Page 23 of Hate You Forever (Hate 1)

Something like that, buddy.

“Not at all. I just don’t do the post-sex pillow talk and cuddle thing very well—like, at all. So you need to leave.” I need him to hurry, but he takes his sweet time getting dressed, basically tormenting me with his delicious body. The longer he’s here, the sicker I feel. My stomach twists, because deep down, I wouldn’t mind seeing him again. And I know that’s dangerous.

Even if Marnix’s terms seem pretty loose about having a secret relationship on the side, that’s all this could ever be. If we both wanted more, I’d never be able to give him that because I’ll already be married to someone else.

“You really are a mystery, wild girl,” he says.

More than you know.

Once he’s gone, I’ll never have to see him again. He’ll be out of my mind forever. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself.

With his hand on the doorknob, he turns to look at me. “Call me again sometime, mystery girl.”

Not a chance. If I cut him off, I can’t catch feelings.

I roll my eyes, though internally I’m sad this is the last time I’ll see those stormy gray eyes. “In your dreams.”

“We’ll see about that.” Cohutta chuckles as he walks out of my life for good, the door slamming behind him. A sigh of relief escapes me. He’s gone; I don’t have to think about him anymore.

But there is another man I have to worry about.

Grabbing the folder Marnix gave me, I pull out the contract, dialing the number attached to it. My heart races as the ringing echoes in my ear. My feet are burning holes in my old carpet as I pace back and forth, waiting for him to answer. Each second that ticks by is another I feel like I’m going to explode.

“This is Nix.” His deep voice comes through the speaker. He answered the phone and now my brain is completely short-circuiting. I know what I want to say, but the words are stuck in my throat. “If this is a prank call, I swear—”

“Marnix.” I cut off his rant. I’m starting to wonder if it’s possible for your heart to beat so hard, it bursts out of your chest. If so, it feels like mine’s about to.

“Tara. About time—I was starting to think you were making the worst decision of your life by ignoring my offer. Though I’m sure you’re used to making bad choices.”

Asshole.

Sitting on the edge of my bed to try and calm my nerves, the pressure in my ass reminds me of the six foot blond god I just kicked out. I sigh, trying to get my thoughts back on track.

“Meet me at Star of India tomorrow. I’m in. I’ll marry you.”

I must be certifiably insane.

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