Contractual Obligation: The Trilogy Read Online Free PDF

that was too crazy to exist – it was real.
    “Natalie, are you there?”
    She didn’t realize she’d fallen silent, and could only hear her breath. Shaking out of it, “Yeah, I’m here.”
    “What do you think?”
    “I think I’m in.”
    “Sounds good,” he started. “If you can meet up with me Monday afternoon at my office, we’ll go over your contractual obligations. I’ll have my lawyer draw something up, and we’ll adjust things as need be.” He rattled off an address, and then said his good-byes.
    And just like that, life shifted. Natalie Cooper was about to become engaged to an eligible, wealthy bachelor that she barely knew. How in the hell would she explain it to her family? They obviously couldn’t know the truth, but the last time she’d spoken to them, she told them she wasn’t dating anyone. If she moved too fast…she just wouldn’t tell them, or say she’d known him for a while, maybe an ex-boyfriend. It would be the first of many weaved stories she’d have to work on. Exhaling, she tried to focus herself. This was big, really big, and she needed a plan.
    Should she bring her own lawyer to the meeting? That’s a laugh; there was no way she could afford a lawyer at this point, though Michael would be paying her handsomely soon enough. She sighed and closed her eyes. There was too much to think about.
    Sleep didn’t come easy that night, or the next. Her mind drifted, jumping from thought to thought. When Monday finally rolled around, Natalie was almost out of her skin from her nerves, anxiety chewing away at her. One side of her brain was telling her it was the biggest mistake of her life, while the other found it fun and adventurous and liked knowing she wouldn’t have to worry about money for the next five years. It’s a stable job, she kept reminding herself.

Chapter 5
    On walking into the offices of Bowman Industries, she didn’t know what to expect. He’d understated exactly how well the company did. The office was impressive and opulent, not something she was expecting when he told her about his business.
    The floor was polished marble, and the ceilings high. The woman behind the front desk looked her up and down, and then asked her name.
    “Natalie Cooper, here to see Michael Davidson.”
    After hearing that, the women scrutinized her even more, before finally placing a call. “Someone will be down for you shortly. You can have a seat,” she said, directing her to the row of leather chairs waiting off to the side.
    A woman in her early thirties showed up looking for her. “Natalie?”
    Natalie nodded and stood.
    “I’m Allison, Michael’s assistant. Right this way, please.” Natalie followed her to the elevator, and was brought to his office. With a light knock, she opened his door. “You’re appointment is here to see you.”
    “Right, bring her in. Thank you.”
    Turning toward Natalie, Allison asked, “Would you like some coffee, maybe some water?”
    “I’m fine, thank you.”
    “Very well, then.” Allison sat back at her desk, wondering why the attractive brunette was here. He rarely had gorgeous women visiting him at the office.
    Natalie smiled on seeing him again. She’d forgotten how attractive he was, even in just a few days. It felt weird, realizing she’d be entering into a marriage contract with the man, who was still mostly a stranger, yet so incredibly handsome.
    “Natalie, it’s good to see you,” he said, standing to greet her. A quick kiss on her cheek, and she was instructed to sit. She’d expected a handshake, but accepted this was her future husband. A hint of his cologne stayed with her, a spiced cinnamon scent.
    “James will be joining us shortly. He’s the company’s lawyer and my father’s personal assistant. We’ll be penciling you in as a temporary contract employee here, so that payments made to you don’t raise eyebrows before we get married. You won’t be expected to come to the office, obviously, but you’ll be listed