The Millionaire's Bargain

Chapter One

Her first three months at Cromwell Enterprises had gone surprisingly well. Brooke had become acquainted with her fellow employees and the company's clients found her engaging and intriguing. All in all, she felt as though she had finally come full circle in life. After everything she had been through in her past, she really had made a fresh start. Brooke smiled contentedly at the view from the window she was seated at. The February snow had coated the pavements of the Wall Street buildings, icicles hanging from windows. It was a rare beautiful winter day... A sound behind her caused Brooke to tear her gaze away from the gorgeous scene. 

"Brooke, the Board will be having a party to welcome the CEO and his family, along with some important clients from Europe. You're expected to be there as well". Brooke gazed up at Laura Fenty,    nervousness etched on her face. 

"I don't think I can make it. Laura, I..." Brooke started, but Laura cut her off. 

"I haven't even mentioned what the date is yet! No excuses this time. You never attend any of our functions. You skipped the Christmas party and you missed the annual charity dinners. I know you always manage to weasel your way out of public events. But you can't this time. All the staff in our department is expected to be there. I don't think Mr. Cromwell would be pleased if he found out that one of the company's blooming newcomers refused to show up". Brooke stared at Laura as though she had suddenly grown four heads. Had she heard correctly? Blooming newcomer? 

Brooke knew she was doing her job well but the thought of actually becoming an important asset to Cromwell Enterprises was more than a compliment. She smiled hugely at Laura.

"Well since you put it that way, I can't refuse now can I?"  Laughing, Laura patted her hand and said 

"You'll do fine. I know you don't like being in the public eye. But our entire company is based on publicity. Its what keeps investors flocking to our doors". Laura smiled warmly at her and Brooke relaxed slightly. "I'll be there with you. We all will be".

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Brooke swallowed as Casey produced the dress that she was supposed to wear at the party tonight. Casey had ordered it from Paris for her collection weeks ago, and had blatanlty refused to let Brooke know what she had picked out for her. Brooke narrowed her eyes at Casey. It was now obvious why...

There was no way in Hades' Hell, she could wear the dress. it was so... not her!

"Isn't it just gorgeous Brookie?" Casey was admiring the dress, and held it up for Brooke to see.

"Cass, there's no way I can wear this. Look at that thing!!". Brooke shook her head in disbelief as Casey came towards her with the dress.

"Oh come on, Brooke. Atleast try it on". 

"No!". 

Casey ran Brooke around the boutique until she agreed to try the dress on. Casey had to practically help Brooke, because she could not figure out where her arm was supposed to fit into the dress. After struggling for about half an hour, Brooke stood breathless, staring in the mirror at the back of the boutique in Casey's private changing room. She examined herself in the dress and her mouth fell open. 

Her body was clad in a black glittery dress, that hugged all her curves in the right places. The dress had a high neckline that grazed her collarbone. Turning, Brooke noted with horror that there were only two tiny sparkling straps that bisected her shoulder blades and... that was it!! The back of the dress was missing, it was cut so low; her entire back was being exposed. The dress stretched on her thighs and made Brooke feet wanton.