Chapter 1: The Price of Rescue
The marble floor of Jasper Finch's penthouse felt as cold and unforgiving as the city's judgment. Tabitha's stilettos clicked a nervous rhythm against it as she walked toward him. He stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, a silhouette against the glittering Manhattan skyline. Champagne fizzed in a flute in his hand. He looked every inch the self-made billionaire, power radiating from him like heat.
"Tabitha," he said, his voice a low purr that sent a shiver down her spine despite herself. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't come."
"I almost didn't," she admitted, accepting the offered glass. The champagne tasted like desperation and regret. She took a too-large gulp. "Let's just get this over with, Jasper. I'm not sure how much longer I can stomach this."
His smile didn't reach his eyes. "Always so direct. I admire that about you, Tabitha. Though, I suspect that 'directness' is part of what landed you in this mess."
She bristled, her grip tightening on the glass. He was enjoying this, the bastard. Enjoying her humiliation. "Get to the point, Jasper."
He swirled the champagne in his glass, the city lights dancing in its depths. "I have a proposition for you, Tabitha. A way for you to reclaim your reputation, to silence the whispers, to rebuild your life. All it requires is… a temporary arrangement."
She knew it. Knew there would be a catch. "What kind of 'arrangement'?"
He stepped closer, the scent of his expensive cologne filling her senses. "A public one. A very public one. We become… involved. Seen together. A whirlwind romance. I rescue you, Tabitha. I make you untouchable again." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "In exchange, you play the part of my devoted… companion. For one year."
One year. Playing a role. Could she do it? Could she stomach being seen as Jasper Finch's arm candy, even if it meant salvaging what was left of her life? The idea was repulsive, yet… the alternative was bleak. And there was something else, a flicker of… something… when he looked at her. A dangerous spark she hadn't felt in years. Tabitha met his gaze, a mix of disgust and something akin to… intrigue swirling within her. Just how much of herself was she willing to sacrifice?