Chapter 4

The word stayed between us.

Dorian stood outside my car as if he had suggested changing a subcontractor instead of asking me to rebuild my entire life around a stranger.

I turned my phone facedown on the seat.

“You’re serious.”

“Yes.”

“We’ve known each other for less than two days.”

“I know.”

“And you think that makes marriage reasonable?”

“No.”

His answer came too quickly.

I stared at him.

Dorian remained calm.

“This would not be about love.”

“That is supposed to make it better?”

“It makes it clear.”

The construction lights reflected across the windshield.

Around us, workers were…