A Price on Freedom

I kept my eyes down, slowly sipping my coffee, projecting an image of a frightened girl overwhelmed by th

stood up. "Miss Hayes, a word i

y aware of Clara's and Mark's triumphant smir

A large mahogany desk stood in the center. He didn't invite me to sit

. "David Clark will not rest until he has neutralized y

and," I sa

you might be more than that. But as of now, I have no proof. What I do have is a problem. You are a

thought. The solu

you in a protected relocation program. New name, new town. You will have a modest stipend,

ily, that might have been terrifying. For me, Chloe, it sounded li

is gaze intensifying, "i

g," I said, m

touch you. A connection that makes you untouchable in this town

eart gave a small jolt. It was exactly what I w

u would gain the protection of the Stone family name. In return, you will be under my direct observation. If yo

ed into one. He was putting his potential enemy right where

" I said i

surprise crossed his face before his mask of indifference sn

. Option two, I marry a powerful man who suspects me of being a spy, but who is honor-bound to protect me as his wife

will be swift. You will live here, in this house. You will act the part of my devoted wife in public. In private, we will lead separate lives. I will provide for your n

ly clear

ed. The cold finality of it was startling. We had just agreed

yes and a stylish dress entered without knocking. "Alex, grandmother is asking about

d slightly. "Anna, this is

rk's new love interest, the one he was parading around town now that he'd cast me as the v

talking about? You can't be serious!" Her gaze sh

Alex said, his voice lea

ement?" Anna sputtered, her eyes filling

off, his tone becoming even colder. "Tha

mily, likely the Lewises, cementing an alliance. My sudden appearance had throw

ry. "Her? You're throwing away our families' legac

ece of dirt that had somehow soiled her perfect future. I stood

y. "Emily is my guest and my future w

e and shattered expectations in her wake. I was now not only the enemy of my ex-

g enemies at an