Chapter 4 A Deal With The Devil

Harper

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"Don't you think you are too close?" I leaned back, creating space between us as I cleared my throat.

"We are even going to be closer." A smirk formed on his lips as he leaned in, closing the space I had worked hard to create. His lips were a few inches from mine.

Was he about to kiss me?

My heart thrummed and I jerked back. My weight shifted too far and the legs of the chair lifted off the floor. My eyes widened as I grasped at the air-a futile attempt to stop myself from falling.

Just in time, Trevor wrapped his around my waist and with surprising strength he pulled me upright, anchoring me as the chair hit the ground with a sharp thud. My body pressed hard against his stone-like body and his warmth seeped into me, melding with mine. My hands rested on his chest, his very muscular chest.

As soon as I registered how close we were, I jolted out of his hands. "Thank you." Raising the seat, I sat back on it.

Trevor smiled and returned to his seat thankfully far away from me. Folding his arms, he leaned into the seat. "So, I'm proposing a deal, a contract marriage. We act like lovers. I get your husband jealous and you...Name anything you want and I'll see you have it."

Another contract marriage. My chest tightened briefly as I remembered how my last contract marriage ended-in shame and disgrace.

My brows gathered in and I folded my arms too. "I don't know what went on between you and Adam, But I'm not going to be a pawn in your game of revenge."

He cocked his brow. "Your mother is in the hospital and she needs $500,000 for her surgery. You also have a sister in college and college fees are no joke."

My breath shuddered and I clenched my fist. "You did a background check on me?"

Ignoring my question, he continued. "You have no money or work to provide money. Don't you think it's stupid to turn down the offer?"

Once again another man wanted to trap me. They came like they wanted to help, and when they were done with me, they'd tossed on the street like dirt.

A bitter chuckle escaped and I rolled my eyes again. "Don't you think it's stupid to go after your rival's ex-wife over something so petty as a crush? Besides, If Adam stole your crush, it just means she didn't like you back."

Oh, he wasn't pleased with the words that left my lips. Trevor narrowed his brows as he shot me a glare. "Petty as a crush? No wonder you had many failed relationships, you don't know what love is."

I glared back at him. "like you know better with your failed marriages." A heat snatched my chest as I remembered all the stupid men who came into my life to use me and they were always successful...Guess I was a stupid one.

His jaw tightened before a smug smile descended on him. "Your marriage just failed; we are on the same boat here."

I snorted. " Boat? With your four failed marriages, please mine is a dinghy and yours is a luxury cruise ship-a fucking titanic."

"So you also did a background check on me too?" Another smile sneaked into his lips.

I averted my gaze and scoffed. "Just an internet search."

Trevor inhaled before exhaling. "I know we got on the wrong foot, but your mother needs the money. It's not like you are going to see $ 500,000 hanging on a tree." He rose to his feet. "Think about my proposal. I expect your reply tomorrow morning." He dipped his hand in his pocket and strutted out of the dining room.

I eased up the seat and trudged to my room. After shutting the door, I sprawled on the large bed, its softness welcomed in ways life didn't.

I turned on the bed, Trevor's words weighing on my mind. He was right. There was my mother's health, my sister's school fees, our house rent-I do need that money.

But another thought broke in, one that tightened my throat. What if this ended just like It ended with Adam, In pain, and tears? And then I am kicked out again with nothing?

The questions came in circles, never-ending until sleep like a savior snatched me into her calm embrace.

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