“Travis is Rae’s twin, and she’s my girl. I’d do anything for her, and Travis means a lot to her, so I suppose I would do almost anything for him too. If it meant it would keep him out of a mess that would hurt Rae too.”
“Travis has gotten himself in a world of trouble. The kind that might not only get him killed but arrested as well.” My stomach sinks. I have a feeling the arrested part is in Vincent's hands. I don’t see him openly admitting he’s going to kill someone.
“But you could get him out of this mess?” I already know the answer, but still I ask.
“I can but at a price.” Of course. There’s always a price. I’m still not putting together what any of it has to do with me. Especially if it’s money that can solve this issue. Because I can barely take care of myself.
“I’m sure you know I don’t have money, right? I live in an apartment with two other people.” I swear I see him tense up. He doesn't find my financial situation funny at all. Not that it is but still circles back to the point that he has to know I don’t have money. Not any that would mean anything to him.
“I’m aware. I’ll be honest with you because I expect the same from you, I did some digging around about you after I busted Travis trying to steal a shipment from me. Not his first either.” I wince.
“If you know I don’t have money, then what could you possibly want from me?” I don’t think Vincent is a man who wastes his own time. I have something he wants. I just can’t fathom what that actually is.
“I want a wife,” he says with ease, like he's saying he’d like chicken for lunch. I must be hearing him wrong. If Vincent wanted a wife, I’m sure he could easily have one. I mean, does the man own a mirror? I bet women throw themselves at him. Not only is he drop-dead gorgeous, but he exudes power. It’s an irresistible combination.
“A wife?”
“Yes.”
“And what does that have to do with me?” I should probably see where this is going, but I can’t fathom it. He leans forward, his elbow resting on his knees.
“I want you to be that wife.” I snort a laugh because obviously he’s joking. But Vincent doesn’t join me. In fact, his face is as serious as can be.
“You want me to marry you?” I ask, making sure I truly understand.
“Yes, today in fact.”
“I’m so lost.” None of this makes sense. I close my eyes for a long moment. Did I fall asleep on the plane and I’m dreaming? Hell, I might still be in my bed and haven't woken up yet for the day.
“Then let me start from the beginning.” He stands, grabbing a stack of files off his desk and handing them to me. I flip the first one open. A contract sits inside. Vincent starts to explain the details to me of the mess Travis is in. I know within a few sentences this is bad. Really bad.
I’m going to be Julieta Castillo by the end of this day. I can feel it. Not only because Travis has gotten himself into a mess that really only Vincent can get him out of but also because Vincent is a man who always gets what he wants. That’s clearer to me than the contract in my hands.