Chapter 8 I finished my whiskey , savoring the last drop as it burned pleasantly down my throat . Leonardo signaled to the server again , but 1 shook my head . " This is sufficient for now , thank you . " I placed my hand over the glass . Any more , His Bips quirked . " Fair enough . Shall we discuss terms , then ? " " Terms , " I repeated , the word feeling strange in my mouth . I'll make decisions I might regret . " " I believe in being direct , Hannah . " Leonardo leaned forward , lowering his voice . " I propose an arrangement for three months initially . If we're both satisfied , we can extend to a year . " " And what would this arrangement entail exactly ? " " You would accompany me to business dinners , social events , and occasional weekend trips . I require someone intelligent , beautiful , and discreet . " His eyes traveled down my body in a slow , deliberate assessment . " You fit all three criteria admirably . " And in return ? " I managed to ask . " Ten thousand dollars monthly , plus expenses . Clothing , transportation , accommodations - all covered . " He stated the figure so casually as if he were discussing the weather rather than an amount that could change my entire life . Ten thousand ? " I repeated , doing quick mental math . Vincent wanted fifteen thousand within the month . I'd still be short . " Is that insufficient ? Leonardo asked , reading my expression . I hesitated , calculating quickly . " Actually , I was hoping for a bit more . I need some extra cash for a personal matter this month . " " How much more ? " Another five thousand would help tremendously , I said , trying to sound casual while asking for a sum that could change my life . Leonardo studied me for a long moment , his fingers tapping rhythmically against his glass . The silence stretched between us until I was certain he would refuse . Twenty thousand for the first month , then ten thousand monthly thereafter , he finally said , " Consider it a signing bonus . " Relief washed over me . Twenty thousand would cover Vincent's fifteen and leave me with breathing room . Thank you . That's very generous ." ' I'm not being generous , Hannah . I'm making an investment . His voice took on a harder edge . " Let me be clear about something . This is a business arrangement , not a relationship . I don't do love or emotional entanglements " " That's fine with me , " I said quickly . " I'm not looking for romance either . " He leaned forward , his eyes intense . " Good . Because I've had sugar babies in the past who developed … misconceptions about our arrangement . Women who thought they were brilliant enough to manipulate me or take advantage . " A cold smile touched his lips . 1 dealt with them in equally brilliant ways . " A chill ran down my spine , " What does that mean exactly ? " " It means I reward loyalty and punish deception . Quite simple . " He took a sip of his whiskey . " You'd be surprised how many women think they can outsmart me . " " I don't plan to outsmart anyone , I assured him " Just fulfill my end of the arrangement . " " Smart answer . His expression softened marginally , " You know , I had two meetings before you today . Neither woman possessed half your beauty or intelligence . The compliment sent an unexpected flutter through me . " So you do this often ? " " I've had arrangements for the past two years . I find it efficient . " He shrugged . " Why waste time on conventional dating when this serves my purposes better ? Chapter 8 " Can't you just find a girlfriend ? " The question slipped out before I could stop it . Leonardo's laugh was short and humorless . " A girlfriend wants love , commitment , a future . I want companionship without complications . Sex without strings . Someone beautiful on my arm who understands the boundaries . " I took a moment to process his words . His bluntness was jarring but also refreshing in its honesty - no games , no pretenses .