Page 54 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“Good, I’ll be there soon.” I nod and head to my room. I can’t decide if I should keep the dress or toss it. For now, I undress and get into the shower, letting the water soothe my body, calm and relax me. Once done, I put on an old T-shirt of Luke’s that I’d found in the dryer since I’d somehow lost Osei’s shirt in Hawaii. Luke probably won’t miss this shirt, but I like the soft cotton, and it makes me feel close to him.

He walks in, wearing lounge pants as I cream my legs. I lather it up. His hair looks damp, like he showered as well. He always takes my breath away every time I see him. The good thing is, he doesn’t know how much I’ve fallen for him, and it’s best I keep that to myself. We have a contract that I agreed to. I put the cream away, pull the sheets, and get into bed. He doesn’t say aword, but his eyes are on me as he gets in bed with me, turns off the light, and pulls me to him without any resistance from me.

“Nice T-shirt, by the way.” His warm breath caresses my ear, sending a slither of warmth down my body. I pull my legs close.

“The owner didn’t want it anymore, so finders-keepers.” He chuckles.

“Guess whenever I find certain underwear in this unit, I can keep it,” he teases.

“Not cool,” I say, a yawn escaping me.

“Go to sleep. I’ll stand guard and watch over you,” he states, and I’m comforted, knowing he’s with me and watching over me.

“Thank you,” I murmur and let sleep take over, trusting that I’m safe in his arms.

Chapter 37

DELE

I wake to strong arms wrapped around me like a vine and a smell that I’ve missed. I sniff him for a second, just as the bathroom calls.

I try to move his hands away so I can get up. He tightens his grip. I know he’s awake. “I need to go and pee,” I whisper to him.

“Liar, you’re trying to sneak out.” He wraps his hands tighter around me.

“Maybe, but I do need to pee right away,” I plead.

I try to wiggle my way out of his strong hold, but he’s stronger. It should freak me out that his hold tightens around me, but I know deep within me that he won’t hurt me. Though he’s not releasing his tight grip.

“Tell me why you’ve been shutting me out and avoiding me.”

“I really need to pee; I’m too grown to wet the bed while wide awake.” I clipped.

“Tell me, and I will let you go,” he commands. I see his playful eyes and roguish smile.

“Please, Luke.” My wiggle continues, but I can’t get out, putting my legs together to hold in my pressing need.

“Tell me, and I will let you go.” He’s so annoying.

“Fine! Lily!” His hands fall off in a snap. I jump right out of bed and dash to the bathroom. My shorts are down fast as I sit on the potty and let it all out, groaning in relief. He comes in, staring at me. I slammed the door in his face.

“I’ll be right here when you come out,” he shouts.

“I still get my privacy,” I shout back.

I finish, clean up, flush, but I don’t want to open the door. I’m not ready to face Luke.

“We can do this all day,” he says in a dry tone. Damn. A part of me actually thought he would go back to his room, and I would spend hours showering, taking care of my hair, and all the stuff I could do to keep me in here longer before I dress for my meeting with Osei. Guess I can’t escape him.Fine!I sigh and fling the door open, going past him to wash my hands. I grab my toothbrush and start brushing. He opens the drawer, pulls out a spare toothbrush, and starts to brush with his eyes on me. I rinse my mouth and the toothbrush, then start to part my hair. It needs oil; my scalp is too dry.

“We can do this all day,” he says, reminding me.Captain obvious much?It’s going to be a long-ass day.

“Not sure what we’re doing all day. I already answered your question, and I plan to care for my hair, shower, and meet up with Osei. He’s introducing me to a friend of his.” His furrowed brow is immediate. Damn it. I shouldn’t have told him that—Osei said not to mention it to him.

He pulls me close to him, his chest rising, and his scowling eyes scanning my face for something, but I don’t know what. His closeness is messing with my senses and body, and my temperature of desire is rising.

“What did you just say?” he growls at me.

“I said I already answered your question.” I snap to control, my rising need.

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