Page 32 of Seduced By Contract

"And what if I propose, along with the house and the contract, a real salary?"

I feel my stomach knotting, not because of what he says but because of the mocking expression on his face. "I don't need your money, Mr. Kostanidis. You want to know something else? I don't need you. Go to hell." I step back, but he intercepts my path.

"What's the problem with accepting the house but not cash?"

I lift my chin. "I'm not a prostitute. I've been working since I was fourteen. I'll never depend on a man to feed me or dress me. You said you'd provide clothes for when I go out with you, and I'll accept that so as not to embarrass you, but when our deal is over, you'll get everything back. I'm only interested in what I asked of you: a house and a fake job contract. As for your money, I appreciate it, but I'd rather stick with my cleaning jobs."

"What?"

"I don't need you to support me. Apart from dancing, I clean during the day."

His expression changes, his facial muscles relaxing as his eyes scan my face as if he’s trying to decipher me.

He doesn't soften, because I think nothing about the man will ever be soft, but he doesn't seem as angry anymore. "Why do you need so much money, Madison? Isn't what you earn at the club enough?"

"No. I have a lot of expenses."

"What sort of expenses?"

I know I'm losing ground, walking on thin ice. He wants to know my reasons, but I don't need his pity. I don't want anything from Zeus Kostanidis beyond what I'm asking for. Not a friend-lover but an equal.

I change tactics and step closer to him, almost pressing our bodies together. "Nothing I’ve proposed changes the fact that I want you. Isn't that enough?"

"Do you really? How can I be sure of that?" He steps back, as if trying to put distance between us. "Maybe I need a sample to be convinced." The cold tone has returned to his voice.

I feel my face heat up, knowing he's talking about something sexual but not understanding exactly what. I mean, I'm not stupid—I know what happens between a man and a woman—but I have no idea how to seduce someone like Zeus Kostanidis.

He crosses his arms, staring at me without allowing me to look away, and I want to run. It's going to take him one second to realize I'm a fraud, not the sensual woman he imagines.

I clench my hands at my sides and look at my feet. "I can't give you a demonstration because I don't know what to do."

"What?"

"I've never been with a man, and I've never dated. You were my first kiss. If you want me, you'll have to teach me everything."

I feel him approach.

"Don't lie to me, Madison."

I meet his gaze, even though I'm embarrassed. "I'm not lying. I've never been with a man."

"Why not?"

"I'm not good at trusting people. That's why I suggested the contract. It will give me security. I need the house and the job contract, but I'd never make a deal like this with any other man because I've never desired anyone but you."

His hands come to my face, and he studies me in silence. "Are you a virgin?"

"Yes."

"I didn't know that when I suggested you be my lover."

"I believe you. Regardless, it had to happen someday, and I want it to be with you, but you need to know the truth or you'll be disappointed. I don't know how to please you . . . uh . . . in bed."

"Madison, you drive me crazy just by breathing, but I don't want to hurt you. I have a stone in place of a heart, but I know the first experience for a woman . . .”

I pull away from him, feeling humiliated. Zeus is trying to find a less painful way to say that I don't fit into his plans, and I just want to leave and hide. "Can you ask your driver to take me home?"

"No, we're not done yet."

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