Page 26 of Dirty Grovel

“Alright then, let’s move on to what I called you here to discuss.”

She fakes a smile. “I can hardly wait.” Her breasts are practically spilling over in that damn bikini top.

“I’ve been speaking to my attorneys.”

She tenses. “What does that have to do with me?”

“Obviously, the contract between us is null and void.” She flinches but says nothing. “But considering the situation, we have to consider some sort of… alternate agreement between us.”

“What do you mean?”

“You will forfeit the million dollars you were promised. There will be no marriage. But you will get a monthly allowance. And of course, there will be a custody agreement.”

She swallows, vibrating with tension from head to toe. I’m guessing she’s regretting walking in here in a bikini.

This is the kind of conversation that requires a full-on hazmat suit.

“Of course, all this is contingent on the baby being mine. A doctor is coming this evening to conduct a paternity test. That should give you enough time to have your swim with Teo and be ready for him.”

She jumps to her feet. An angry red flush has traveled from her cheeks all the way to the tops of her breasts.

“You can order all the damn tests you want but you’re forgetting something.” She places one hand protectively over her flat stomach. “This ismybaby, too. And this is my body. Which means it’s my decision how and when and where I’m tested. I will take your stupid paternity test, but I’ll do it on my own terms, with the doctor thatIchoose.”

I nod calmly instead of saying all the things I want to say. “If you want to make more work for yourself, tracking down a suitable doctor, then go right ahead. I won’t dispute where, how, and with whom you take the test, as long as it’s from a reputable clinic.”

“You’ll cancel the doctor coming this evening?”

“If you insist.”

She nods. “Fine. Then I’ll make arrangements for myself.”

She twists around and walks to the door, shaking her perfect ass in my face.

I don’t bother telling her the obvious truth.

She’s the one who’s managed to get the last word in.

As per fucking usual.

9

SUTTON

To leave or to stay.

That is the question.

And I’m no closer to answering it when I’m finally able to FaceTime my sister. Who is apparently still on house arrest and compensating by maxing out her credit cards in every online store her internet browser can take her to.

“My Gucci stilettos came today,” she says, holding them up to the camera. “Aren’t they beautiful?”

Her eyes skip to the side, letting me know she’s not alone in her room.

Not that I needed an alert. The fact that she started yammering on about all the new purchases she’s made the moment I answered her call was warning enough.

“Gorgeous.” I try to feign enthusiasm. “Any new jewelry?”

“Unfortunately, the jewelry you can buy online is not jewelry worth owning. But don’t worry, I know exactly what I want when I’m outta this room.”

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