Secret Billionaire’s Contract Bride: Marrying My Enemy’s Lover

Chapter 18

“Where are we going?” I asked, a bit nervous as we passed the sign heading out of Las Vegas.

The drive was long, and the sun began to set. The air cooled down as it always did on desert nights. Without the neon lights around us, there was very little to guide the way down the long stretches of desert road.

I could only trust that Peter knew where he was going. Darkness surrounded us as we drove, the city’s lights fading into the distance behind us.

“Damon has a house not far from the city. He wanted you to stay there,” Peter said, gently. “Sorry about all this. I don’t want you to think I’m kidnapping you or something.”

“I didn’t, Peter,” I told him, my alarm growing, “until you said that.”

“Oops,” he chuckled. “My bad.” He tried to smile at me in the rearview mirror but my mind was racing.

I tried to calm my nerves throughout the drive. Honestly, I didn’t see why I had to live anywhere but in my own apartment.

Sure, it wasn’t the most comfortable since you had to take showers in cold water because the heater was broken and my neighbor liked to slip his “samples” under everyone’s doors but…

You know what, never mind. My apartment was a hole, but it was mine. I didn’t know how I felt about staying at Damon’s house.

I leaned my head against the car window, gazing through the tinted darkness. Above, I could see the stars so clearly. Like tiny twinkling diamonds in the sky.

I’d never seen so many before. I could count on my hand the number of times I’d left the city but it was nice to be able to see the stars. Eventually, my eyes shut as I dozed off, the coolness of the glass soothing me.

“We’re here!” Peter said excitedly.

I jerked awake at Peter’s claim, feeling like I’d only slept for a minute. The car pulled up to a large metal gate, a twenty-foot fence surrounding whatever was behind it.

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If I knew Damon, it was probably electrified or something. Anything to keep his life private.

A security guard dressed in black approached us with an unfriendly look.

Peter rolled down both of our windows and the unknown man’s eyes locked onto me before turning to look at Peter.

“Hey, Joe!” Peter greeted him like they were old friends.

Joe only grunted, that scowl still on his face.

“This is Adelaide. She’s the wife I was telling you about. You know, that one,” Peter hinted, not subtle at all. I would have to ask Damon what he’d been telling people about me.

Joe’s eyes looked at me, and he grunted again. I was beginning to think that was all he did.

“I know! Can you believe Damon of all people got married?” Peter laughed. “Anyway, Damon wanted her to live here for the time being, so you should be seeing her come and go as she pleases. Damon’s words, not mine.”

I breathed in relief. I could come and go as I pleased. So, why did I have to stay here at all? What was Damon so worried

gave a third grunt and then

gates. began to open as

to him sometime, he has some wild stories,”

at him, incredulously. Was he messing with me or just insane? Joe didn’t

into view, and I

It was huge.

mean, massive. It had to be the size of my apartment

was full of sloped angles

Chapter 18

stone walls around the desert-like gardens and the wooden panels between the

as we drove around the garden platforms to the entrance. I could practically see

swimming pool behind the house-in the middle of the garden. I bet the

really easy to build, actually,” Peter shrugged, nonchalantly. “Damon’s designs are really easy

designed this?”

and grinned at

Peter threw both my bags over his shoulder like they were nothing, simply walking into the house as if he owned it.

as he said, “Well, I’ll be sleeping over there if you need me. Mrs. Rivas

“Peter!”

on her face. She was a plump woman in a messy apron and had a very strong Spanish accent. “Do not leave

Rivas,” Peter muttered, ashamedly, grabbing

pulled me into a fierce hug, and I was afraid

clear that Mrs. Rivas’ first language was

she let me go, I sucked in a massive breath, trying to grin at her despite the redness creeping up my face.

Chapter 18

little Spanish, but I knew what amor was. Was that really how he referred to

you!” Mrs. Rivas said as she kissed both of my cheeks and then my forehead. “Ah, you are too skinny. Double portions for you.”

I said as politely as I could. “But

There’s always breakfast. My finest omelet for you. I’ll have Rosie take you to your room. Rosie!”

as Mrs. Rivas

Another woman appeared from the gardens, and I glanced at her confused.

I hear her feet from

called out with a smile. “I’m

school, still bright, and her eyes shined with hope. She had smudges of

her room,” Mrs. Rivas

happy too! Follow me, Miss

built as she took me to my room. The house was much bigger than I thought it was as it seemed to just keep going.

to one of

you are! I’ll see you in the morning, Miss Adelaide,” Rosie grinned, then she skipped away,

waited until she was gone before I entered the room and realized that this wasn’t just my room.

It was Damon’s.

corner was piled to the top with papers and pencils, and

Chapter 18