Chapter 2: A HIGHLY RISKY IDEA

I sat firmly in the passenger seat, my heart pounding more quickly than the engine's faint hum. Jay, the Billionaire, had offered to give me a ride. His name alone seemed to draw attention and power. It was astounding to consider that I never would have envisaged myself on this day, much less sharing a seat with him.

My night had taken an unusual turn, and I noticed him out of the corner of my eye. Even though the city lights were blurring as we went by, the tension in the car was unmistakable. Jay exuded mystery partly because of his sharp features and calm manner. My mind was racing with everything that had transpired that day, including the heartache and Ethan's adultery.

Why would someone like Jay Sinclair stop to help me?I couldn't get the feeling that everything in his universe had a reason, thus nothing was adding up. "Why did you stop?" I finally broke the silence, but my voice sounded forced.

While his gaze remained fixed on the road ahead, I observed his fingers becoming more firmly gripped on the driving wheel. "What do you think?" I scowled, unsure of how to answer his query.

"You don't seem like the kind of man who offers random women rides home." I stated.

His mouth curled into a smirk, but his look was still a little too unreadable. "And what kind of man do I seem like, then?"

My stomach turned over. I said, "A man who always gets what he wants," as my heartbeat accelerated. "And doesn't give anything for free." Gulping, I continued.

Jay's smile widened, but he said nothing to refute her statements. "You're smarter than most." My fingers grabbed the edge of my seat as his words poured into my ears, making the air heavier. This man had an air of danger about him that I couldn't exactly put my finger on, but it was obvious to me that he wasn't doing me any favors, and it made my skin crawl.

"So what do you want?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

For a time, he remained silent, his gaze fixated on the empty road. "I think you already know."

"Excuse me?" I couldn't figure it out. Jay finally turned to face the light and stopped the car at that precise moment. His intense, dark stare focused on mine, making me shiver.

"Arielle, I've been observing you. You're not as undetectable as you believe." My gut curled even more. I looked at him, trying to figure out what he was saying. I was positive that I had never seen him before tonight—talk about being watched.

"How do you know my name?"

Though there was no humor about it, Jay laughed. "I follow my own methods. Additionally, I am aware of your relationship with Ethan. Regarding the split, I simply bided my time till the right opportunity to act."

My heart felt icy. In my lap, my hands trembled. Was I the target of eavesdropping? How could he have known before anyone else? I started to feel less secure. "What do you want from me?" My voice shakier than before, I repeated my question. Abruptly, Jay leaned in closer, his face inches from mine, his black eyes filled with a mystery I could not fathom.

"I have an offer for you. One that is irresistible." With my heart racing in my chest, I fixed my gaze on him.

"An offer?" Confused, I repeated.

He gave a nod, his tone calculated and calm. "A Contract marriage, Arielle"

My eyes grew wide as shock shot through me. An agreement to marry, with Jay Sinclair? "What?"

Jay's voice remained calm, and his eyes never wavered. "I need something only you can supply, in exchange for protection, the lifting of the controversy your family's little business is involved in, and the resurrection of your lack of financial competence. We can both get our troubles solved if you marry me."

I gaped at him, finding it difficult to process what he was saying because it sounded like he knew everything about me. Not just me, but also my household? "Why would you want to marry me or support the business owned by my family? We're not even acquainted."

Jay reclined in his chair while maintaining eye contact with me. "Arielle, it's not about love. It's commercial. This is something that benefits us both." He said. I shook my head, not trusting a word I was hearing.

"And what exactly do you think I have to offer you?" His visage hardened as his gaze shifted toward me.

"You used to be Ethan's fiancée. That is sufficient on its own." I was struck with a chilly understanding that made my heart sink as I recalled the past events involving Ethan and Jay.

"This is about revenge?" A small smirk flickered across Jay's lips.

"In part. However, power is also a factor. Right now, we both stand to lose a great deal. This might be a way out for us."

My throat started to feel queasy, and I had trouble swallowing my saliva. "No," I firmly answered while shaking my head. "Certainly not. I'm not selling myself to you to further your devious scheme, or to exact revenge on Ethan." With a darkening face, Jay lowered his voice dangerously.

"You are mistaken in believing that you have an option. I can make everything go away, including your financial difficulties, the scandal, and the grief." He stopped to give his remarks time to register. "I can make you untouchable."

I tried to counter with a retort, but his words held me down. Untouchable. No more sympathy from others, no more rumors about my broken engagement, and no more restless nights fretting about what's to come. But at what cost?

With deliberate persuasion, Jay's eyes gleamed and his voice grew softer. "It won't last forever. Just long enough for our mutual needs to be met. Following that, we part ways." My heart pounded. Could I truly consent to such a thing? A one-sided union with a man such as Jay Sinclair? It was insane. Still, a small part of me felt tempted. Didn't dire times demand desperate actions?

I muttered, more to myself than to him, "I can't do this." Jay suddenly reached out and lifted my chin, forcing me to look him in the eye. I hated how readily he impacted me; his touch gave me an unpleasant jolt.

"Consider it, Arielle. You have a decision to make. You may either give in to Ethan and watch as your life unravels, or you can take charge. I'm proposing the latter to you." I gasped for air as my head raced with contradicting ideas.

Is it possible for me to negotiate with the devil? This was ridiculous, didn't it? I was no longer able to think clearly because my mind was so fogged up. Jay's voice broke through the disarray in my thoughts. "This is my LAST OFFER."

Jay drew in closer, his breath hot against my ear, before I could reply. "Choose wisely." And with that, he drove off, the car screaming back to life, leaving me to mull over the impossibly difficult choice that had just been placed in front of me.