Chapter 9

The man's features came into sharper focus. His jawline was sharp and defined, exuding a certain cool edge. His thin lips were tightly pressed together, and his dark, depthless eyes looked like they could suck you in whole. He radiated masculinity-like, the kind that hits you straight in the face. Calliope felt her heart skip a beat. He stopped right in front of her, towering over her almost a whole head, casting a shadow that practically swallowed her up. "Calliope Godfrey?" Good looks aside, his voice was also criminally attractive. It was low, raspy, and carried a sort of magnetic pull-like a jolt straight to her eardrums. Calliope gave herself a mental shake and nodded. "That's me. You're... Olivia's cousin?" He gave a slight nod, glancing her over just for a second before looking away and answering in a flat tone, "Conrad Hilliard." Calliope still found it a little hard to believe. Olivia seriously had a cousin like this? Legendary level. "Did you bring your ID?" Conrad asked. "Yeah," she said instinctively, handing it over to him. He took it and turned without hesitation. "Let's go in." "Mr. Hilliard," she called out, making him stop, "isn't this... a bit rushed? Don't you think we should at least get to know each other more?" Conrad didn't bother sugarcoating. "Olivia filled me in. Getting to know more is just wasting time." Calliope was speechless. Of course Olivia had already run her mouth. No doubt this guy knew all about her baggage by now. "But before we register the marriage, I think there are a few things we need to make clear." Conrad raised an eyebrow, gesturing for her to continue. "First, this is a contractual marriage. We both get what we need from it. I won't interfere in your life, and I expect you to stay out of mine." "Fine." "Second, finances stay separate. I'm not after your money, and you better not touch mine." He gave her a quick look. "Understood." "Lastly-this is the biggest thing for me-I have zero tolerance for lies. Any form of deceit, we're done. Can you handle that?" That was her absolute line in the sand. Conrad's gaze tightened a bit; the lazy vibe he had softened. He stared at her for a few seconds. Calliope didn't flinch, looking back at him steadily. Finally, he responded with a brief, "Okay." "I'm done with my conditions. Mr. Hilliard, what about yours?" "Just one," he said, lifting his chin slightly. "I'm not into women. This marriage is just to keep my family off my back. So do us both a favor-don't catch feelings." Calliope gave him another once-over, head to toe. Broad shoulders, trim waist, mile-long legs. His T-shirt clung to his chest and arms, outlining solid muscle underneath. Even through the fabric, you could sense the raw physical energy rolling off him-this guy was practically dripping hormone. And he claimed to have no interest in women? If he wasn't into women... then was he into men? So this really was a no-strings-attached, strictly-business deal. Just two people teaming up for convenience. He could smooth things over with his family, and go on living his "colorful" life. Noticing her shifting expression, Conrad frowned. "What? Second thoughts?"