Page 13 of Royal Surrogate 1

“With anyone aside from me, yes.”

“Wait.” My heart slams against my ribs and my face goes hot. “You never said anything about me being required to have sex with you.” Even though there’s a part of me that, if I’m being honest, probably wouldn’t object to a little intimate contact with the man across from me, it’s different if I’m contractually obligated to do it.

“Of course you’re not required,” he says. “But it’s not expressly forbidden, either. I would certainly never force you to be completely celibate.”

“Just celibate when it comes to anyone but you.” I rub my temples, trying to escape the images popping into my head…images of Caspar, naked and sweaty and licking my— “What about you?” I blurt. “I didn’t see anything about you not being allowed to sleep with anyone else.”

“I’m not concerned with my own behavior,” he replies with a shrug and an amused smile. “I know I can be discreet. And I’m not the one being paid a substantial amount of money for a service. I think it’s a fair requirement, all things considered.”

It’s completely absurd, that’s what it is. But perhaps not more so than the rest of this. I can’t deny that I feel a small pang of jealousy, illogical as it is, but I force myself to swallow it away.

Shaking my head, I look down at the final page of the contract. I don’t even know why I’m stalling anymore. My mind is made up. This might be the stupidest thing I’ve ever done, but if it helps my dad, I don’t care.

There are worse ways to earn a million dollars, I remind myself. If carrying the child of this strange, cocky, and weirdly charming man in front of me is what I have to do, then it looks like I’m going all in.

“Do you have a pen?” I ask.

He hands one across the table, and though I feel another shiver of attraction run through me when our fingers brush, I try not to put too much stock into it. So what if I’m a little attracted to the guy? This situation is complicated enough without allowing bodily sensations into the picture. He might see no problem with us having sex during the course of this arrangement, but I know better. I might be naive and desperate enough to sign this contract, but I draw the line at getting physically or emotionally involved with this man. This is a business arrangement, nothing more.

And with that promise to myself planted firmly in my mind, I sign my name on the dotted line.

CHAPTER 9

Caspar

I should be happy—celebratory, even—but there’s something so sad in her eyes.

She’s going to be able to save her father, I remind myself. That must be why she’s emotional.

“Champagne,” I say, motioning to the waiter. A moment later, the waiter is popping the cork on a fine bottle, pouring it into the flutes in front of us.

I lift my glass to Renae. “To us,” I say.

She gives a small nod, lifting her own glass before taking a sip.

“What is it?” I ask, smiling at her. “This is when the fun begins.”

Her eyebrow arches. “Is that what you call it?” She gives me a wry smile. “So, now what?”

“Now,” I say, reaching across the table to take her hand again. “Now we have a short courtship for the gossip outlets. Then we’ll marry in Montovia?—”

“In Montovia?” she sputters, setting her glass down, though she doesn’t take her hand from mine.

“Well, that is my home,” I say, giving her hand a slight squeeze. “I know it’s a bit far from Seattle?—”

“A bit,” she interrupts. “Is there any compromise on that? I mean, my dad?—”

“Will be receiving the best medical care in the world.” I grin. I still can’t believe how easily this all worked out. After all the torture I’ve put myself through these past few months, trying to find the “perfect” surrogate, the “perfect” situation… Renae fell into my arms—exactly what I needed, precisely when I needed.

“But I won’t have the money for his treatment until after I have your baby,” she says. “I can’t just leave him here alone. It’s not as if my brother…” Her voice trails off.

“Your brother refuses to do his part for your family?” I cock my head. I cannot understand that at all—I would die for my brothers, and I know they would do the same for me. “Surely it’s a misunderstanding.”

“My brother and my dad had a falling out a few years ago.” She frowns down at our clasped hands. “Even after everything that’s happened, my brother won’t let it go.” She looks up into my eyes, forcing a small smile. “Not that you care about my life’s woes.”

“Of course I care,” I say, taking another sip of my champagne. “I suppose I just don’t understand.”

“Well, not everyone has a supportive family. It is what it is.” She looks at her watch. “Speaking of, I should really get home. We can sort everything out tomorrow.” She shrugs. “Or whenever.”

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