Chapter 1 CHAPTER 1

Evelyn's Pov

“In public, we'll play the part of a loving couple. We'll attend events together, smile for the cameras, and pretend we love each other. You'll also have full access to my company's portfolio of brands. If you need anything, you can call my beta, Jasper. On your nightstand, you'll find his number, a black Amex and your engagement ring. Wear it.” Michael said without missing a beat.

I could only nod at his request. After all, I had no reason to oppose him. This was just a contract marriage.

Three days ago,

I blinked twice. “I'm sorry. What do you do now?”

“I want you to wear this dress and get to this address.” Mom tossed a short lacy gown and a white business card on my bed.

I pushed off my desk and walked to my bed. I picked up the card and stared at it.

“Greywood Towers? You want me to go to a hotel and do what?” I arched my brow.

“Seduce Michael Greywood. I heard he's staying in the VIP lounge. It'll be the perfect opportunity to snag him once and for all.” My stepmother said.

I scoffed and crumpled the paper in my hand. “You want me to sleep with Alpha Michael? But he's the coldest Alpha's to ever exist. I'm not doing it!”

I didn't see the slap when it came but my head whipped to the side, my cheeks stinging with pain.

“Listen here and listen good little missy,” she grabbed my chin. “we’re on the brink of losing our company and your father's medical bills are piling sky high! The only way we can ever live comfortably is if we find some rich guy who'll be willing to marry you. You have a beautiful face the least you'd do is waste it.”

“I am not sleeping with Michael! I can't! I'll work more hours at the company. I'll do anything. Just don't make me do this, mom!” My cheeks stung as I spoke.

“It's the only thing we can do. Besides, you're almost 20 and your mate hasn't shown up. Stop keeping that virginity and use it to save our family,” she took my hands. “Don't you want your father to recover? Do you want the doctors to pull the plug?”

“No.” I sobbed.

“Then wear the dress and meet Michael in that hotel room.”

“Okay.”

I arrived at Greywood towers in a few minutes.

The 5- star hotel lived up to its name. The towers were built to surround each other in an arch. Each building is covered in golden glass that would mistaken it for a skyscraper.

Inside was even more beautiful. It exuded this invisible confidence and authority that reflected the owners — The Greywood family, known for their pride, power and prestige. And my stepmother wanted me to marry their first son.

My legs wouldn't stop trembling as I entered the elevator and pushed the elevator to the penthouse.

I was going to do this. And if I did, there would be no going back. Ever.

“My mate...” I whimpered softly as I rode the elevator. “... I'm sorry.”

The doors dinged and slowly parted. I took that as my cue to exit.

Michael was in that penthouse. He was probably alone as usual. I heard he doesn't know many friends around him except his loyal beta, Jasper and his wife, Tamara.

I took out my pocket mirror and put on more lipstick. Then I grabbed a wine bottle I found in the lobby, took a sip and spilled some on my dress.

It's showtime.

I walked to the door and stumbled right in.

I took my shoes off and trudged towards the living area. Michael was there. I could smell him before I could see him.

He smelled like leather and spice and something else I couldn't name.

Before I could open my mouth, he cut me off. “I don't do whores. Try another hotel.”

I froze. Did he just call me a whore?

He looked up from his iPad and met my gaze. For a second he only stared at me. Then slowly, he dragged his eyes from my hair to my lips to my chest and down to my red painted toes.

“Interesting. And who are you?” He put the iPad away and crossed his left leg over the other.

I tossed my purse to the floor and walked to where he sat. “Someone with an offer you can't refuse.”

“Which is what exactly?” he grinned when I straddled him.

I nearly rolled my eyes at him. Men. They were all the same.

I tossed my hair to the side and leaned forward, brushing my lips over his. “This…”

He hesitated at first before he kissed me back.

The kiss was hot. I mean I've kissed men before and it felt like kissing cardboard. But now, heat pooled between my legs. I'd reacted to a kiss like I was now. Ever.

I rubbed myself against his groin and he hissed. Yup. He was hard.

“Let me make you feel good.” I smiled against his lips.

“You sure you want that?” he traced his fingers from my necklace down till my chest. Then he cupped my breast and squeezed.

A moan escaped me and I rocked myself against this. My body throbbed with each movement and I wanted more.

My dress bunched to my waist and I smiled when his fingers skimmed along my skin. Just a few more and he'll …

He tossed me to the side like a ragdoll and rose to his feet.

What the hell just happened?!

“As much as I would love a good fuck, I don't do it with women who treat their bodies like trash.” He said, smoothening his shirt.

“What?” I nearly scoffed. He's the one who kissed me back and groped the hell out of me.

“What do you want, Evelyn Moon?” He stuffed both his hands in his pocket.

My eyes widened. “You know me?”

“Who doesn't?” He chuckled. “Everyone knows the Alpha who fell from grace and lost almost everything he owned in one day. Of course I know a poor man's daughter when I see her.”

I clenched my fists. I'd take any insult at my name but what I won't tolerate is an insult to my father.

“You think you can act all high and mighty because you've got a few million?!” I snapped.

“Approximately 23 billion.” He corrected me with a smirk.

My blood boiled. “You're an asshole. It was a bad idea coming here to even reason with you.”

“If sex means reason then I think you've got the wrong guy here.” he smiled.

“Bastard!” I zipped up my dress and picked up my purse. “I hope you burn in hell.”

“You're wrong, love. I'll be ruling it,” he smirked. “Don't let the door hit you on your way out.”

I'm out of here.

I stormed out of the room and slammed the door so hard it rattled. I wish the roof would collapse on his stupid head.

A sigh escaped me when my phone buzzed in my purse. I knew who was calling and what she wanted. But I didn't have them so I ignored it and walked out of the lobby.