Page 8 of Lightness In My Dark

Under my breath, I said, “She doesn’t know what a hard time is,” as I glanced down at my cock. I didn’t think she heard, but she did.

She tossed the contract on the table and said, “That’s it. Maybe I could deal with closing my eyes while having sex with you, but I don’t think ten million is worth dealing with your assholeness. And yes, it’s not a word.”

She’s right. I’m full of assholeness.

Without waiting for a response, she entered the house. Midway to the main door, I stepped in front and her head fell back to see my face. “Okay, truce. I promise to be on my best behavior.” She walked around me, but I grabbed her arm and asked, “Please?”

Wren snatched her arm back. “Don’t touch me. I don’t like being touched.”

I stepped back, lifted an eyebrow, hands in my pockets and said, “Then we have a problem. We’re supposed to be in love, which means some PDA.”

Her hand rubbed where I grabbed it. She looked at the floor.

Another fuck up of mine. I shouldn’t push her.

In the hallway, standing close, she faded from our conversation. So small, I scrutinized her posture and body. She was cute. Not the typical type I went for, but fuckable. I had never been with a woman with short hair, let alone small tits. There was something about her though, a naivete and vulnerability. And she had a fantastic smile. Her difference in appearance and personality could make this whole deal bearable.

“I admit. I’ve been a dick. This is new to me, too. It’s outside of my comfort zone. I took it out on you a bit.” She tilted her head enough to see my face and raised an eyebrow. “Okay, a lot. But we still need to appear as a happy, loving couple.”

“I can work on the affectionate part.”

“Does that mean you’ll do it?” She only offered a nod.

“Great!”

She let out a long sigh. “But why me, though? Come on, look at us. I don’t need to feed your ego, but you’re model material and I’m not. I’m short, stocky, and—”

“Cute.” Her eyes expanded.

Too fucking adorable. That’s how I’d describe her. Adorable.

“Great smile. Dimple. It’s a match to mine.” I grinned. “Besides, I’m kind of tired of the tall, elongated waifs.” That made her laugh, which I loved the sound of.

My smile fell. “The most important reason is trust. It’s amazing how difficult it is to trust someone, especially in my circle. Most women I’m acquainted with would sell their soul or their mother’s soul for money. I can’t risk it. There’s still more of the contract that is of a delicate nature.”

“You mean sex and witnesses aren’t delicate?”

For the first time, I blushed, bowed my head and when I looked up, she had a softened expression. We both seemed to relax—relating on some level. My eyes wandered around the area, anywhere but on her. I didn’t want to make her anxious anymore.

I coughed to get her attention. “Come on. Let’s finish this. I promise I’ll behave.”

“And if you don’t? I mean, I need some reward if you break your promise. Three years is a long time to endure your rudeness.”

“Fair enough. What’s on your mind?”

She placed her hands on her hips and said, “Something that would be a deterrent, and since I don’t know you very well, it’s difficult for me to say.”

“How about every time I belittle or humiliate you, we have sex? Is that enough of a deterrent for you?” I gave her a cocky smile.

Her face burned with heat. “Ha, ha. I meant a deterrent for you.”

“You can’t fault a guy for trying.”

We stood for a moment. My finger lifted toward her face. She flinched but let me skim her forehead to move a few hairs out of the way. “How about I put an amendment in there later once we come up with something? For now, we can finish the contract as is.”

With a hand out toward the patio, we returned to the table. I proceeded with the contract requirements. “Number five, during the honeymoon phase…” I paused before finishing the sentence. “… you’ll help me overcome my addiction.”

Her head snapped up. “Addiction? To what?”

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