Page 117 of Dangerous Contract: Part 1

“How would you feel if I called out women who looked at you?”

“You don’t have to. I will.”

Monique sighed. “You’re impossible.”

Raz smiled. “And you’re mine.”

“I know. If you keep this up, the entire world will know.”

“Good.”

Monique squeezed his hand hard, causing him to chuckle.

“Okay, love,” he told her. “I’lltryto behave.”

“Thank you.”

Raz led her into the auditorium. There weren’t many people there, just a few parents with their children. He smiled as a dad lifted his daughter onto his shoulders. The child giggled as she stared at the fish.

“She’s so cute,” Monique said.

“Do you want one?” Raz asked.

“What? A fish?”

“No.”

“An aquarium?” she asked.

“You know what I’m talking about. Do you want a kid?”

Laughing, she shook her head. “I’m pretty sure I’ve answered this question already. But, no. Not really. Especially not this late in life. My patience is almost non-existent now. But I love kids. My nieces and nephews are my world. Do you think it’s strange that I don’t want any?”

“No. Nothing strange about that.”

His statement earned him a smile from Monique. Her smile always made him feel like he was doing something right. Fingersintertwined with hers, Raz led her down the corridors of the aquarium. The sea creatures held her enthralled.

Her excitement was written all over her face. Seeing her happy made him happy. The power she had over his emotions was amazing. Damn near magical. She stopped at one of the podiums to read the information about jellyfish. Raz leaned down to whisper in her ear.

“These creatures may seem delicate,” he told her. “But they possess a unique defense mechanism. See those trailing tentacles behind them?”

When she nodded, he continued.

“They’re called nematocysts. They contain specialized cells filled with venom. When threatened, the jellyfish can release these stinging cells, delivering a potent sting to deter predators.”

Monique stared up at him. “Are you reading the cards?”

“Nope. And you don’t have to read them either. You can just ask me.”

“Let me guess. You own this aquarium, don’t you?”

“Good guess. I do.”

She chuckled. “I should’ve known. Did you memorize everything about each animal here?”

“No. But, I know a little something about each animal here.”

“Prove it.”

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