Page 10 of It Started with a Contract

Chapter Four

Hadley glanced around the large grocery store, and glanced at her list again. This was the first time she had been allowed out in a month. That was how long it had been since she had been employed by Mr. Gray. It had been a rollercoaster ride of a month. That first business trip, he had to leave her the following morning, but he’d come back at lunchtime, again at three, and was home by nine. Each time, he pressed her against the nearest wall bringing her to orgasm until she screamed his name, and begged for more, and then, and only then would he fuck her.

The moment they got back to his place, he’d helped her to settle into a room of her own. Not that she’d used that room. Every time she tried to go to her own room, Easton would wrap his arms around her, stopping her from going anywhere. She loved the feel of him snuggling against her. She didn’t know if that was normal for a guy to do. Either way, nights were her favorite time of day when his large, muscular arms wrapped around her.

Her cell phone rang. It was brand new, as was everything else in her life. Easton had made certain demands on her. A new phone. A new wardrobe. New furniture. He’d taken her shopping, and had demanded that she get whatever she wanted.

At first she’d been really nervous about spending his money. He promised that he loved taking her shopping. After the first day, she had tried to relax. What made her even more nervous was the money she saw in her account an hour later. It was in six figures, not to mention that all of her debts had been paid.

“Hello,” she said.

“You’re shopping?”

“You’ve got someone watching me?”

“Of course. For your own protection, and because I like to know that you’re being taken care of. You cook?”

“Haven’t you noticed I cook? I’ve cooked every single meal the past couple of weeks.” She had gone through his fridge and freezer, taking the ready meals toward the homeless shelter for them to use it. “If you’re so rich, how come you didn’t hire a cook?”

“I’ve hired cooks, and believe me, life is just easier with ready meals. It’s either too much garlic, too much chili, or it’s too bland.”

“And you think ready meals are better for you?”

“No, not at all. It’s easier than trying to tell someone their food is crap.”

“Wow, that would be harsh. So, how is my food?” She bit her lip, suddenly nervous about what he was going to say.

“I thought it was awesome. To be honest I thought ready meals had gotten way better, but I wasn’t about to tell you that.” He chuckled.

“I’m cooking. I don’t like ready meals, never have. I’m shopping.”

“I’ll pay you back,” he said.

“Actually, there’s something I want to talk to you about.” She paused at the baking aisle, and took out several of the chocolate chips.

“What is it?” he asked.

“The, erm, the amount in my account.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Is that amount really necessary?”

“I was hoping it would make you feel more comfortable about being with me. It’s your money to use as you wish. Also, I’ve paid all of your debts. You can finally be happy, and free. This is a fresh start for you, baby.”

She paused, and rubbed at her temple. “It’s too much.”

“Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, Hadley. Believe me, you’re going to earn that money.”

That was what she hated. She was earning money for sex.

“I bet you’re hating how you think you’re going to be earning that money. Okay, let me clarify it. The sex, I want, and it was originally what I put that advertisement in the paper for. However, sex with you is not a hardship, babe. So, I’ve got a charity event to go to this Friday. Tomorrow at lunch I’m taking you shopping for the appropriate dress. You’re going to be my plus-one.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, believe me when I say that you’re going to want to start being paid for the inconvenience of going to all of these events. There seems to be a new event every single week.” He laughed. “Hadley, I don’t want you to be thinking about this shit, okay? I like you, and I like what we have. I’m looking forward to your cooking. Now that I know you’re cooking I look forward to it even more.”

“You didn’t need to pay my debts off.”

“They were not that bad, babe. Honestly, I wanted to do something good for you.” There was some commotion in the background. “I’ve got to go. We’ll talk about this over dinner, okay? Don’t worry about it, and please, don’t overthink this, Hadley.”

Before she could say anything else he hung up the phone. She stared at the device, and switched it off, putting it away in her bag.

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