Fame or Revenge.

Olivia

I tap my fingers nervously on the bar table. This feels like the wrong place to have such an important discussion but I couldn't think of anywhere else. He's still a stranger and I can't have him in my house just yet. What was I thinking asking him to marry me?

I'm damn sure I wasn't thinking at all.

I cringe as I replay the scene in my head. Those words sounded desperate. I needed to prove Asher wrong and he was my only option. Meeting the stranger again at Asher's office was the only good thing that came out of that drama. I didn't expect his call after I handed him a piece of paper I had written my number. The look on Asher's face was everything I wanted. Jealousy- anger. I enjoyed every bit of it as I watched him burn with rage. But I want more. Revenge for cheating on me. And this stranger looks like the perfect plan. He's hot and gives great sex. I'll finally give my dad his wish while getting my revenge on Asher.

I wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans as I see him approach my table. He looks different from earlier today in a casual sweatshirt and pants.

"Hi," I say as he settles on the stool in front of me.

"Hi."

His eyes watch me cautiously. He must think I'm crazy. Maybe I am.

"Well, thank you for coming."

"How could I ignore the lady that begged me to marry her?"

A smirk plays on his lips.

I let out a scoff.

"I didn't beg you. I only asked you to," I say with disgust. Maybe this was a big mistake.

"Didn't look like it," he retorted. He lets out a laugh. It's infuriating.

"I should have known this was a stupid mistake." I try to stand to my feet but he stops me. His fingers holding my arm.

"Wait."

"Why? This is some kind of joke to you."

I feel stupid and pissed. But mostly pissed.

"I'm sorry, okay? Please stay."

His eyes soften just like his grip on my arm.

"I don't have time for games," I say as I lower myself back on the stool.

"I'm not trying to play any," he replies.

I dragged my gaze away from his. The bar was getting fuller now. I need to be done with this quick before it gets too noisy to have a conversation in.

"So what is it with you and you-know-who?" he broke the momentary silence.

"None of your business."

I return my gaze to him with my face firm.

"Then why am I here?"

"I need your-"

I stop mid-sentence and swallow a hard gulp. Already hate how desperate it sounds.

"I need your help."

"To marry you?" the stranger asks.

"To get revenge on that piece of shit," I snap. Marriage sounds so serious.

"Why should I? You've already put me in a bad position with the business deal we had going on before you walked in."

He slides my glass of coke to himself and takes a sip. I have no idea how he made that look hot. But it did. And made my core throb.

"You can leave if you don't want to."

I keep my eyes locked on his. He stares back in silence like it's a staring contest. It makes me nervous for a second.

Then he sighs out loud.

"What do I get in return if I agree to this?"

He leans forward and folds his arm on the table. I do the same.

"What do you want?"

I know how this works. It's a business my father has always wanted me to be involved in. Nothing ever comes free.

"Everything. Everything you know about him."