Twisted Affair: The Complete Series Box Set by M. S. Parker

in both languages.
    Now it was her turn to look confused.
    “Blayne Westmore is a womanizer,” I said. “He known for drinking, drugs and sleeping with all kinds of women.”
    She laughed. It wasn't a full laugh, but an amused one. It was better than nothing though. “He passed out on the bar. I did not think he was a white knight, Katka.” She looked down at the ring. “You are the one who believes in such things. The one who believes in her charming prince.”
    “Prince Charming,” I corrected. “And I still do not think this is a good idea.”
    “I am a capable woman,” she said. “I know what I am doing.”
    “And where will you live?” I asked. “Have you thought of that? If you are to convince his family that you are indeed married, you will need to live with him.”
    She nodded, her eyes darting away from me, and I knew that she had already considered the living arrangements. “I will live with him, yes. He has a penthouse in the inner city and there is a guest room that will be mine.”
    Sure, I thought. A guest room until he came up with some reason that she needed to sleep in his room, or he managed to 'wander into her room accidentally' and seduced her. I loved my sister and knew she had strong opinions about sex and dating. I also knew that, beneath her hard exterior, was a soft and tender heart. She was marrying Blayne for logical reasons, but I knew a part of her hadn't been able to hear a sad story and let it go. If he tried, I was sure he could manipulate her into sleeping with him.
    “You can still stay here,” she continued, unaware of my thoughts. “The money he gives me on Saturday will more than cover the rent.”
    “But you need it for your business.” I knew I sounded like a sullen child, but her actions worried me. She had her idea of the American dream and it was more dangerous than what she considered to be my romantic streak. I wanted to believe in true love, but I did have enough of my sister's pragmatism not to count on it. With Livie, she totally believed that her dream was attainable.
    “I have already discussed this with Blayne,” she said.
    I didn't like the familiar way she said his name. She didn't even know him and was talking like they were old friends... or lovers.
    “The one hundred thousand dollars per year will be broken into two payments. I will receive the first half in six months, the second on our first anniversary.”
    “And should he choose not to pay you?”
    “When we return from our honeymoon, I will be applying for a business loan.”
    I raised my eyebrow. She and I both knew how that would go.
    She mirrored my expression and I caught a hint of mockery that made me smile despite myself. Whenever I caught a glimpse of the girl she had been, I couldn't help but smile.
    “This time will be different,” she said. “I can use the Westmore name to secure a business loan that I will pay back with the money he pays me over the next three years.” She came over and knelt in front of me, taking my hands between hers. Her expression was earnest. “Kat, this will give us everything we have dreamed of since we were little girls. No more waiting tables or letting men leer at us while we struggle to save scraps. We will have it all.”
    “But what will you need to give up for it?” I asked. I was rarely serious, but Livie's actions robbed me of my usual levity.
    “Nothing,” she said dismissively. “All he wishes is for the appearance of a marriage.” Her eyes lit up. “Just think of the connections I will make as his wife.”
    “They will not accept you as one of them, Livie.”
    Her grip on my hands tightened minutely, the only indication that my words bothered her.
    “I do not need them to consider me an equal. I will be able to design my own clothes and wear them to society and family functions.” She stood. “You will see, little Kat. This will be a great thing, for both of us.”
    I knew that tone. She'd made up her mind and there would be no