Page 6 of Lightness In My Dark

“You saw that?”

“Saw and listened to every word, down to the ‘slinking out of someone’s bed’. Classic.”

I smiled at the fact he thinks I have integrity. And that I’m funny. Focus! Who cares?

His eyebrow rose as he asked, “Are you interested?”

I pressed the glass of water against my cheek. The coolness calmed me. Myyescracked like a stone hitting a windshield, so I repeated it with more confidence.

“Before we discuss the proposition, I’ll need you to sign a confidentiality agreement. This will protect me from anything I’m about to divulge to you. If you break it, I can sue you.”

“But I don’t have a clue what’s in the contract. Why would I sign such an agreement when I don’t know the terms?”

“It’s normal procedure. For us to discuss the contract, I need this signed.”

Perspiration glistened my face. “Do you mind if I take a moment to process all of this?”

Finn nodded and Cole brought me into the house as I asked, “I thought you worked for him.”

“I do things for Finn, such as drive him places, run errands like family does. That’s what we are—family. Finn’s like a son to me. He can be rough around the edges, but I hope you’ll consider what he has to say.”

I nodded, and then he left me in a seat at the kitchen table.

FINN

Cole left Wren inside and joined me. “Finn, you need to ease up. You’re going to give the poor girl a heart attack. And for God’s sakes, offer her something to eat. Don’t be rude.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

I went into the kitchen to talk to Chef Dan about making lunch and escorted Wren back outside.

We all sat. “Cole pointed out my ignorance in not offering you anything. Chef Dan will bring lunch out soon. Shall we proceed with the documents?” She gave a nod as her fingers danced on top of the papers, biting her lower lip. An uncertainty still nudged her. After signing the confidentiality clause, I said, “I’m sure you’d like to know what this offer will give you, which is five million dollars.”

Her hands gripped the armrest of the chair, eyes widened in shock. “Did you say five million dollars?”

“Yes. Five million for our engagement and the contract stipulations.” Her eyes casted downward as she ran her tongue along her lips. “Please turn to page three of the contract.” I observed the shaking of her hands. “Here’s the list of things expected of you. Number one, you have a week to get your affairs in order. After that, we’ll move your items into this house and/or storage. No need to bring any clothes since you’ll receive a new wardrobe.”

Wren held up a hand, drinking some water, before she said, “Wait! Why can’t I bring my own clothes?”

“The lifestyle you’ll be living doesn’t appreciate T-shirts. You’ll need high fashion and upscale everyday clothes, dresses, and gowns. But please,”—I gestured toward her—“by all means, bring your clothes for when no one will see you.”

She clenched her jaw, her hand resting on top of the documents, and leaned back in her seat.

The piccola is pissed. Such a little one. Quite clueless of how things work in my world.

“Now let’s move on. During our engagement and marriage, I’ll take care of all costs of living. Number two, I will put a ring on your finger when you move into this house. Our engagement will last eight months and then we’ll marry in June. It gives us enough time to adjust to the arrangement.” My eyes rose to hers that shifted from me to the contract, as she gnawed on her lower lip.

Cole excused himself and went inside.

Time for a little fun.

“Number three, consummation is important after the wedding, and will entail witnesses.”

She stood so fast, knocking her chair back, losing her footing, and fell right in front of me on all fours.

Look at that, she’s already in one of my favorite positions.

Wren sat back on her heels with her head bowed.

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