A year. That was a long time. But one million dollars was so much money. There were so many things Ruby could do with it. If she was smart, she could set herself up for life.

“What do you want in exchange?” she asked

“For you to be my wife,” Yvonne replied. “At least, to outside eyes. In order to claim my inheritance, I need to have a witness to the fact that our relationship is genuine, so we’ll need to convince the world that we’re a real married couple. You’ll come live with me, in my apartment. For the majority of the time, you’ll be free to do as you please. Your life will be your own.” Yvonne crossed one slender leg over the other. “But when I need you by my side, as my wife, you’ll be mine.”

A thrill whispered through Ruby’s body. “I don’t know.”

“I’d give you time to decide, but unfortunately, time isn’t something I have to spare right now. I fly out of Vegas tonight. You have until 4 p.m. this afternoon to think about it.”

It was already almost midday. That wasn’t enough time to make such a big decision.

Wait, am I seriously considering this?

“In the meantime,” Yvonne continued. “I’ll fill out the annulment paperwork. If you decide you want to go through with the annulment, I’ll submit it. But if you want to take up my offer, we’ll remain married, and you’ll fly home with me.”

Ruby nodded. She was so overwhelmed that it was all she could do.

Yvonne rose from the bed, smoothing down her dress. “I have to go meet my friends for lunch. Keep the room for the rest of the day. Order room service, do whatever you like.” Yvonne locked her gaze on Ruby. “Consider it a taste of what lies ahead if you agree to our arrangement.”

Ruby’s breath caught in her chest. Yvonne’s look had that effect on her. And it made her want to say yes.

“I’ll see you this afternoon, at the bar where we met,” Yvonne said. “You do remember where we met, don’t you?”

Ruby nodded.

“Good.” Yvonne paused. “For the record, I spent the night on the couch. We did not sleep together.”

With that, she turned and left the room.

Ruby wandered over to the bed in a daze and lay down. Her head was swimming from both the hangover and Yvonne’s offer. One million dollars? A year, married to a stranger, and an incredibly sexy one at that?

She glanced at the ring on her finger. Why was she hesitating? She desperately needed the money. Her credit cards were maxed out, and it was only a matter of time before she went home to find an eviction notice on her door. It should have been a no-brainer. She’d done jobs like this before, jobs that were long-term and exclusive. But the last time she’d done that kind of gig, her client had turned into something more. They’d started a relationship.