Book excerpt: Drake This marriage was supposed to be another business deal. My latest investment, a means to an end... I need an heir. Which means I want her belly swollen with my child before the year is out. She was supposed to be my perfect little bride. Quiet. Uncomplicated. Unemotional. I didn't foresee the stunning firecracker who tumbled into my life and woke things in me I thought were long dead. I didn't count on her turning my world upside down. And I definitely didn't plan on falling for this beauty. Noriko This marriage was supposed to be my sacrifice. A way to save my father, a means to an end... I need to remain childless. So I can exit the contract at the end of the year. He was supposed to be a boring old man. Distant. Uncomplicated. Passionless. I didn't foresee the rude, arrogant and beautiful brute who made my body react like fire and smoke. I didn't count on there being more underneath his gruff exterior. And I'm definitely not supposed to fall in love with the beast.