Page 30 of Seduced By Contract

"My father, but I don't want to talk about it."

I let it go because it's clear that the subject bothers her. "Are you sure you don't want anything to drink? Have you eaten?"

For the first time since we met, I see a hint of a smile on her beautiful lips. "If I say no, will you cook for me?"

"Are you hungry?"

"A little, but very nervous. I'm not sure if I'll be able to eat anything."

I stand up and offer my hand. "Come here."

She hesitates before taking it, and as I walk beside her to the kitchen, I feel her shiver under my touch.

"I wouldn’t mind some fruit."

"Sit down," I say, pointing to the counter.

I feel her gaze on me as I prepare a sandwich, and when I place the plate in front of her, she says, without looking at me, "I'd like some milk, if possible."

I fill a glass, and after handing it to her, I watch her eat from the opposite wall.

Madison doesn't take bites out of the sandwich; instead, she cuts small portions around the edges and leaves the middle for last.

"What's the logic behind that?" I ask, pointing curiously at what remains.

"The best always comes last. I like to make pleasure last."

Damn, this woman can make me think dirty thoughts without even trying.

"Any pleasure?" I ask, swallowing hard.

"All the ones I know," she says enigmatically.

When she finishes eating, she goes to the sink, washes the plate and glass, and places them in the drainer.

"You didn't have to do that."

"Because you have a maid, right?"

"Yeah."

"If we make a deal today, for a month, I'll be yours, but I'll never change who I am, Zeus. Comfort and luxury aren't part of my life."

"What's your counterproposal?" I ask as we walk back to the living room.

She doesn't sit down; instead, she goes to one of the windows and looks out into the night. "The view from here is beautiful. What a privilege to wake up and see the entire park."

I approach, stopping behind her but not touching her. "After a while, you get used to it. It stops evoking any emotion."

She turns to look at me, and it's hard to control the desire to take her in my arms. "Is that how it is with everything in your life? You lose interest quickly?"

There's no reason to lie. "Usually, yes."

"Then I guess the timeframe you proposed the other night will be more than enough. I accept your conditions, but I have some requests to make, and there are also things I won't give up."

I almost smile at how she's leading our negotiation, as if she's the absolute mistress of the situation, when we both know that'sa lie. Regardless of what we call our relationship or the rules we impose, Madison's desire for me is as intense as mine for her.

"I'm listening."

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