Madison scoffed. “It’s also the craziest solution.”

Yvonne held up her hands. “It’s already done, Madison. And now that I’ve told you, you can’t tell anyone else. The conditions of my inheritance are clear—my marriage must be genuine for me to be able to claim the money. No one can know that our marriage is a sham.”

“You want me to lie for you?”

“Of course not.” Yvonne would need to find a witness to attest to the authenticity of marriage to Ruby, but she couldn’t ask Madison to do it. She’d find someone else. “All I’m asking is that you keep this to yourself. Madison, you know I wouldn’t ask if this wasn’t important.”

“You’re right.” Madison sighed. “I won’t say anything. But this is so extreme. Are you sure you’re not in any trouble?”

“I’m fine.” Yvonne paused. “The truth is, this isn’t just about investments. I want to use some of the money to help someone. Nita.”

“Ah. I understand. Say no more.”

“So you won’t tell anyone?”

“I won’t tell a soul,” Madison said. “I can’t say I approve, but you have my word that I’ll keep your secret.”

“Thank you. I mean it.”

“So.” Madison crossed her arms. “Who is the poor woman you roped into your scheme? Her name is Ruby?”

“Yes. She’s an escort. We met at the hotel bar on Saturday night. And trust me, I’m not exploiting her. She’s getting several million out of it. It’s purely a business arrangement.”

Madison smirked. “I’m sure it is.”

“I’m serious. We’re not even having sex.”

“And why not?”

“I don’t want things to get complicated.”

Besides, Yvonne had certain needs when it came to the women she took into her bed. What she required, what she demanded, of her lovers went far beyond just sex. She needed a woman who was willing to surrender herself to Yvonne completely. Ruby wasn’t that woman. Although it was clear that she was far from innocent, it was unlikely she could handle Yvonne’s twisted tastes. They weren’t for the faint of heart.

Madison didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t press any further. “Does this mean you need a plus one for the wedding?”

Yvonne hadn’t even thought about that yet. Madison’s wedding was still a couple of months away. “It will look odd if I don’t take Ruby with me. I’ll speak to her about it.”

“Let me know. It shouldn’t be any trouble to squeeze her in. I’ll talk to Blair about it.” Madison smiled. “She’ll be excited to hear you’ve coupled up. We’ll have to have you and Ruby over for dinner sometime.”

Yvonne rolled her eyes and changed the subject to something work-related. However, the others would be here soon, and she’d need to tell them about Ruby. Fortunately, she wasn’t quite as close to them as Madison, so they’d be far easier to lie to.

What was Ruby up to right now? Yvonne had told her to make herself at home, but she couldn’t imagine Ruby doing that. In the short time they’d known each other, Yvonne had gotten the impression that Ruby would simply do whatever she thought would please Yvonne.