Page 3 of The Marriage Clause

"She could end up wanting more than a casual marriage that ends after the required year is up," Everett says. "She’s finding me business acquisitions that no one else can. I can’t screw that up in case she gets attached to the ring and the last name. It’s better to keep things between us professional."

"Professional?" Levi scoffs. "You’re still sleeping with her, aren’t you?"

"It’s been over four months since the last time. Besides, it was always casual. Besides, she’s moved on."

"Maybe we should ask Sienna if being your plus-one to every gala for four years was her idea of casual. I’d bet half my inheritance that she’ll drop anything and anyone to be Mrs. Everett Kauffman."

"That’s my point. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have real concerns to worry about. See your way out."

My ears perk at a new sound. Footsteps from inside Everett’s office. Heading for the door.

I should run. Every functioning brain cell I have is screaming at me to run.

Eavesdropping on my boss and his brother is easily grounds for termination. But my feet have apparently declared mutiny, and my hand is still holding this stupid cup of coffee and the door is swinging open and—

Levi and I are face-to-face. Surprise flashes in Levi’s eyes as I jump back—coffee burning my hand as it sloshes over the rim again. He wasn’t expecting to see me, and I suppose the feeling is mutual.

Levi smirks as if my reaction is somewhat entertaining. I don’t even feel the burn from the coffee because every nerve in my body is focused on the man standing behind Levi.

Everett stops short. For half a second, surprise flashes across those hazel eyes—and then it’s gone. He straightens to full height, posture turning into the CEO iceberg he’s famous for being.

"Aria." My name sounds like a liability he’s tired of paying for. "This is my brother Levi. Levi, Aria."

He says it fast, like he’s hoping Levi will nod politely and leave.

But Levi doesn’t nod politely. Or leave.

Instead, he steps forward with a grin that could melt steel. All the Kauffman descendants are unfairly attractive in their own way, but that’s what you get when you can handpick your surrogates. I can only imagine that Conrad made sure that all of the Kauffman children have gorgeous mothers.

"Aria, nice to meet you," Levi says, extending his hand. His six-foot-plus frame towers over me, just like Everett’s. "I’m Everett’s much better-looking brother."

I take his hand, trying not to blush.

Everett looks like he swallowed a lemon.

"Leave her alone and let her get back to work. Don’t you have a casino to buy somewhere?" he snaps.

Levi raises a brow and glances over his shoulder at Everett. "I’m being friendly." Then he looks back at me, a smirk lifting at the corner of his lip. "I’m also clearly the nicer one. With all his charisma, it’s almost impressive Everett’s still single, wouldn’t you say?"

Everett’s jaw twitches. "I don’t see you racing toward the altar."

"Your disaster first, brother." Levi tilts his head, a glint in his eye telling me he knows exactly what he’s about to do. "Wouldn’t want to steal your thunder." His gaze drops back to me. "But now that I’ve met Aria, maybe you’re right, Ev. Maybe I should start looking for a bride." He smiles. "Aria, any chance you’re single?"

My mouth falls open.

Is he teasing? Is he serious?

"She’s off-limits—"

Everett practically growls it. The words are so sharp, so sudden, all three of us freeze. Levi’s brows shoot up, like even he didn’t expect that reaction. My mouth falls open another inch. Everett’s eyes flick to mine—wide for the briefest second, like he can’t believe that came out of his mouth—before his expression goes blank again, every trace of emotion locked away before any of us can touch it.

It’s shocking how fast he can do that.

"She works for me," he says. "It’s inappropriate."

Levi grins like a cat that caught the mouse. "Right. Sure. Crystal clear, Tin Man."

I clear my throat. "I should get back to work. It was nice to meet you, Levi."