East Coast

by Vera Valentine • 2024

He leaves me wanting more at the end of every encounter. Despite our insane attraction to one another, we couldn’t be more opposite. He wants to take me on a date. I want to head straight to his bedroom. He believes in romance. I know men in romance books don’t really exist. He always wants to help. I can take care of myself. But then he comes to me with a proposition: A marriage arrangement to save his family's villa. His substantial offer has me overlooking our differences and saying “I do.” There is only one problem...he's been hiding a secret from the media for the last four years. Pretending to be a wife is one thing, but this? I'm the last person he should want in this role. Yet I can't bring myself to walk away. The incentive is too great, and when it's over, I will have my dream. And it will be over. I'm not destined for happily ever after’s—no matter how real this charade is starting to feel.