CHAPTER FIVE — THE CONDITIONS OF A BILLIONAIRE
Rain hammered against the glass walls of the penthouse, the city below blurred into streaks of silver. Inside, the warmth didn't reach Naomi. She stood in the center of Adrian Cross's vast living room, arms folded tightly against her chest, trying not to look as out of place as she felt.
Adrian had been silent for the past minute, which was already too long for her comfort. He was by the window, tall, still, hands in his pockets. His profile was carved like stone—sharp jaw, unreadable eyes, the kind of power that made even the air wait for his next move.
When he finally spoke, his voice was calm—too calm.
"You said you wanted security," he said without looking at her. "A safe place to live. Protection from whoever sent those threats."
Naomi swallowed. "Yes."
"And you're prepared to do anything in return?"
Her heartbeat jumped. "Anything within reason."
Adrian's lips curved faintly, though not with amusement. More like a man tightening the strings of a trap.
"Good," he said, turning from the window. "Then sit."
The command was simple, yet it carried the weight of a courtroom verdict. Naomi sat, hands clasped so tightly her knuckles whitened. Adrian paced slowly, every step deliberate, like he was measuring how close he wanted to let her get.
"You're going to be my wife."
The words hit her like a shockwave.
Naomi stared at him. "P-Pardon?"
Adrian didn't repeat himself. He lowered himself onto the opposite chair, leaning forward, elbows on his knees.
"You heard me. I want you as my wife—temporarily."
Her breath escaped in a shaky whisper. "This is insane. Why would you want… that?"
He didn't hesitate.
"Because my grandfather named a successor in his will. The one condition for inheriting Cross Enterprises is having a stable marriage. A real one."
Naomi blinked rapidly. "So this is about money?"
His eyes flickered. "Don't reduce it to that. This is about legacy. About proving I'm nothing like my father—a man who destroyed everything he touched."
Naomi's voice softened without meaning to. "And you need me… for that?"
He leaned in closer. "I need someone the board will accept without question. Someone the media can't dig into. Someone without ties, scandals, or motives."
Her stomach twisted. "And you think I'm that person?"
"I know you are."
She clenched her jaw. "You barely know me."
"I know enough. You're desperate, careful, and quiet. You're not after my wealth. And…" His gaze held hers, steady and evaluating. "You owe me your life. You said so yourself."
Her chest tightened. Yes… she did say that. And she meant it. But she never expected the debt to become something like this.
Naomi dragged in a breath. "If I agree… what exactly are the conditions?"
Adrian sat back, crossing one leg over the other, entirely composed.
"Condition one," he began, "the marriage lasts for one year. After that, we dissolve it, and you leave with whatever life you want."
One year. The number felt heavy.
"Condition two," he continued, "you'll live here. Permanently. My wife cannot live in a rundown apartment in a dangerous district."
Naomi bristled. "My apartment is not rundown."
"It's falling apart," he said flatly. "The elevator has been broken for two months. The lock on your door barely works. You deserve better."
She looked away.
"Condition three: the public image matters. We will make appearances together. Dinners. Events. Interviews. But what happens in private…" He paused, studying her carefully. "Stays private. I won't touch you without your consent."
Her cheeks warmed. She hadn't expected him to add that last part. It almost made him seem… human.
"Condition four," he continued, "payment."
Naomi stiffened. "You don't have to pay me. I—"
He cut her off with a raised brow. "This is a contract marriage, Naomi. Everything must be stated. You'll receive a yearly allowance, a new place to work if you choose, protection, legal support, and anything required to keep you safe."
Her throat tightened. She wasn't used to being offered safety… or worth.
"And lastly," Adrian said quietly, "you'll tell me the truth about who sent you those threats."
Naomi's blood ran cold.
She stood abruptly. "I—I can't."
Adrian rose at the same moment, the space between them electrified.
"You have to," he said softly. "If I'm going to protect you, I need to know what you're running from."
Naomi's hands trembled. The truth was something she buried so deep she still woke up screaming some nights. Something she promised never to reveal again.
But Adrian's gaze was unwavering—unyielding, yet strangely gentle beneath the steel.
"Naomi," he said, stepping closer, "I'm not your enemy."
Tears threatened the corners of her eyes. "You don't understand. If I talk… you'll be in danger too."
"I'm already in danger," he replied. "Every day of my life. But I'm not afraid of shadows. Tell me what's haunting you."
Her lips parted, but no words came out. She didn't know how to explain that the people hunting her weren't ordinary criminals. They were powerful. Connected. Unstoppable.
And telling him meant dragging him into a darkness she barely survived.
Adrian reached out, slowly, giving her time to pull back. When she didn't, his fingers brushed her shoulder lightly—warm, steady, grounding.
"You don't have to tell me tonight," he murmured. "But you will tell me. Because once you sign this contract, Naomi Barrett…" His thumb grazed her sleeve, and she shivered.
"You become my responsibility."
Naomi closed her eyes. "And if I refuse?"
Adrian stepped back, the softness gone.
"Then pack your things," he said coldly. "Because you won't be safe for long."
Her heart thudded painfully.
He was right. She knew it. The threats weren't stopping. The faces she saw in nightmares were getting closer. She didn't have time. She didn't have allies. She didn't have protection.
But she had one option.
A dangerous, reckless option.
She lifted her chin, voice trembling but steady enough.
"Bring me the contract."
Adrian's eyes flashed triumph, but he hid it instantly.
"As you wish."
The storm outside thundered—loud, violent, echoing the moment Naomi sealed her fate.
A fate tied to a billionaire
with secrets of his own…
and a past more dangerous than hers.
---