The Sheikh's Virgin Bride(43)
Kaye sat and considered that. She would be marrying a man for the sake of television authenticity, only to become a divorcee. What would her acting reputation be if she took on such a job? Then again, she would at least actually have an acting reputation. Couldn’t she run with that and make herself into anything she wanted to be?
“I understand your hesitation, and I want you to know that we have set up the contract to protect you in the best possible way.”
“What contract? All I was handed was a prenup.”
Amir winced.
“Yes, we really didn’t handle that very well, did we? I will send you a copy of the contract as soon as this lunch is over so you can have a good look at it. In there, you will see that nothing salacious will be expected of you—we do not have to be explicit in our on-screen affections, and there is no expectation of this being a true marriage.”
His meaning was clear. There would be no expectation of her to perform any kind of…marital duty. That was a relief, at least. Amir continued.
“There will be no real romance; to be clear—no sexual contact of any kind. It was a clause that I made sure they put in, to protect us both. Any affection displayed will be for the show and the show only, and we are not to engage in any activity outside of it other than friendly banter. I outlined it all quite clearly. If any breach of contract occurs, there will be no payment. It must be followed to the letter.”
Kaye blinked at that, absorbing his words. He wanted to protect the actress that took on that role, laying out explicit instructions to keep her safe from any advantages that could be taken. It was endearing, even as a part of her internally groaned at the thought that nothing could ever happen between her and Amir, if she wanted to get her money.
“But we’re getting married on the show. Surely we’ll have to show some affection.”
Amir nodded.
“Yes. We’ll want it to be believable, but Merle has ideas for my persona that will make it easier for us to show affection without being overt about it.”
“You have a persona?”
Amir nodded.
“I do, and so will you, if you take on the role. We’ll want to make sure you’re a shining example of an American woman.”
“What does that mean?”
Amir shrugged.
“I have no idea. I’m sure Merle will be able to give you the proper direction. He’s produced several incredibly successful reality shows. He may be a bit of a jerk, but he’s a jerk that knows how to bring in viewers. You could easily become a household name, Kaye.”
Kaye thought about that. The world knowing who she was, walking into casting calls with a recognizable face. Maybe she wouldn’t even need to go to casting calls after this. Maybe her phone would finally ring with offer after offer, and she could be the one bringing guests to this restaurant.
“You said the first season would end with a wedding, right?” Kaye asked, and Amir nodded.
“Don’t weddings end with a kiss?”
Amir shrugged.
“They do. I can make it as chaste as possible, or I can kiss you on the cheek, if it will make you more comfortable.”
“But that part would count as part of the act, so it wouldn’t breach anything, right?”
“Correct. Still, you should know I won’t make any advances on you on camera without your full permission. This will be my first time in front of the cameras, as well. I want to make sure I do it right.”
“You’re doing a reality show. I’m not sure there’s a place for class there.”
“Of course there is. We’ll pave the way for classy reality TV,” he replied, grinning.
Kaye took another moment to consider it. The Sheikh had made an exceptional case for joining the show. The contract would protect her from any foul play, and she would get the chance to at least do one job. There was one important factor she hadn’t covered, though.
“What’s the pay?” she asked.
“How much do you want?”
She blinked.
“What, like I can make my own salary?”
He leaned in, his voice lowering.
“I like you, Kaye. I like your resume. I can tell already that you’re a great actress—your expressions and mannerisms are perfect. So, tell me how much you want, and I will see what I can do about it.”
Kaye leaned back in her chair and grinned.
“A million.”
Let’s watch him take that one in, she thought.
Amir nodded.
“Done. Once the first season has wrapped, you will get the payment in full, provided you comply with the contract.”
“I think I can swing it, friend.”
Amir’s eyes lit up, and he poured them each a flute of champagne, handing one to her before he lifted his glass.
“To friends and partners, then,” he said, and she clinked her glass against his.
“To friends and partners. I’d still like to give the prenup and the contract a thorough read before we move forward, though.”
“Of course. Dessert?” he asked as the waitress returned to take their plates.
“I’m afraid I’ve quite lost my appetite,” she said, her stomach whirling with butterflies.
If she managed to finish the job, she could be a millionaire by the end of a few weeks of filming! Was this really happening?