Page 4 of Dirty Husband
It doesn't matter that she's the most beautiful woman in the world. It doesn't matter that she's the only woman I want.
Right now, I don't have a choice.
I need to win her heart in the next thirty days.
Either I convince the world she's in love with me. Or that bastard takes everything that matters.
Slowly, she smooths her pencil skirt. "You know where I stand, Shepard." She refers to the ultimatum she gave me six years ago.
"I do."
"Why do you think I'd marry you?"
"Your father's treatment can't be cheap."
Her dark eyes fill with concern. Over her father's health. Or my knowledge of it. "I have it handled."
"I know how much you make." It's barely enough for rent and groceries in her neighborhood.
"I have it handled."
"It's not enough."
"Our health insurance—"
"Don't be ridiculous." I turn my body toward hers. "Don't play this game, Jasmine."I have a better game, princess. Where I command and you obey. Take off your panties. I want to watch you come.
"What game is that?" Her voice hardens. Her posture goes with it. She folds her arms over her chest. Presses her heels together.
"Don't pretend you don't put your family first."
"Just because you—"
"You'll do anything for him."
"Not anything." She stares at me, daring me to spell it out. To make her a whore. Offer money for her body.
Which is ridiculous. I wouldn't insult her like that. "I'm not paying you for sex."
"You aren't paying me, period, Shep." She grabs her purse. Stands. Moves toward the door. "I'm leaving—"
"A million dollars."
She stops dead in her tracks. "A million dollars?"
"Yes."
"What if I want two?"
"I'm negotiable."
"Why not make it ten? Or twenty? As long as we're living in a fairy tale."
"Seven figures."
"Why do you even—"
I can't explain that. I can't even think about it. "You need the money."
