INDISPENSABLE: Part 1: A Billionaire Romance by Maryann Barnett Page A

I’ll also be able to pay out all my schooling debt.”
    “The whole ninety grand? Oh my God. That’s amazing. Does the company cover that for you?”
    “No. My salary will take care of it.”
    “What is this salary anyway?” She waved her hands in the air in a dramatic flounce. “I guess you’re in the high six zeroes a year now.” Her raucous laughter filled the tiny bedsit.
    Sarah just let her laugh and took a huge swallow of her wine. She refused to think about her salary. She just couldn’t even go there.
    “Sarah? Are you okay? I was just kidding around. If it’s not that large, it doesn’t matter. Anything that helps you pay that debt and still lets you eat is great.”
    “Bella…I’m not sure I can even think about it, let alone talk about it. The amount is obscene.”
    Bella eyes went wide and sparkled. Then, she finished her glass of wine. And topped up, encouraging Sarah to do the same. “I feel a toast is in order. So hit me with it. It is in the six zeroes, isn’t it?”
    Sarah could do nothing but grin.
    Bella fanned her face with her hands and practically hyperventilated. “Oh my God, Sarah…tell me now, I promise I won’t be jealous. Much. Tell me how rich you are.”
    “Five million.” Sarah couldn’t even say it loud. It was almost a whisper.
    Bella just stared. “I’m sorry, I thought you said five million .”
    Sarah looked across and nodded.
    Bella fell silent, and then she screamed and ran around the room waving her arms. Finally, she ran back over to throw her arms around Sarah.
    “That is mind-blowing. I mean, how does a person even spend that much money?”
    “I guess ten grand a month on this new lease helps.”
    “Ten grand! No. Are walls made of gold?”
    “Brock Industries is a worldwide company, with headquarters in five continents. I’m twenty-four, almost fresh out of law school, and I’m not equipped for this.” Sarah eyes prickled with tears. “Oh Bella, what if I make a fool of myself?”
    “I’m not the person you should be having this conversation with. I can tell you I know you’ll do fine, but if you have real doubts, you need to talk to Brock. You need to be honest with him.”
    “I know. But I can’t. How can he understand how scary it is for ordinary people to suddenly have a salary like that? He must have ten times that in his bank account.”
    “You can’t keep this bottled up. Talk to someone.”
    Sarah thought about the panel of young people she’d just met. Perhaps Heather or Jasper would get it.
    “I’m going to miss you around here though.” Bella gave a huge pout.
    Sarah drank a big mouthful of wine. “That’s the bit that makes this about you as well. This lease has you written into it.”
    “What the fuck? Me? I’m sure my tips won’t cover five grand a month to go halves in rent.”
    “Would you believe Brock has a list of positions he feels you’ll be suited for?”
    “Who is this man, Merlin? And why? Why would he want to employ me?”
    “If you get the answer to those questions, please let me know.”
    “Tell me about the apartment.”
    “It’s a dual living situation. Neighboring two-bedroom places that are fully self-contained but also joined in the middle by a communal lounge, entertaining, and kitchen area. With a large balcony.” Sarah read off the page.
    “That could work.”
    “I’m going to see the place on Sunday. You should come, too.”
    “I will. I’m very interested to see what jobs Brock Devlin thinks I’m suited for. He doesn’t own a circus, does he?”
    Sarah had to laugh. “Not that I’ve found so far. If you want in, I want in. I want this for you.”
    “That’s not a good enough reason if you don’t really want it.”
    “You’re my best friend and taking you with me is a way better option than leaving you.”
    “I’ll make a deal with you. If you promise to talk to Brock about your doubts over this massive job, I’ll be there with you all the way. But anytime you want out, you