you?”

“What about me?” I sneered.

“Word on the street is you’re gay.”

My throat tightened. He said it like it was fact, not a question.

I crossed my arms. “So what?”

His eyes glinted. He stood, came closer. Too close. Fingers tilted my chin up until I was forced to meet his gaze. My heart hammered.

“Marry me,” he said.

I froze. “Are you insane?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?” His voice dropped, smooth as silk, dangerous as sin.

“You’re not marrying Clara and you’re definitely not marrying me.”

He smirked. “Funny. The other part of you disagrees.”

And before I could process, his hand brushed my crotch. I gasped, heat flooding through me, shame burning my face.

“See?” His lips ghosted my ear. “I want you. And I know you want me too.”

“Y-you’re insane,” I stuttered, backing up.

“Maybe.” He straightened, smug as ever. “But I’m your only way out. My uncle is Andrew Stone. I pay the debt, I take over, and you marry me. Or your company dies.”

My head spun. Rage. Panic. Desire I didn’t want.

“Give me time,” I muttered.

His brows rose. “Time?”

“I need to think about it.”

For a moment, surprise flickered across his face. Then he grinned. “One day.”

“More.”

“I’ll extend it on one condition.”

“What now?” I snapped.

“A kiss.”

Before I could curse him out, he yanked me forward, lips crashing into mine.

And God help me, I kissed him back.

Heat. Tongues. Fire in my veins. I clutched his neck before sanity returned and I shoved away, gasping.

“I knew you wanted me,” he said smugly.

“Don’t flatter yourself.” My face burned.

He chuckled, brushing a kiss against my neck. “Three days. Spend them wisely.”

I forced myself to turn away, ignoring the pounding of my heart, ignoring the heat still lingering on my lips.

“I’ll give you my answer then,” I said, storming out.

Behind me, his laugh echoed.

“Oh, I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other.” I heard him chuckle as I finally left his office.