Page 37 of Mr. Wicked

“She won’t,” Laura countered. “Because you’re going to offer her a package that she won’t be able to refuse.”

My brows lifted. “A package?”

“Well, of course,” Laura said. “This is a business transaction with an NDA and a thoroughly laid-out contract. We need her completely on board with everything that we’re asking to ensure there aren’t any surprises, so yes, you have to offer her something.”

“Un-fucking-believable.” My hands dived into the sides of my hair while I checked the status of our drinks. Jovana wasn’t at the bar anymore—she was helping another table, smiling at the group of three men she was waiting on, her tongue slowly leaving her mouth to swipe her bottom lip.

All three dudes were gazing at that tongue.

At that mouth.

At her beauty.

And they were thinking about what it would feel like if she were doing that same motion to their cock.

Just like I was.

Goddamn it.

I shook my head and roared, “What would that package look like?”

Laura took her tablet out of her bag, tapped the screen a few times, and said, “A onetime payment of one million dollars. If she has an apartment, you’ll pay her rent for the duration of the marriage. You’ll provide her with health insurance and cover all her expenses while she’s living with you—food, utilities, a stipend for her cell phone, parking if she has a car, along with her car payment. Obviously, when the two of you go out and are seen in public, you’ll cover all costs.” She closed the tablet and looked at me. “As for the wedding and honeymoon, that’s on you as well, including the cost of her gown.”

As she read off each item, I felt my eyes bulge.

My hands fisted even tighter.

My pulse throbbed.

I had to be in another universe, or this was a fucking nightmare—anything that would justify what I was hearing, because there was no way what she was telling me could be the reality of my life.

“This is bullshit—”

“This is what’s required,” Easton said, “whether you marry her”—he nodded toward Jovana, who was still at the table of three—“or another woman.”

“What’s good about Jovana is that you’ve already slept with her,” Holden said. “If Laura found you a total stranger to wed, think of how much time it would take to develop chemistry—if you even could develop it. You know, because you’re this extra-warm and super-fuzzy guy that would just instantly cuddle right up to someone you don’t know.” He laughed.

But I didn’t find this funny.

Not a goddamn word of it.

“Health insurance? A cell phone stipend? She’s not a fucking employee.” I let out a long exhale. “Maybe a stranger would be easier,” I snapped at him. “Since Jovana already knows how much of an asshole I am, I’m sure she’s immediately going to say no.”

I watched her walk to the bar, relieved she was done with those guys, although I wasn’t sure why.

As she set what looked like our drinks on her tray, her ass was pointed at me.

Her hips.

Those exquisite legs.

Fuck me.

I glared at Laura. “Besides, she’s not the kind of woman who can be bought.”

Not when she’d turned down the $200 tip I’d offered and left herself nothing.

“You have to make it worth her while, then, don’t you understand that?” Laura asked. “That’s why we’re offering more than just money. And why I would encourage you to give her some emotional support—this isn’t just about the finances, Grayson.”

---