The dining room was pure intimidation tactics. A table big enough for a board meeting set for just two people, with enough distance between them that conversation would require deliberate effort.

Olivia walked in at exactly seven, the black dress swirling around her like she was made of shadows. Sebastian was already there, head buried in his tablet, not bothering to look up. She awkwardly stood there before pulling out her chair.

"Wait." His command froze her in place. Now he looked up, eyes traveling over her with lust dancing in those eyes. "Turn around."

Heat flooded her face-not embarrassment but pure, molten rage. She remained still, her fingers white-knuckled on the chair back.

"Section 8, paragraph 2," Sebastian reminded her, his voice terrifyingly soft.

The wife will comply with all reasonable requests regarding physical presentation and comportment.

Slowly, hating herself with every movement, Olivia turned in a complete circle..

Sebastian stood, tossing his tablet aside as he walked over to her. Through the thin fabric, he traced a finger from her chest down between her breasts, then grabbed her ass with a squeeze that made her skin crawl.

"Acceptable," he said, walking back to his seat. "Now you can sit."

As she sat down, the chef appeared with the first course-some fancy scallop thing with foam. Olivia stared at it, appetite nonexistent.

"Eat," Sebastian commanded. "I won't have you passing out at the Garner Foundation Gala next week."

"Next week?" The words exploded out of her. "You've just hijacked my entire life, and you expect me to play happy wife at some gala in a week?"

Sebastian sipped his wine, watching her over the glass. "I expect you to hold up your end of the contract. That includes public appearances as my wife. Our marriage license will be finalized tomorrow. The press release goes out the day after announcing our whirlwind romance and private ceremony."

"No one will believe that," Olivia said, forcibly unclenching her jaw. "People know we're not-that we haven't-"

"People believe what wealth and power tell them to believe." Sebastian cut into his scallop. "Our story is simple: we met at the Metropolitan gala last year, kept our relationship private due to the sensitive business negotiations regarding your father's company, and decided to marry quickly rather than endure a public circus."

The calculated fiction made her want to vomit. "And what do I say when they ask how you proposed? Or about our first date? Our first kiss?"

Something dark flashed in Sebastian's eyes. "You'll give them that defiant little smile of yours and tell them it's private. That's what most infuriates me about you, Olivia-you've never simpered or giggled or tried to please. That fire in your eyes when you hate something..." He trailed off, then seemed to collect himself. "It's far more convincing than artificial adoration."

The fact that her hatred turned him on made Olivia's skin crawl. She forced herself to take a bite she couldn't taste.

"One more thing we need to discuss," Sebastian continued, all business. "The physical side of our arrangement."

Olivia's fork clattered against her plate. "Seriously? Over dinner?"

"Would you rather I surprise you later?" His smile could cut glass. "Section 8, paragraphs 3 through 7 spell it out pretty clearly, but I'm willing to be... flexible on the timeline."

Suddenly she couldn't breathe. "I need time," she said, hating how desperate she sounded.

Sebastian studied her, head slightly tilted. "Time," he repeated thoughtfully. "Fine. One week. After the Garner Gala, we consummate this marriage. You have until then to... get used to your new reality."

Olivia took a shaky breath, knowing exactly what that meant. One week before she had to give up her virginity to this monster.

"Thank you," she forced out.

"Don't thank me yet." Sebastian's eyes glittered dangerously. "Use the week wisely. Read your contract again, especially the appendices. There might be a pop quiz."

She couldn't tell if he was joking. She doubted it.

"Can I be excused?" she asked, unable to take another bite or another second with him.

Sebastian waved his permission. "Remember-you don't leave the penthouse without my say-so."

Olivia stood. "And what exactly are you afraid I'll do if I leave? Run to the press? Make myself look like an idiot just to spite you?"

"I'm not afraid of anything you might do," Sebastian replied with ice-cold confidence. "But you should be very afraid of what I'll do if you disappoint me."

The threat hung in the air between them, invisible but suffocating.

Fighting back tears, she walked away without another word. Back in her room, she locked the door, knowing damn well it was pointless. If Sebastian wanted in, a lock wouldn't stop him.

But it was enough to give her the privacy to finally break down, crying herself to sleep.

❧

The slap of cold water against Olivia's face did nothing for the hollow ache in her chest. She gripped the bathroom counter, watching water droplets race down her reflection. God, who was this woman staring back at her in silk pajamas? A stranger.

She'd lost track of time in this luxury prison. Her father's house arrest had at least given her some freedom-a nanny to cuddle with, sneaking out for novels, making calls to no one. Sebastian's gilded cage? Pure hell. All her needs met except the ones that mattered. Even the damn housekeepers avoided her like she carried something contagious.

"Mrs. Blackwood."

Sebastian's voice made her jump. He never knocked. Never.

"I see you're awake."

Olivia spun around, clutching her gaping pajama top over her exposed breast. For days he'd treated her like furniture-coming and going from the penthouse as if she didn't exist. Part of her had started to enjoy the silence.

But now he stood there, filling the space with his presence. Gosh! Olivia couldn't help the moment but observed how infuriatingly sexy he looked in his Tom Ford suit at 7 AM.

"The Garner Foundation Gala is tonight," he said, his eyes lingering where her hand held the silk closed. "Marissa will be here at ten with your dress. I expect you to be perfect."

Ice flooded her veins. One week. That's all he'd given her. Tonight marked the end of her reprieve.

He closed the distance between them, his lips brushing her ear. "And after tonight, you'll be wearing much less than that." His fingers pried her hand away, exposing her breast. He licked his lips, "I wouldn't rush this."

"I'll be ready," she managed, hating how her voice shook.

"See that you are." He stepped back, adjusting his platinum cufflinks. "The car will be waiting at seven. Don't disappoint me."

❧

"You look... stunning."

For once, Sebastian sounded like he meant it. Olivia stepped out in the midnight blue silk gown Marissa had chosen-a dress that hugged every curve with its plunging back leaving her feeling both powerful and naked.

"I feel like I'm wearing your brand," she said, the diamonds at her throat-another Blackwood "gift"-catching the light.

"You are." His eyes darkened as he approached, his hand claiming the small of her back. "And tonight, everyone will know it."

When they arrived, camera flashes exploded around them as Sebastian stepped out and offered his hand.

"Smile," he ordered, squeezing her fingers until it hurt. "Remember what's at stake."

Her smile felt like plastic as they climbed the steps. Reporters fired questions about their whirlwind romance, their private ceremony, how it felt to be Mrs. Blackwood. Sebastian charmed them effortlessly while she froze beside him.

Inside, the Great Hall had been transformed into a fantasy of crystal and white orchids. New York's elite clustered in groups-old money, new money, political power, and cultural influence-all orbiting around the financial gravity of men like Sebastian.

"Sebastian, darling!" A woman's voice sliced through the chatter, rich with familiarity.

Olivia felt Sebastian tense, the only indication that the approaching woman was significant. Tall, statuesque, with platinum blonde hair twisted into an architectural creation that defied gravity, the newcomer moved with the confidence of someone who had never been denied anything.

"Isadora." Sebastian's voice stayed neutral, but his fingers dug into Olivia's waist. "I wasn't aware you were in New York."

"Clearly." Ice-blue eyes dismissed Olivia before returning to Sebastian. "I've been away too long if you've had time to acquire... new interests."

"Meet my wife, Olivia," Sebastian said.

"Wife?" Isadora's perfect face froze for a heartbeat before rearranging themselves into something approximating delight. "Thought it was all rumor. How... impulsive of you, Sebastian. I never thought I'd see the day."

"Life is full of surprises," Sebastian replied smoothly, though Olivia noticed his jaw had tightened.

"Indeed it is."

Isadora's eyes traveled the length of Olivia's body without bothering to disguise her assessment. "So this is what finally tamed the shark." She laughed. "Or have you just found a prettier leash, darling? Someone you think could replace me?"

Before Sebastian could respond, a voice cut through the tension. "You'll have to forgive Isadora, Mrs. Blackwood. She's still bitter about being relegated to the past tense."

Olivia turned to find a distinguished older man with silver hair and sharp eyes that missed nothing. "Richard Garner," he introduced himself, taking her hand. "I've heard fascinating things about you."

"All lies, I'm sure," she replied, surprising herself with her steady voice.

Richard smiled. "On the contrary. Anyone who can make Sebastian Blackwood commit to something other than a hostile takeover deserves my attention."

Sebastian's arm snaked around her waist, warning her. Richard was among the few who dared challenge Sebastian in this city. But Sebastian didn't consider him a threat. Not yet.

"Richard is being modest. His foundation's work with children's education is unparalleled."

"Along with his ability to extract donations from even the most reluctant philanthropists," Isadora added with a predatory smile. "Speaking of which, Sebastian, I need to discuss the Axiom merger with you. In private."

Sebastian's jaw tightened. "Now is hardly the time-"

"Now is exactly the time," Isadora insisted, her hand already on his arm. "Unless you want Raphael Graves to know about the structural weaknesses in the Singapore proposal? That would certainly burn your chances of taking over! Adding to this..." Her finger pointed dismissively at Olivia.

❧

Something shifted in Sebastian's eyes, that familiar darkness she'd come to dread.

"Excuse us for a moment," he told Olivia, his voice making it clear she was to sit, stay, behave.

Olivia watched Isadora lead him away, her hand sliding down to grab his ass like she owned him. Olivia felt a rush of nausea. Richard Garner watched the exchange with knowing eyes.

"First rule of surviving here," he said quietly, "is figuring out who's an ally and who's a predator." He paused. "Sebastian's always been both." He offered Olivia a glass of champagne. "How are you holding up, truly?"

The unexpected kindness in his tone nearly broke her. "I'm fine," she lied.

"Honey, no one married to Sebastian Blackwood is 'fine,'" Richard replied. "Especially not someone with your... circumstances."

Her blood ran cold. "What circumstances?"

Richard's eyes softened. "Your father's legal troubles. Pearson Innovations' miraculous recovery. The timing of your marriage. He gestured around. "These people make it their business to know what they shouldn't."

Before she could respond, Richard glanced over her shoulder and frowned. "It seems Isadora is being particularly bold tonight. If you'll excuse me, there are others I should greet."

Olivia turned to see Isadora practically climbing Sebastian in a corner, her lips against his ear, her body pressing against his in a way that left no doubt about their history. Rather than push her away, Sebastian's hand rested on her hip, as she whispered something that made his eyes darken with what could only be desire.

Sick with humiliation, Olivia slipped away toward the ladies' room, desperate for a moment's escape. The bathroom was empty when she entered. She gripped the cool sink, breathing deeply to control the tears threatening to spill.

"You shouldn't be alone at your coming-out party," a familiar voice said from behind her.

Olivia looked up, meeting Ethan Blackwood's eyes in the mirror. "This is the ladies' room."

"And you're the lady my brother is parading around like his newest toy." Ethan approached slowly. "I wanted to make sure you were okay."

"I'm fine," she said automatically.

"No, you're not." Ethan leaned against the counter beside her, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating from his body. "I saw what happened out there. Isadora Graves has been Sebastian's on-again, off-again plaything for years. She hates being replaced."

"I haven't replaced anyone," Olivia said bitterly. "I'm just another possession."

"Is that what he's convinced you?" Ethan's voice softened. "That you're nothing but a signature on paper?"

"Isn't that all I am?" Olivia laughed, hollow. "A business deal that breathes."

Ethan's hand came up to brush a strand of hair from her face, the gentle touch so unlike Sebastian's possessive grip that she nearly gasped. "You're more than what he's reduced you to."

"Don't," she whispered, but didn't move away when his fingers trailed along her jawline.

"I called you," he said quietly. "Every day this week. Don't ask how I got your number."

Heat bloomed in her chest. "My phone's cut off... Only calls inside his fancy penthouse."

"He controls everything else," Ethan murmured, his thumb tracing her lower lip. "Don't let him control this too."

The door to the bathroom swung open, then closed again as whoever had started to enter saw them and retreated. The sound snapped Olivia back to reality. She stepped back, her heart pounding.

"I should go back," she said shakily. "Before he notices I'm gone."

Ethan's eyes darkened. "And if I asked you to leave with me instead? Right now?"

For one wild moment, she wanted to say yes-to escape with this man who looked at her like salvation. Then reality crashed back.

"He'd destroy my father," she said quietly. "And probably you too."

"I can handle Sebastian," Ethan said, his voice hardening. "I've been handling him our entire lives."

"But I can't handle what he'd do to my father. We made a deal."

"Deals can be broken," he said, stepping closer again, his hand finding the small of her back. "Especially ones made under duress."

The feel of his touch-gentler than Sebastian's but no less electric-sent heat spiraling through her. "I can't," she whispered, even as she leaned into him.

"Can't?" His lips hovered inches from hers. "Or won't?"

The door burst open. Sebastian filled the doorway, his expression murderous as he took in the scene before him.

"Get your hands off my wife," he said, his voice so quiet it was more terrifying than a shout.

Ethan didn't move. "Your wife was upset. I was making sure she was alright."

"How touching," Sebastian sneered. "Always the hero, aren't you, little brother?"

The tension between them crackled like electricity. Olivia stepped away from Ethan, her heart pounding fast.

"I was just coming back," she said, trying to defuse the situation. "Felt sick for a moment."

"Sick," Sebastian repeated, eyes locked on Ethan. "Was that before or after my brother followed you into the ladies' room?"

"Does it matter?" Ethan challenged. "You were too busy with Isadora to notice your wife's distress."

Something dangerous flashed in Sebastian's eyes. "My relationship with Isadora is business."

"Is that what you call it?" Ethan laughed coldly. "Strange. She used to call it something else entirely."

Sebastian moved lightning-fast, grabbing Olivia's arm and pulling her to his side. "We're leaving," he announced. "Now."

"Sebastian-" she began.

The slap came without warning, cracking across her cheek with enough force to snap her head sideways. Silence fell like a guillotine.

"I said now," Sebastian repeated, deadly quiet.

Ethan lunged forward, fists clenched, ready to strike.

But Sebastian was already dragging Olivia toward the door. "This isn't over," Ethan called after them.

"It was over the day you betrayed the family," Sebastian replied without looking back. "Stay away from my wife."