Prologue
Prologue
“To what ends will Lena climb to get revenge against her late sister’s boyfriend? Marrying him is only the beginning.”
It’s no news to Lena that the man she ‘married in contract’ is an evil bastard, a notorious playboy; even worse, Dimitri Belcroft is the man who destroyed her family, and she’s only here to return the favor.
He just had to be in dire need of a bride, the last obstacle standing between him and the CEO position, and Lena happens to be the first woman who catches his eye. At least, that’s what she wants him to think.
Two weeks and five days as his secretary and two months as his little contract wife—that’s how long it takes Lena to finally learn the passcode to her husband’s private study. He’s a man of many dark secrets, but today, she will unfailingly gather enough evidence to commence his ruin.
A chill washes over her as she enters the cool, gloomy room. It’s clearly stated in their marriage contract that this room is forbidden to her, but with Dimitri away on a business trip, this is the only chance she gets.
Lena rushes to his table, going through files and folders. She tries to unlock his laptop but gives up after an imposed time delay, quickly moving to his desk drawers. Desperation courses through her veins as she opens drawer after drawer, searching for anything implicating. But there’s nothing. Absolutely nothing!
“Dammit!” She hisses, shutting a drawer in frustration. But as she turns around, something catches her eye. She lets out a gasp, moving away from the desk. How did she not see it? Dimitri’s safe–black and shiny.
A smirk forms on her lips. “I’ve got you.”
“What are you doing here, Lena?” Dimitri suddenly thunders behind her.
Her breath catches in her throat, a chill traveling up her spine at the realization.
‘When did he come in? Why is he back?’ These questions run through her mind as she turns to meet his suspecting gaze bearing into hers like he’s caught a thief. She knows she’s doomed if she stays quiet.
Dimitri never asks a question twice. If she doesn’t answer him in the next three seconds, she fears her life will be put at risk. Think, Lena, think.
“I missed you.” She utters, moving closer to him as she watches his brows straighten. “The door happened to be opened– I know I shouldn’t be here. I’m really sorry. I was just curious, and I, um, I thought being where you’re mostly at would make it feel less lonely…” The lie rolls off her tongue like a pro. She mustn’t be caught.
His face softens, his brows twitching slightly in surprise, yet an alarm goes off in his head. He is no fool. He has never left the door to his study open. Never. And even if he can clearly see Lena isn’t wearing anything under her silk sleepwear, he’s not one to fall prey to a woman’s charm.
Her heart flips when she sees his eyes slowly travel to his desk, and she knows he isn’t buying her lie.
“Make love to me.” She blurts the first thing that comes to mind and regrets it immediately when she sees the look in his eyes—Dimitri’s eyes widen in shock, but it’s only briefly. Her hate toward him is not mirrored in his gaze; instead, his gaze darkens, and she knows she’s set herself up. It’s too late to back out.
With the skill of a vixen, Lena plasters her small hands on his broad chest, stands on her tiptoes, and presses her lips onto his.
Not the welcome he is expecting, but how can he say no when the offerer is his sexy, little contract wife? The one woman he’s been dying to lie with. Dimitri slides his large hands down her thighs, lifting her off the ground and kissing her with a fervor that consumes them both instantly.
Her skin crawls with revulsion for him; even as he kisses her, she imagines how she’ll snatch everything and everyone from him. Just one night in his arms. Just one night in his bed; tomorrow, her hatred for him would still burn, just as his passion burns her very being.
