Page 9 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

Now, as she slowly places her hand in mine, we both feel the charged connection. Her blatant expression is a mix of shock and uncertainty as I hold on, refusing to let go. It confirmed that my decision to avoid physical contact before was not unfounded. “Is this a yes?” I ask, my heart racing with anticipation for her answer.

“Yes,” she answers, and inside, I bubble with excitement and relief at her agreement. I speedily freeze my desire for her. I pull back.Control, I chant to myself.

“Great, I’ll have my lawyers draw up the paper for our marriage agreement. Do you have a lawyer?”

“No, Osei said he would get me one.” Of course he did.

“Okay, do you have any requests for a ring or any bridal preferences?” I want to know her every desire.

“No, a simple band will suffice.” Her reply is casual.

“Since you are marrying a Blythe, it will be more convincing to wear a ring when not at work.” The thought of other men not knowing that she belongs to me—even if it is only temporary for business purposes—makes me possessive. She’s fucking mine in our time together, business or not.

“Okay, nothing flashy.”

“Any preference for the stone shape?” She turns to face me, confusion in her eyes. My brain immediately responds with,“Yes, I’ve been shopping for you.”

“Round is fine,” she answers hesitantly.

I can’t hide my smile as I mentally check off another task on my list. Everything is falling into place perfectly, and soon she will be legally bound to me. And in our time together—whether it’s business or pleasure—she will be mine.

“Round it is, then.” I pause and smile at her, looking directly into those beautiful brown eyes. “Thank you for doing this,” I say, hoping to ease the thick tension between us.

“I should be the one thanking you. You are helping me more than you realize.” She nods as she wraps her arms around herself. Her body language shows she’s still skeptical.

“So, a week from today to get married,” I state. Her perplexed look is blatant. I’m not giving her a chance to think, let alone find another guy or consider backing out. I close deals all the time and never act eager, but this deal is far greater than any deal I’ve closed, and I’m not giving any chance for the tiniest gap of air to slip through—let alone a loophole for her to backtrack. I’m locking us down.

“Won’t that be too quick?” Her shaky voice and eyes question.

“Anything holding you back?”Please, say no.

“No, I just thought we had to meet with lawyers to sign the agreement before going to the courthouse to get the documents.”

“I’ll take care of all that. The lawyers will bring the papers by tomorrow, and your lawyer has a day to review. We can getmarried in a church; I know someone.”If only you knew I put the lawyers to work the moment Osei agreed, before he even mentioned it to you.

“Okay.” I rise. I need to leave. I can’t stay this close to her and not unleash the craving to kiss her. If I kiss her, I doubt I will stop, so not now. Just a week, I remind myself. Seven fucking days, and she’ll be my wife forever.

Chapter 7

DELE

I watch him leave, and I race to lock the door. My back to the door, I let out a long sigh. Being that close to him was intense. Why, for the love of all good things, do I always feel a visceral desire for him? He doesn’t like me, but today we shook hands, and it felt downright like an electric shock charging through my whole body, which is crazy. His hazel eyes bore into mine.

I’m still in awe of the look that felt like he was mentally undressing me and caressing me at the same time.Again, crazy. I refuse to think he has any desire for me. Even my active mind came to a stop as I stared into his beautiful hazel eyes. He had me hypnotized.Shake it off, I tell myself.

Reality is, desperate times call for desperate measures, and that is my reason for saying yes. I haven’t thought about anything since Osei told me.My “yes” to him means a lot to me.

At one point, I thought Osei would come and tell me it was a joke. I kept waiting for that “gotcha” moment to surface until I saw Luke at the door. My heart raced as it always does at thesight of him. A good thing he took the keys from my shaking hands.

He must need me more than I realize; that is why I said yes, though I can’t pinpoint why me? I honestly think he has more choices available to him, and yet he picked me, which makes no sense at all. Or it could only mean he wants to make sure I don’t marry his brother, which, quite frankly, is bizarre because Osei and I have a close bond—not a romantic relationship—but whatever his excuse for picking me, I pray he goes through with all he has promised and isn’t another disappointment on my long list of men who have disappointed me.

Getting my work permit and finishing my education is crucial to my future, and quite frankly, it’s a game-changer in my life. Once I graduate, I can leave for the UK with two million dollars and settle there for the next chapter of my life.

To be honest, I hope I’m not shooting myself in the foot with this guy. You trust Osei, my subconscious reminds me, and I nod inwardly.

Moving from the door, I go to my bedroom and drop my body and weighted mind on the bed. I realized I need to let Osei know about the plans.

Me: Your brother stopped by, and I said yes. Guess we’re getting married.

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