Page 33 of Papers Don't Lie

Kai sighs loudly, and I can’t not ask myself if I maybe ask too many questions. Since he’s not that talkative to explain, this might be the reason behind his bored, released breath.

But I need to know. This is not something you just let pass by.

“You were ready to give up, and that isn’t the woman I met two months ago. That woman was ready to step on dead bodies to get what she wanted, and when she told me she was giving up, I couldn’t stand there and watch as the life was sucked out of her. It was an impulsive decision, I give you that, but it was one I had to make or I wouldn’t have forgiven myself,” he says, looking me straight in the eye. “And even if I’m not a religious type of man, I believe we met for a reason.”

“You’re saying you put me in a hospital bed for a reason?” I manage to laugh, his previous words settling deep inside of me.

Kai shrugs. “We were supposed to never see each other again, and yet… here you are.”

He’s right. Who am I to judge God’s plan? If this is what I’m destined to live and it comes with a hot husband, then I’m not going to fight it.

“So, we’re really doing this?”

Kai nods once. “Now tell me what’s wrong.”

Because I don’t want to talk about my sister, guessing he’d suggest talking to her and that’s the last thing I want to do right now, I talk about my other problem.

“How are we going to sleep?” I ask, biting my bottom lip.

“Where do you want to sleep?”

Classic. Replying to a question with another question, but I have to admit, I like that he’s putting my wishes above his. Is that… selfish?

“Well, I’m already familiar with this bed, and it’d be nice to stay here. If it’s something you’re not willing to share, I understand,” I say when I notice his eyes turning darker at the mention of his bed.

His pupils drop to my lips, and I fight the urge to pass my tongue over them, silently sucking in a breath when he finally looks back into my eyes. “No,” he murmurs. “What’s mine is yours.”

I glance around the room. “And where are you going to sleep? Here or…?”

Kai shakes his head. “I’m going to sleep in the room next to this. If you need me, just knock on that door.” He points at the door behind us, and I nod.

“Thank you,” I tell him, then snuggle under the blanket, breathing in relief at the feeling.

He doesn’t stand up how I expect him to do. Instead, he keeps his place, not hiding away from the inspection he’s giving me. Kai’s eyes roam and explore every bit of my face, slowly cascading to my body, where they don’t linger for long. He manages to be respectful about it, almost as if he’s satisfying a curiosity he’s had for a while.

“What do you expect from me in this marriage? How do I make you happy?” I mumble, thinking if I talk quieter, he won’t hear me.

Kai gives me a knee-shaking smile. “I expect you to do whatever you feel, and before I leave, have you decided what we’re going to tell my family?”

Right. His family. It would make our life a lot easier if they knew the truth about our agreement, but then I remember how happy Kai’s dad was to have me at dinner the other night, and I don’t think I can crush his heart like that. He was genuinely happy his son had someone, talking about how cold and reserved he’s been lately.

We can’t divorce anyway, and there’s no way he’ll find out about this unless we decide to tell him.

“Your father was happy to learn you have a girlfriend, so I say let’s not disappoint the man,” I tell him, who not even once stopped from looking at me.

“That means we have to act like a couple.”

“Sure.” I hurry to reply, not at all freaking out about the loving touches we’re about to share in front of the public. But I also can’t upset an old man.

Gosh, I want to bury my head in this pillow and scream until my lungs give out. I can’t believe we’re actually having this conversation.

Kai gets up. “Goodnight, Ray,” he murmurs, walking away. “Get up early. We’re flying to Los Angeles tomorrow morning.”

I frown. “What for?”

He throws me a look over his shoulder. “We’re getting married.”

EIGHTEEN

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