The Billionaire's Ruthless Contract Bride

The message blinked on my screen before sunrise: Exclusive interview chance WestCorp recovery story. Confidential. Meet at The Ivy Lounge, noon. L.C.

My stomach tightened. Only one person signed those letters.

When Julian came out of the shower, still towel-damp, he caught the look on my face. "What is it?"

"Nothing," I said too quickly, shoving the phone under a pillow.

"Don't lie to me." His voice was already hard.

"I just got an email."

"From who?"

"An editor. They want to hear my side of the story about my father."

His eyes darkened. "There is no 'your side.' There's only damage control. Delete it."

"I'm tired of hiding."

"You're not ready for what they'll twist."

"I can handle it."

He stepped closer, dripping water on the carpet, mouth like steel. "Who sent it?"

"Leo Calder," I whispered.

He froze. "He's not a journalist. He's my rival. He wants to use you."

"Maybe I want to be used," I shot back.

He flinched but recovered. "You don't know what he's capable of."

"I know what you're capable of," I said, pulling free. "And it scares me more."

His hands dropped. "Don't go."

"Then give me a reason to stay."

For a heartbeat he said nothing, then turned away. "Do what you want. But remember, Calder plays with knives."

The Ivy Lounge smelled of polished wood and fine traps. Leo Calder rose from a table in the corner, smiling white as a blade.

"I'm glad you came, Mrs. West," he said, pulling out a chair. "Or should I call you Aria?"

I stayed standing. "Make it quick."

He poured wine anyway. "I have information that can clear your father. Records. Bank payments. Witness statements. But I need something in return."

"I'm not here to bargain."

"Oh, but you are." He leaned closer, voice a satin threat. "Julian has enemies. You're my key to his vault."

"You're insane," I whispered.

"Am I? Or are you?" His smile widened. "Tell me what you know about his takeover plans. In exchange, I give you your father back."

My hands shook. "Why me?"

"Because you're already looking for a way out," he said softly. "I saw it in your eyes the night of the gala."

I swallowed hard. "I'm leaving."

He stopped the booth. "Sit down. Or the press gets everything. Unfiltered."

I grabbed my bag. "Move."

"Don't be foolish." He caught my wrist lightly. "We could help each other."

I twisted free. "Stay away from me."

Security guards at the bar watched but didn't act. I pushed through the door into bright sunshine, my heart racing.

Julian was waiting at the top before I even reached the lift. He must have tracked my phone.

"Where were you?" His voice was low and dangerous.

"Out," I said, brushing past.

He caught my arm, turning me to face him. "With Calder?"

I didn't answer.

"What did he say?"

"That you're a monster," I snapped. "And maybe he's right."

He went still, eyes narrowing. "What else?"

"That he can clear my father's name."

His grip stiffened then relaxed, like he was afraid he might break me. "And you believed him?"

"I want to believe someone."

"I told you not to go."

"You don't own me," I hissed.

His jaw moved. "No. But I'll protect you whether you like it or not."

"By locking me up?"

"By keeping Calder from destroying you."

"I can destroy myself just fine."

He stared at me, something like pain flashing behind the rage. "Why do you always run to the people who'll hurt you?"

"Because the person who's supposed to keep me safe terrifies me."

His eyes closed as if my words were a blade. "I terrify myself too," he said softly.

For a moment neither of us moved. The city roared outside the windows, a storm building.

"I don't want to be your enemy," I whispered.

"Then stop giving our enemies weapons," he said.

"Maybe tell me the truth, and I won't."

He opened his mouth, but the door buzzer cut him off. A messenger stood there with a flat black letter addressed to him. No return address.

Julian ripped it open. Inside was a single plastic box. He slid it out, flipped it open and froze.

"What is it?" I asked.

He didn't answer, just stared at the contents.

"Julian?" My voice shook.

He turned the folder toward me. Inside, clipped nicely, was an ultrasound report with my name on it and a date from yesterday.

My knees almost gave out. "How"

"Who took this?" His voice was a rasp now, equal parts rage and doubt.

"II don't know."

"Someone hacked your phone. Someone was at that clinic."

I backed away. "It's not what you think."

His eyes lifted to mine, storm and fire whirling together. "Then tell me what it is."

My mouth opened but no words came.

"Who sent this?" he demanded.

The envelope lay on the floor, empty except for a single business card tucked in the flap. He picked it up, read the name, and his face went white.

He looked back at me, voice shaking. "Why is Cassandra sending me your secrets?"

The room tilted. My pulse roared in my ears.

He stepped closer, holding the ultrasound between us like proof. "How long have you been lying to me?"

I couldn't breathe. The secret I'd been holding felt suddenly open, dangerous. "I didn't"

"Answer me!" he snapped, the paper shaking in his hand.

Tears blurred my view. "I was going to tell you."

"When?" His voice cracked. "After Calder had you? After you ran?"

"I don't belong to anyone!" I shouted. "Not him, not you!"

He stared at me, shocked, chest rising and falling like a man on the edge of war.

The ultrasound slipped from his fingers, falling face-up on the marble floor. Two faint shapes in the black-and-white picture stared back at us like charges.

His whisper was almost inaudible. "Two heartbeats?"

My hands covered my stomach. I took a step back. "Please don't"

His eyes lifted, raw and wild. "Who else knows?"

I paused.

"Aria," he said, voice low and dangerous. "Who else knows about this?"

My phone buzzed on the counter. A new message appeared from an unknown number: He'll never protect you. Choose before it's too late.

Julian saw it flash. His jaw tightened. "They're already coming for you."

He picked up the ultrasound again, eyes burning. "And for them."

I hugged myself, shaking. "What are you going to do?"

He looked at me, face unreadable. "Whatever it takes."

Another buzz. Same number. This time a picture: the clinic, its sign circled in red, and the words Next time, we won't miss.

Julian's hand closed around his phone like a weapon. He whispered one word I'd never heard from him before a name that made my stomach drop.

I backed toward the door. "Who sent that?"

He raised his head slowly, eyes like fire. "Someone who just declared war on us."