LITMIR.BIZ

       ‘I need to think about what I’m prepared to agree to, but before we go any further there is something that you need to know.’ They were face-to-face as Luka said it. ‘I will never marry you.’

      ‘You’ll do whatever it takes …’

      The spitfire he had known was returning, and Sophie jabbed a finger into his chest as if to make her point.

      ‘Whatever. It. Takes—’

      ‘No,’ he interrupted calmly.

      Despite the cool façade she attempted, he knew that she was as Sicilian as the volcanic soil they were from, and as he watched her struggle to hold in her temper he didn’t suppress his triumphant smile. She was just as volatile and passionate as he remembered. Those traits in Sophie were everything he both loved and loathed.

      ‘After what you did … after what you said about me in court …’

      ‘Lose the drama, Sophie.’ His voice was completely calm. ‘I accept that I have a moral debt to you, given all that has happened, but even with several years’ interest added I do not owe you that much. I will agree to be your fake fiancé, but never your fake husband. Know that now, or get out.’

      He hoped for the latter. Get out of my life, my head, my heart. Just get out!

      Instead Sophie must have accepted his terms, for she sat down again.

      It was time to talk business.