Page 10 of Endlessly Raphael
Haven grabs my wrist.
“I can pay you. I’m inheriting a shit-ton of money. Millions. I just need you to play nice, pretend you’re crazy about me, attend a few honestly horrible family gatherings, and stay married on paper for a year. Maybe less.”
“I see.” There’s no possible way I can marry this man. “As much as I’d like to help—”
“A million dollars,” Haven says, his tone desperate. “Please. Don’t make me embarrass myself even more.”
“Why me, Haven? For all you know, I could be a terrible person.”
“Yeah, I don’t care what kind of person you are. We’d have to do a prenup, but I promise I’d make it worth your while.” He slides off the car, tugging his pants up. “This is my shot, Raphael. My chance to make something of myself. I’ve been looking for weeks and I couldn’t even find someone I wanted to bang, much less pretend to be in love with. At least we have chemistry. I can live with that.”
“You don’t understand. I’m not the kind of person you want in your family.”
“I’m my family. That’s it. No one else talks to me. The scandal my grandfather’s will caused is massive. They’ll hate me even more if I pull this off. Maybe you can’t understand. Maybe you have an amazing family, but not all of us do.”
“Haven…” I scratch my scalp while I try to work this out, but I’m left speechless.
“Do you want more money?”
“No. I don’t need money. I wouldn’t accept a dime.”
“A car then? A house? Name your price.”
I step forward, placing my hands on his shoulders. “Haven. I don’t want anything from you. It’s just not something I can do. I’m sorry.”
“Why? It’s not like it’s forever. It’s a business transaction. Please, Raphael. You’re my best chance. I’m running out of time.”
The desperation in his voice tugs at my barely used heart. But the poor soul has no idea what he’s asking me for. How could I keep what I am from him in this situation?
“I need time to think about it.” It’s a weak excuse, but it’s all I’ve got. “Can I have twenty-four hours to consult with my brothers? We don’t make major decisions without discussing them.”
His face lights up. “Really? You’ll think about it? Do you promise you’re not just blowing me off?”
“I promise.”
Haven nods. “Okay. Twenty-four hours is fair. Would you be able to give me a ride back to my place?”
“Of course.”
We tidy ourselves up and return to the car. Haven seems confident again, like he’s positive I’ll say yes, but I don’t see how I could. I’m an assassin and a vampire. I’m safe enough for one night, but I can’t promise any longer than that.
Following his directions, I drive to a section of town close to where we do a lot of our ‘cleaning up’ and I tense up. This beautiful man lives in this area?
“It’s temporary,” Haven says as if he can read my reaction. “I can’t afford much more, but like I said, once I get my inheritance, everything will be different.”
“Are you safe here?”
“Safe enough, yeah.” He smiles, but I’m no fool. I see the concern in his eyes. “Hopefully I can move soon. I can find us a really nice place. If you say yes, I mean.”
Searching his eyes, my thoughts wander, imagining a world where I could keep such beauty all to myself. “You should give me your number.”
Haven nods, lifting my phone from the console. He types his number in and sends himself a text. “Now I have yours too.” He shifts in his seat to face me. “Um, thanks for tonight. I mean, it was amazing. You’re incredible.”
“I feel the same about you.”
“If you have any questions that come up while you’re thinking, don’t hesitate to ask. I can show you the will if you need proof of everything I’ll get.”
“I don’t need that, but thank you.”