Anna's point of view
His gaze didn't waver, and a muscle bunched at the edge of his jaw. "I have a suggestion. Once he had no hesitation in doing…having decided with split-second decisiveness.
I stilled, and my glare became tinged with wariness. I'm not sure if I want to hear it.
I was hardly aware of being maneuvered down into my seat until Eric released my wrist and resumed his position.
"I'll settle your debts.
The wariness increased. "You just have me a categorical no. "Or accepting a transfer of Cressida's annuity.
Why did I suddenly have the icy chill feathering the length of my spine?
"As it stands, the future of the Alexander Conglomerate is at risk. Your bequeathed half-share is projected into the best generation via the issue of your children.
While mine, should I not relocate to Sydney and assume directorship, will disappear entirely." His gaze seared my own.
"Not something, I think you'll agree, Michael intended for his billion-dollar conglomerate?
I knew Micheal had accumulated immense wealth….but that much?
Only a fool would allow an investment of that size to slip through our fingers. And Eric was no fool.
"So you'll base yourself in Sydney. It wasn't a question, but a statement of fact.
"I'll honor my father's wishes, he informed me silkily, pausing as the waiter removed their plates and intimidated their main course would soon be served.
"A stable consolidated is essential for the future of the conglomerate, don't you agree?
There could be only one answer.
"Yes,
He was playing a delicate game, one that required verbal skill and the power of persuasion. Something he was particularly noted for in the business arena, together with his ruthless ability to win against incredible odds.
Micheal's will had set out a deliberate plan in an attempt to achieve in death what he hadn't been able to bring to fruition during his lifetime.
Eric observed my expressive features, divining the wariness evident, the faint curiosity….and closed in for the kill.
"I'll ensure the funds you require are transferred into your bank account within twenty-four hours.
My relief was palpable as the horrendous weight of my liability to the loan shark was seen to disappear, and my voice shook a little.
"Thank you.
"Together with an equal amount to ensure any outstanding bills are paid, any temporary reduction in your staff's wages is reimbursed.
The waiter delivered their main course. I didn't speak until he was out of earshot.
"You're being unbelievably generous. An instinctive wariness began to unfold, together with suspicion.
"I'll clear the restaurant's mortgage-debt, and cover all necessary refurbishment.
There had to be a catch. A price I have to pay.
How many possibilities were there? Too few, I acknowledged silently, and in reality, only one.
Yet I had to ask. In return for what?
One dark eyebrow slanted, and his voice held an edge of mockery. "Occupying my home, my bed.
My eyes blazed blue fire. "As your mistress?
He sounded mildly amused, and at that moment I truly hated him.
"Then…..what? I demanded.
"My wife.
For a moment, I lost the power of speech, and I felt the blood drain from my cheeks.
"If this is a joke, I began shakily, it's in very bad taste.
Eric observed me in silence, noting the way my eyes dilated and became dark, my slightly parted mouth as I unconsciously held my breath.
"You can't be serious? I managed at last. The concept was ludicrous. Beyond belief. Impossible.
Very serious, Eric assured me solemnly.
Why? It was a strangled, heart-wrenching cry from the depths of her soul.
"Children.
It took a few seconds for me to get it, and even then Eric chose to spell it out.
"Our equal shares in the Alexander Conglomerate are signed in trust to the issue of children from your marriage, and from my own.
Something which will create complex difficulties, and ultimately cause the conglomerate to disintegrate in the next generation.
He waited a beat as his gaze speared my own. It won't happen if you and I wed each other and the children stipulated in Micheal' will issue scum out marriage.
"You're offering me a business deal that will tie up a few loose ends and keep everything in the family? I deacted with deceptive quietness.
"Does that bother you?
The thought of being a "loose end" didn't sit well.
"Yes, damn it! She took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. Aiming to be cool, calm, and collected proved difficult when there was an internal battle going on.
"You're proposing a convenient marriage? I was on a roll. What will it entail…?
Sharing a home, a partnership in bed and out of it. A generous allowance. He lifted a shoulder in a negligible shrug. "An enviable lifestyle. Children, eventually, God willing. He paused fractionally. "Is that sufficiently specific?
He was still. Too still, like a predator waiting to pounce.
"And, if I refuse, you'll withdraw your offer to transfer funds. My voice shook with the effort it cost me to speak.
"Yes.
I picked up my water goblet and barely restrained the urge to throw the contents in his face.
For a few timeless seconds, my eyes blazed with anger as they collided with his, and it took all my control to restore the goblet onto the table.
"A wife bought and paid for.
His expression hardened a little at my summation, and his gray eyes assumed the color of dark slate.
A silent war rose to the fore, and I battled against the unbearable need to hit him.
It didn't help that he knew.
Don't discount the off, Anna, Eric warned and dangerous silliness. You have no other option.
Wasn't that the truth? Yet the fact rankled unbearable.
"You expect me to meekly comply?
Meek and I didn't feature on the same page, he mused idly.
The smitten teenager of ten years ago had grown in spirit and attitude to become the fiercely independent young woman seated opposite him today.
Who, despite being down and almost out, could still attempt to battle with him.
Eric leaned back in his chair. "The choice is yours.
Some choice.
A deal with the Devil…or the Devil to pay.
It was no contest.
"If…if I agree, I continued in a voice stiff with latent anger. When do you envisage the marriage taking place?
"As soon as it can be arranged, by special license.
That soon.
"Provide me with all the relevant paperwork involved in your debts, and I'll take care of it.
"When? It sounded so mercenary, but she was past caring.
"The funds you so urgently need will be available in your bank tomorrow. The balance is authorized immediately after our signatures appear on the marriage certificate.
This is business, I reminded myself bitterly, with no sentiment or trust where money was involved.
However, it ranked…badly. My chin lifted a little and my eyes assumed a deep sapphire blue.
"I want to continue running my restaurant. It was my pride and joy…more. And I refuse to give up.
Eric's expression hardened. 'You can retain the restaurant as an investment, he allowed equably. But your continued involvement will be minimal.
I suddenly had trouble regulating my breathing.
'Excuse me?
'You heard.
No quarter was given to those obdurate words, and she barely resisted the temptation to tell him exactly what he could do with his proposal.