The Man I Thought I Trusted - E. L. Todd Page 0,56

do that, it’s fine. I just worry that it’s happening too fast and she’s got her eyes on the money, but if you do all the paperwork, it shouldn’t matter if her motives are less than genuine.”

My eyes narrowed because I was immediately offended by every word that came out of her mouth. “I know I fucked up with Rose, but Carson is nothing like that. That’s not even a concern.”

“And I’m sure you’re right, but half of this company is mine, and I don’t want to share with it with another person. Are you telling me you aren’t planning on getting the prenup?” Her eyebrows immediately rose in surprise.

Honestly, it hadn’t crossed my mind. I didn’t think it was necessary. Carson and I were going to be together forever, and even if we weren’t, she’d probably sign everything to me because she wouldn’t want it anyway. She wasn’t that kind of person.

Her eyes narrowed. “Dax?”

“I hadn’t really thought about it, honestly.”

Her visage completely changed, like she was disappointed in me. “You’re joking.”

“Carson isn’t like that—”

“You’ve been wrong before,” she snapped. “And even if you aren’t, people change. She could get used to the wealthy lifestyle and change her feelings about it. This doesn’t just affect you. It also affects me. You think I’d marry William without a prenup even though he’s harmless? No one gets married thinking they’re going to get divorced, but a lot of people do get a divorce. If Carson is really who you say she is, then she should have no problem signing those papers. She’ll put her money where her mouth is.”

I knew she would. I just didn’t want to ask.

“I can’t believe, after everything we’ve been through, you would be so stupid.”

I dropped my gaze, heartbroken by her disappointment.

“Get that prenup, Dax.” She turned away to leave my office. “Or I’ll never look at you the same.”

I met with Charlie after work, and we got a beer at our usual place.

“I’m surprised you want to see me instead of your fiancée…”

“I wanted to talk to you about something…in private.” He was the best person to ask because he was so close to Carson.

“Alright. If you’re asking for my permission, it’s a little late for that.” He smiled like he was teasing and then took a drink of his beer. “And I’m happy to get rid of her, especially if you’re the one taking her. Today, she told Vince that she wanted to be taken off the pharmaceutical piece and to take a step out of the fast lane. He was shocked…but understood.”

I hadn’t had a chance to talk to her today, and I was surprised she’d made the decision so quickly. Since she always procrastinated, I’d expected her to procrastinate about this. “How is she?”

“She said she’s totally fine. Still seemed really happy.”

That meant the world to me. “Where’s she going to be working now?”

“She’ll still be in the same office. She’s going to do the big interviews with celebrities and influential people, so it’s kind of a promotion anyway…just less dangerous.”

I smiled. “That’s great news.”

“I suspect Vince had been planning to promote somebody else and give them that position, but he changed his mind when Carson said she would be taking a step back. He’s really fond of her, so he obviously doesn’t want to lose her.”

“Can’t blame him.”

He took a drink. “So everything’s good. What did you want to talk about?”

For a second, I’d forgotten about my dilemma. “Can this stay between us?”

He turned serious at the question. “Depends on what you want to talk about. You know where my loyalty lies.”

“It’s something I’ll have to talk to her about, regardless. I’m just running it by you first.”

He nodded. “Then I guess it’s okay.”

I felt like a dick for even saying this out loud. “I need to ask Carson to sign a prenup. How do you think she’ll react?”

Both of his eyebrows jumped up on his face. “That’s it? That’s what you’re worried about?”

“It’s a pretty controversial subject.”

“Not to Carson. She’ll totally understand. She won’t even think twice about it.”

“But asking her to do that implies two things. One, I think there’s a chance we won’t stay together forever. And two, I think she’s going to steal all my money. That’s not exactly romantic and how I want to start this relationship. It’s not even a relationship—it’s a marriage.”

“I get what you’re saying, but Carson won’t see it that way. She understands it’s just business. She’s around people like this all