Page 7 of Lightness In My Dark

Ah, I love this submissive pose, except she needs to spread her legs wider.

She moved backwards like a crab until her head hit the chair. Wren held on to pull herself up and rose, eyes maneuvering to mine. “What? We have to have sex with people watching? Why?”

Tears formed in her eyes. She closed them and started having a panic attack.

Okay, I can be an asshole.

I scooted her into the chair. My hand was on the back of her neck, but she pushed away while creating more distance between us. I noted her left thumb slide up and down the index finger, increasing while she took deep breaths.

Once in control, she wiped her eyes and nose. She glanced at the contract, scrunched her face, and pointed. “It says nothing about witnesses here. Why is sleeping together important?”

Back in my seat, I pretended to glance at the contract, tossed it on the table, and said, “Must have forgotten that part. Sex has been in the family-owned business contract. I’m expected to do the deed to make things official.” The sound of it made me laugh. “I guess my great-grandfather wanted to make sure all wives were legally binding and worthy of having their children. He liked to be a king, and this stipulation somewhat made him one.”

Chef Dan came out with the food. We remained silent until he reentered the house. I gestured to the sandwiches, but Wren ignored them.

“Why a show? Isn’t your word proof enough?”

My eyes latched onto hers. “I’m not that bad in bed.” I could see her gulping air fast. “It’s no big deal. If we keep our clothes on, then they can’t see much.”

It is hard to keep a smirk from forming while she’s making a big deal about it. There’s nothing wrong with me. Instead of acting upset, she should look forward to fucking me.

“I can’t sign this contract.” She got up to go.

I stood and spoke louder than normal. “Not even for an additional five million?”

“What? An additional five million. A total of ten million?”

“Well, let’s finish the contract before you wet yourself over ten million.”

She’s going to leave. Stop acting like a dick. Make it more appealing than your cock.

“Mr. Trevino, I’m not sure—”

“You’re not sure you can marry me for ten million?”

Cole came back out, and her worried expression rested on him. With a slight tremble, she said, “I don’t know… this seems wrong. Like I wouldn’t be any better than a prostitute.”

I ran my hand down my face and then through my hair. “At least you’ll have designer clothes, better food, and a secured future than any prostitute I’ve seen.” She stood thinking it over.

“Wren, we would get something out of it. Stop focusing on the sex. You’re not getting ten million for sleeping with me. It’s for your time and loyalty, and while you’re here, you’ll be living in luxury.”

She perked up, eyes drifting to nothing as she grappled with everything.

This got her attention. It’s all about perspective. I can’t lose this deal. She’s perfect. No ties to my group, and my gut says I can trust her. Most women would jump at the opportunity. At least she has morals… isn’t leaping in without thinking. She’s what I need because I’m banking on her conscience for private matters.

She leaned on the back of the chair. “How long would we need to be married?”

“Three years. Technically, three years and eight months with the engagement.” Her eyes glazed over. I snapped my fingers to get her attention.

“Don’t snap your fingers at me. I’m not a dog.”

I bet she’s never done it doggy style.

“Let’s proceed?” I indicated for her to sit back down. “Number four, we will remain married for three years. During the marriage, you will present yourself as a dutiful wife, attend dinners, weekend getaways, and host parties and get-togethers. We can both have sexual relations with others as long as it’s discreet. Anyone we’re having sex with isn’t allowed in this house, and no pictures taken of us with anyone else.” I couldn’t hold myself back. Fucking with people was my thing, so I clucked my tongue and said, “Or maybe you don’t need sex with others. With your scorecard, you could easily go three years without, right?”

She cleared her throat, took a breath, then glared at me. “Why are you acting so rude? I have no idea what I did to you to prompt this kind of treatment. Do you feel cool by belittling me because you’re not? You’re cruel.”

I rose and Cole stepped forward. “Finn, you’ve been giving her a hard time—”

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