Chapter 6 I Wouldn't Leave You Unsatisfied

Kiera had always been fussy about where she slept. Every poor mattress left her body sore, and there was no chance she would ever stretch out on the floor. Yet how could she let the man who had saved her life take it instead?

"You should take the bed. I'll manage on the floor," she suggested, though her gaze flickered with the faintest trace of hope.

One of Jasper's brows lifted. "What kind of man would stand by while a woman lay on the floor?"

Her chest tightened with hope. She waited for him to finish his thought.

Sure enough, he added, "So the only fair choice is for us to share the bed."

Kiera went still, stunned by what he'd just declared. That was the last thing she wanted him to suggest.

A glimmer of amusement flickered in his eyes, though his expression remained unchanged. "I'll shower first and then come back to you."

His words sent a rush of warmth to her cheeks.

By the time she managed to think of something to say, he had already disappeared, heading down the hall to the bathroom.

How had things turned upside down this quickly? Resigned, Kiera gathered her nightclothes and wasted nearly an hour inside the en suite bathroom, pretending to busy herself.

When she finally walked out, Jasper had claimed the outer side of the bed. He leaned back against the headboard in the gray loungewear she had chosen for him, legs stretched carelessly across the sheets, his attention fixed on the glow of his phone.

She stared at the empty half of the bed like it was forbidden ground, her body refusing to move closer.

Jasper set aside his phone and lifted his head, eyes meeting hers. "Am I that disgusting to you?"

The question sliced straight through her. "No! Of course not."

Fearing she had wounded his pride, she forced herself onto the space beside him-only to wish instantly that she had not.

Muscles tightened until she felt caged inside her own skin. Memories of her past made her uneasy around men, and with Brad, she had never gone beyond allowing him to wrap her in a hug. Yet here she was, stretched out beside a man she had only just met yesterday.

Her pulse jumped higher when Jasper leaned close, his tone rough and low. "Strange, isn't it? It's our wedding night, and we're wasting it like this."

Heat rolled across her skin as his breath grazed her ear, bold and deliberate. Just those few words, and her heart rammed against her ribs like it was trying to escape.

Talk like that could twist into something reckless. Her thoughts screamed warnings as she edged back, eyes wide with worry. "W-wasting it? We hardly even know each other. You're not a libertine, are you?"

A hint of laughter tugged at Jasper's mouth. "You're my wife on paper. Tell me, how does that make me a libertine? Which means... what comes next is obvious."

Each syllable dripped suggestively against her ear, and panic flared. She yanked at her collar as though to shield herself, her gaze darting like a cornered animal. "I... I can't. I'm not ready."

A spark of humor touched Jasper's expression. He found she carried a little boldness, but not enough to match her defiance. He leaned away, giving her space at last.

"What I was saying," he explained in a steady tone, "is that because our marriage isn't built on love, we need an agreement. That way, when it ends, there will be no trouble."

That was it? A rush of relief swept through Kiera, leaving her breath lighter than before. She had never even thought about that possibility until now.

Clutching a pillow against herself, she drew in a slow breath. "Then what sort of terms are you suggesting?"

Jasper responded, "This marriage exists only in writing, so I'm not asking for much. But the first condition is clear-you keep your distance from your ex. I don't want a wife who cheats on me."

"Not in a million years. I'm done with my ex," Kiera blurted out.

He gave a brief nod before adding, "And another thing. I'll never force anything from you. But if the day comes when you want something physical... I wouldn't leave you unsatisfied."

Kiera's cheeks turned red. What was wrong with him? Why did he have to be so blunt?

"Is there more?" she asked.

"Yes. The last one matters most." Jasper's expression hardened. "How long are we supposed to keep this marriage alive?"

Her own answer had always been straightforward-once the shares were in her hands, she would choose the right moment to walk away.

But her uncle had already broken his promise.

"I don't know the exact timing yet," she admitted softly. "But it won't take forever. Tell me... do you have anything else that needs your time?"

Patience wasn't an issue for Jasper, though he had responsibilities waiting on him.

"I'll move as fast as I can on my end," Kiera said, almost in a vow. "I won't let you wait on me."

The desperation in her wide eyes revealed just how much this arrangement meant to her. Without saying it outright, Jasper felt an urge to shoulder some of that burden for her.

"There's no rush. Take your time," he answered calmly.

Her whole expression lit up in relief. "I really appreciate that!"

Her smile-those shining eyes most of all-caught him off guard. He let his gaze linger for a second longer than he should before pulling away and leaving the bed. He tugged a blanket to the floor and spread it neatly.

Thoughtful as ever, Kiera offered him a pillow.

Catching the eager brightness in her smile, Jasper released a small, resigned laugh.

Once the lights dimmed, silence settled between them.

Kiera expected her nerves to keep her awake with Jasper so close, yet sleep claimed her with surprising ease.

When she opened her eyes the next morning, the spot where he had crashed on was already empty. Jasper must have left early for work.

Instead of worrying about him, she rang the movers again, telling them to cart the furniture off to a resale market. She doubted buyers there had the means to pay for pieces like hers, but she didn't have any other option left.

By the time the movers finished, half the marketplace seemed buried under her belongings. It wasn't long before someone wandered over.

"Miss, how much for this couch? Doesn't look too bad."

"One hundred fifty grand," Kiera replied without hesitation.

The man gawked as though she'd lost her mind. "You serious? That's daylight robbery." He scoffed, muttered something to his buddy, and walked away.

Kiera's mouth fell open. Robbery? She'd dropped four hundred grand when it was brand new. Asking a hundred fifty grand was practically charity.

The rest of the morning dragged on in the same miserable pattern-snickers, rude remarks, and not a single sale.

By noon, she slumped with a defeated sigh. Maybe she would have to call the movers back and haul it all home again.

Then a harsh, all-too-familiar voice sliced through the chatter.

"Kiera Gordon. You've made yourself damn difficult to find."

Brad loomed in front of her, his expression dark, and Maddie shadowed him with a smug.

Pretending to be shocked, Maddie let her gaze drift over the mountain of furniture. Her voice was sweet, but every word dripped with satisfaction. "Brad told me you stripped his house bare, and I thought he was exaggerating. Turns out he was right. Kiera, wasn't that reckless of you? That was supposed to be your future home."

With a casual shrug, Kiera replied, "Why would I cling to the past? I'm married now. My ex's things are just eyesores to me."

Brad's face twisted into a darker scowl. "Did you really pretend to be with some random guy just to get back at me? That's pathetic!"

Kiera gave him a look of surprise. "I guess Maddie hasn't filled you in. I'm already married."