Christian's Bride (The Bargain)

Chapter one

From the way he was dressed, I could surmise that Albert was here for the wedding-he looked charming as usual. His Armani gray suit gave more compliments to his color but why did my heart feel like jumping out of its cage?. My heart squeezed in my chest. I feared I wouldn't be able to breathe ever again.

"Why the hell are you late for your wedding?" His father thundered while his mother did a once over at him and busted into a disgusting fit of laughter.

"He was taking his time obviously" she whined in mockery.

"Albert... what happened?" My voice came out tiny and cranky. My eyes were puffy and red from unshed tears and I wasn't sure what I would be like after all this humiliation was done. I placed my hand on his arm but he flinched away, causing my hands to fall limply by my side.

His mother snickered and the clamoring in the church heightened-Thea stood transfixed on her spot.

"If you are ready, let us commence the wedding already," Father Christopher said through the public address system. I heard him clearly and so did every other person in the church but none of us moved. Was he clueless? "Our soon-to-be couples, if you are..." Albert interrupted the old priest from finishing his statement.

"Yes, let's get started," Albert said, walking towards the altar. What should I do? Should I go after him? For fucks sake why would anybody show up at his wedding -claiming to be ready to get married in a pajama slide?

"Okay, let's go get you married, '' Mrs. West spurred, clapping her hands dramatically. Mr. shifted from his wife to his son in distress. He was silently begging for the both of them to call off this madness. What did I ever do to make Mrs. Macaroni West hate me this much? From pouring drinks on my body to.... I broke out of my reverie from the sound of someone hearing their throat. Thea subtly pinched me to get my attention. I looked up and saw both Albert and Father Christopher waiting for me at the altar. The flag was waving in all shades of red but I ignored it and went still and like I hadn't thought in my wildest dreams ever, I was getting married subconsciously.

"The vows," The priest said, causing me to be aware of my situation once again. Another chance to salvage the last of my dignity but... the atmosphere was thick and the tension palpable. I was anxious as I sweated in all the unimaginable places. I cleared my throat as I got ready to say my vow.

"I, Alexis Marier Luiz, chooses you Albert West to me my husband before in this congregation-to love and to cherish, to have and to hold for better or worse, from richer to poorer, in sickness and in health, through all the time of our lives until death do us part" I finalized my vow.

Thea heaved a sigh of anguish and mumbled "what the hell Lexie?" Her breath fanned the neck at the back of my neck, a slight reminder of what I was supposed to do but I ignored it. The audience was going wild in murmurs and Mrs. West was having the time of her life, as she watched me repeatedly make a fool of myself. The atmosphere wasn't right and Albert didn't look all-ready but he was here with me on the altar, willing and ready to get married to me; to hell with whatever anybody has to say.

Albert cleared his throat as he got ready to say his vows. He brought out a piece of neatly folded paper from his pocket before flashing me a smile. Surprisingly, he turned to face the congregation.

"My greetings to all of you and my apologies for keeping you all waiting" Albert started but broke off to remove a neatly folded paper from his pocket. Was that proper? I mean was it okay to acknowledge your guest in that manner while taking your vows?

Turning to look at me he continued...

"Alexis Marie Luiz, you are the most amazing woman I know and the prettiest too. You taught me things that I'm grateful for. I won't lie, you sharpened my senses and because of you, I'd come to understand what it means to love. ``His voice was baritone and so husky, kissing away every form of anger and embarrassment I felt before now. God, I never knew he could be this sweet. I slightly turned to look at Thea and she had this "this wasn't what I was expecting kind of look" well, not just you girl, me, and every other person here in this church. Mr. West had a relaxed smile, the priest looked like he was officiating a real wedding, and Mrs. West, well, she was indifferent.

"I'm grateful for what you are to me and for teaching me what it means to love-it is because of this I realized the trueness of what I feel for you" he looked up from the paper and held my gaze. "I'm sorry it took this long to realize this, but I can't continue with this facade. Whatever I feel for you is not love. I won't lie we had a sort of connection but it was mostly forced. I was only trying to reciprocate your vibes"

Holy Cow! What the hell was going on? I would hear whispers and uproar but none of them was comprehensible.

"I didn't want to be dramatic and wanted to end this earlier before your proposal but you were so clingy and hung up on me... I didn't even know how we got here. But now I do and I know I don't want to be your husband"

What sort of a joke was this?

"Albert please don't do this to me" my voice was tiny yet carried a massive volume of plea.

"I can't and won't marry you, Alexis Marie Luiz. Here's your ring"

********

I'd always shunned suicide. My life hadn't been the best but it was pleasant enough to want to see it through until a few months ago. Most often than not, I'd judged suiciders for being irresponsible but now, here I was, up here on this high roof ready to end my disgusting life. Disgusting because my life right now was unbearable, uncomfortable, and saddening-rumors are supposed to end but after three months, it seemed there was no end to mine. If anything, it was more lies coming forth after the other. I was too tired to put up with the torture of the world. Joining my parents would be better.

I decided to opt for a little quiet moment before my death since ending my life suddenly felt scary but unfortunately for me, the door to the terrace was just shoved open so hard. The door slammed shut again and footsteps moved swiftly across the deck. I don't even bother looking up. Whoever it was more than likely won't even notice me back here straddling the ledge to the left of the door.

I sighed quietly, closing my eyes and leaning my head against the stucco wall behind me, cursing the universe for being so unfair.

I finally allowed my eyes to make the journey to the silhouette leaning over the ledge. The first thing I made out of his features was his height-even leaning over the rail, I could tell he was tall. His broad shoulders created a strong contrast to the fragile way he held his head in his hands.

He appeared to be on the verge of a breakdown and making contemplations about ending his life just like me. Maybe we could do it together? That way it would be easier right?

Before I concluded, he spun around and kicked one of the patio chairs behind him.

I flinched as it screeched across the deck. He kicked the chair repeatedly, over and over. Rather than give way beneath the blunt force of his foot, all the chair did is scoot farther and farther away from him and I envy its resilience. Just what stuff was it made of?

I stared at the guy a moment longer, miserably taking him in. He was just standing there, staring down at the chair. His hands weren't in fists anymore. They were resting on his hips, and I noticed for the first time how his shirt didn't fit him very well around his biceps. It fits him everywhere else, but his arms are huge. His sleeves were rolled up to reveal his tattoos-hot tattoos. He fished around in his pockets until he found what he was looking for and-in what I was sure is probably an effort to release even more of his aggression-he lit up a joint.

He took in a long drag of his blunt and turned back toward the ledge. He noticed me on the exhale. He stopped walking the second our eyes met. His expression was no shock and he turned around confused and almost restless.

He was about ten feet away, but enough I could see his eyes- it was impossible to miss them, as they slowly dragged over my body without revealing a single thought other than shock. His gaze was narrow, his mouth was drawn tight and his shoulders were straightened as though he was on high alert.

"How the hell did you come here?" he asked. I felt his voice in my stomach. Voices should stop at the ears, but sometimes-not very often at all a voice will penetrate past my ears and reverberate straight down through my body. He had one of those voices. Deep, confident, creamy, and... what the fuck? What happened to "no man and no love''? I mentally chastised myself. With an arched brow, he brought the blunt back to his mouth and took another hit.

"Excuse me?" I finally said. I hated my voice. It sounded too weak to even reach his ears from here, much less reverberate inside his body.

He lifted his chin which got tighter. He glanced at my position then back at my face

He turns a little like he can't look straight at me. "How. The. Fuck. Did. You. Get. Up. Here" he spat, gritting his teeth as though my sight was the most irritable thing he had ever seen. Not me-males are the irritable things. Heartless and cold!

"I don't know...Well all I remember is getting tucked on my bed by my momma but I woke up to find myself here" I replied in a pouty-cringy little voice. He didn't find the humor in my response but took a couple of steps closer.

"I don't have time for importers, woman! You are about to commit suicide on my property and you dare joke about it in my face?" He motioned for me to get down again. "Go kill yourself somewhere else"

Damn! I hadn't thought about that? Finding a dead body on someone's property would probably take more than three months of rumors and police involvement right? " I'm sorry..."

"Just shut the fuck up and get down!"

I rolled my eyes and swung my legs over. I hopped down and wiped my hands across my jeans. "Better?" I said as I walked toward him.

He lets out a rush of air as if seeing me on the ledge actually had him holding his breath. I passed him to head for the side of the roof with a better view, and as I did, I couldn't help but notice how unfortunately cute he was.

No. Cute is an insult.

This guy is beautiful. Well-manicured smells like money, young, and well-built. His eyes crinkled in the corners as they followed me, and his lips seemed to frown. When I reached the side of the building that overlooked the street, I leaned forward and stared down at the cars below, trying not to appear impressed by him. I could tell by his haircut alone that he was the kind of man people are easily impressed by, and I refuse to feed into his ego. Not that he did anything to make me think he even had one. But he was wearing an expensive Armani suit-more expensive than those of Albert...fuck!

I heard footsteps approaching from behind, out of the corner of my eye, I watched as he took another hit of his blunt. "This is a private property-my private property with high security. How did you get here?" His voice was a drug in itself. I wanted to apologize and explain how I didn't see a warning sign or any security for that matter but the guy had a truckload of ego and I didn't want to add to his stack.

"You have a nice roof," I told him "ain't you too young to have something like this? Are you a drug dealer?" He lifted an eyebrow, waiting for me to talk sense and after weighing my behavior, I thought it would be best if I did. "I wanted fresh air. Somewhere to think. I pulled up Google Earth and found the closest apartment complex with a decent rooftop patio."

"There were no guards when you came?"

"None" I shook my head. As I did an involuntary tear slipped from my eyes and I quickly wiped it off. Something about his demeanor changed as he finally took his time to drink me in.

"Why did you need fresh air?" he asked.

Because I got dumped by my fiance on our wedding day after spending all I got for the preparations and now I might lose my house-the only thing my parents left for me if I don't clear my loan. I faced forward again and slowly exhaled. "I think it is best if I leave your property. I'm sorry for imposing" I made to leave but got pulled back by a strong arm and collided with a hard chest. Raw electrifying surges gushed through my body from the contact that I almost lost my bearing. I looked up to see the warmest green eyes staring down at me. He slightly brought his finger to move a single strand of my fallen hair to the back of my ears, cupping the side of my face with his wide palm. "Yes, I'm young and rich: my wealth is legal"

I opened my mouth to speak but my voice died out.

"We are both young and seemingly need to drown off our worries. Instead of dying with it why not let it out with some bottle of shots or shouts? Instead of letting it out to the universe that wouldn't spare two fucks about it why not moan it in my ears and get a fuck? I'm a good listener and I pay attention to details?

CHAPTER TWO

Alexia's pov

No man...no love... no hate...no pain...no problem

That was the only thing that resounded in my head. My wounds from Albert's ordeal were still fresh and I didn't want to get tangled in another manly web. I wouldn't survive another heartbreak or embarrassment even though it would have been from a nightstand.

The music in the bar was very loud and stirring. The place was amazing. The music alternate between slumberous, Jungle, drum and bass, electronica, hardcore, and Jazz. As I walked into the bar, I felt many eyes on me but the most intense of them was a set of green eyes burning holes into my skull.

Thea and I decided to boost our morale with some alcohol but she needed to empty her bowels so I headed to the drink corner alone. Do you know that creepy feeling you get when someone is watching you? Well, I was getting it but no matter how hard I tried, I didn't see a reason to be disturbed.

"Hi, Alexis Marie Luiz, and happy birthday to you" a familiar baritone voice reverberated through my body, sliding into the empty stool next to me. I turned in the direction of the voice-I couldn't help but choke on my saliva once I confirmed my firm. What the fuck was the guy from the root top doing here and how did he know my name? Who fucking told him it was my birthday?

I looked up at him ready to bombard him with questions but was ruthlessly attacked by his appearance. My eyes roamed all of him. His hair was gelled backward but a few strands of them stood up in spiky waves, his lips were exceptionally pink and full and his hands were hooded. The hair sticking out of his chest skin and his exposed muscles-filled arms were like chocolate topping to my pancakes. My breath was caught up in my throat and I struggled to compose a meaningful statement.

"I take it as you like what you see," He said, a smirk dancing on his lips and eyes fixed on my bare legs.

"How did you know my name?"

"How about we dance first?" He responded after I asked him how he got to know my name. His outstretched hand in front of me held out to lead me to the dance floor. Even though I promised Thea I'll get laid today and the man from the rooftop is doing things to my body- things I can't begin to explain, my guards were up. He obviously knew a lot more about me than just an average person. Yes, a lot of people remember me from my obvious scandal.

"If I accept to dance with you, will you tell me how you got to know my name?" I ask him, staring into those pools of smokey deliciousness. That night on the rooftop I thought his eyes were "blue" at first glance, but they tend to have flecks of gold and brown. And they appear to "change color" from gray to blue to green depending on lighting, and mood.

In this lighting his eyes are Smokey, a deep shade of silver; if there is a color like that.

And the mood is vibrant and filled with sex. From the way, his eyelids are half closed as he rests those silver slabs on my open thighs.

" I'll tell you everything you need to know and maybe you might even take me up on my offer from the other day" he looked a little more relaxed as I slid my left palm into his outstretched one and followed him to the dance floor.

"I am doing this so I can get answers, like I said the other day, I had no intention of warming your bed," I said trying to free my mind from the fact that his hands are on mine and are doing things to my groin. Things I promised Thea might happen today. As he led me to the dance floor I couldn't help but think that he wouldn't be a bad choice. He got my blood boiling after all and it was not even in a bad way-it was in the kind of way that brought pleasure.

"Earth to Alexia" he whispered into my ear, at that moment I realized our feet were already moving as one, the song booming from the speakers is a fast one but our bodies are slightly brushing up against each other, not surprising, at this moment if the other dancing bodies do not push us against each other our betraying bodies will.

"You know it's cheating if you know my name and I don't even know yours" I blurt out

"You will soon enough, I bet you that what I have in mind can change both our lives" the look of seriousness on his face unnerves me- just what is he proposing, going by what he said the other day he is rich so he can't possibly be after whatever nonexistent money I have, not that it's written on my face that I am broke. Even Thea doesn't know the extent of my bankruptcy.

It might be sex, but I didn't pin him for a guy that can't take rejection. So I am scraping that off my list till he says otherwise.

"I hope so, trust me I've gone through a lot of stress to even want to add another dose of it to my life" I respond as we dance to the song in the background, I am done with the suspense. Out with it already!

" Trust me, I know just how much you've gone through and how much in debt you are in, that's why I am here to help" he paused as if weighing his words then adds " I am here to offer you a solution to your problem and mine as well"

The first thing that passes through my mind is anger

"Did you stalk me?" I ask "because of what you did that can get you jailed" he flinched slightly as if I slapped him. Don't blame me if I do. All I see is red.

How dare he! Just because of a few minutes on his rooftop and he has me investigated, I feel naked under his gaze and not in a sexual way.

"Alexia, do not take this the wrong way, I didn't have you investigated for the wrong reasons, not that I am saying what I did was right but I had to know who exactly my future wife is."

I think the music was too loud, did I just hear wife pour from his lips? His pleading eyes slowed and confirmed I didn't hear wrong.

Who the hell is this psycho?

I swirled around the room packed with sweaty bodies searching for Thea, I am scared of how he might react if I work away suddenly.

This guy is nuts! Who meets someone trying to commit suicide on their rooftop and investigates them because apparently, he wants her to be his wife?

Is this some kind of sick joke? Or maybe it's a kink, guys that are attracted to suicidal women.

I know I am spiraling but this dude is weird. And where the fuck was Thea? Probably flirting with a full-bearded guy right now. I need to go get her and file a restraining order.

I am about to leave when the crazy Adonis grabs my wrist.

"I know it's crazy, but I need you to marry me, Alexia, it's going to be a mutually beneficial union."

CHAPTER THREE

Alexia's POV

I paused for a moment. The look of desperation writhed on his face stopped me. Maybe I should listen to whatever he has to say, Who knows I might just be overreacting; I thought. Thea always said my anger sometimes makes me act like a mad dog, Barking away without thinking.

I probably should listen before I bark or bite depending on the outcome of the crazy talk. Thea will be so proud of me right now

"Alright nameless, what crazy idea do you have?" resting my hip on my left thigh I try to appear relaxed, not that he could hurt me right here or do anything fishy, were practically in a room filled with people. He visibly calmed down and led me to a chair nearby my wrist still in his firm possession.

I almost chucked at the way he walked. I looked like a lamb going to the slaughter. A semi-willing lamb I might add, cause no one entertains crazy.

"I need your help and I mean it literally. My name is Christian Max Ford IV, I am 25 years old and CEO of FORDS. My family is extra wealthy, and as such, I am the next successor of this wealth. I actually thought it'll be all mine" he chuckled bitterly "but well I guess my family thought I am not responsible enough, well my reputation precedes me. So there is a clause in the will to inherit..." He paused as if trying to force a bile out of his throat.

"I have to be married before my 26th birthday"

He finished.

Phew, this is weirder than I imagined but in a totally good way, because he is not some crazy dude with motions about falling in love at first sight and talks of destiny. Just a mega-wealthy playboy trying to deceive his family. A suppressed sigh escaped my lips.

"Soooo, how do I come in? I am sure you have girlfriends or admirers just waiting to drop everything and marry you. Surely with all your wealth, you should have someone who you like. Don't rich people usually have like little heiresses waiting for them to just sweep them off their feet?" I quipped.

The atmosphere was a bit more relaxed now, his eyes held enormous fatigue like he hasn't slept for days. I almost felt sorry for him.

"Touche, but I don't have any." His voice sounded strange and cagey like he was trying to wash away bad memories. I know that look, I wear it all the time.

"Hmm, let me be clear; you have no close friends or female acquittances that could pose as your wife for the period you need to deceive your family, so you opt for me, a total stranger that you meet once by mistake on the Verge of ending her life to be your pretend wife. How the hell did you think of such a thing? And finally what is in it for me?"

"I am not trying to deceive them, I just want what is rightfully mine. I do have a great number of female acquaintances more than you can think of. But I need someone desperate, someone that can benefit from this deal, and lastly someone that is not interested in trying to hook me down with love or any of that nonsense. You, Alexia, fit right into that bill perfectly."

"This is my offer, I'll clear all your debt, even the student loans. Every dime you owe would be paid. And I will open a bakery that would be the envy of all bakers for you. Asides from monthly stipends that you would receive at the end of every month for personal expenses. "He stated as a matter of fact.

He has done his research well. Who in their right minds will say no to that?

"I must say this sounds like a great offer, but if I agree to marry you. I am not saying I will but if I do agree, am I expected to perform "wifely duties".

I looked stupid air quoting wifey in the middle of a club by 2 AM considering a ridiculous proposal from a very strange man.

"Well, you would need to have dinner with me occasionally, like we go to a nice restaurant and eat under the scrutiny of many. They are the ones that will take the report of our newlyweds to glow back to my family. You would have to attend charities and boring galas, and company dinners, and also accompany me to my family's house to mingle with my family. By family I mean my mother."

He had really thought about this proposal. Every detail to make the marriage real he has covered.

But that is not the "wifely duties" I was referring to.

"I figured we would be out a lot, wealthy billionaires and all that. What I really wanted to know is when we are alone, what happens. You know, me and yo- I am expected to"

"You mean me fucking you as my wife?" He ask and I gasped

"That's vulgar" my voice sounded like I was whining even to my ears.

"Alexia" he started slowly his eyes catching mine and locking it into place, he clears his throat

"In all honesty, I want to do dirty things to you. Things you can't even imagine, I want to take you apart, making you reach heights no one has ever dared, I want to check if the drapes match their stripes and bury my face so deep in you, making you limp for days. But, no this marriage will involve none of that. It'll be just on paper. Even though I want you I won't force you to surrender yourself" he says still looking at me

My core, the one that was silent all this while picks up again. Lord, how do I intend to leave this man just on paper?

" Well that's nice, I will get back to you on your proposal soon. I'll need time to process it. How long are we to be married?" I asked. Shaking off the dirty images his words conjured up.

"Just long enough to convince my family"

"Okay, I think that will be fine," I responded.

Just then I see Thea strutting along from my peripheral and I snort, I would have been dead before she showed up

" What's up Alexia" dragging the XIA In my name and stylishly using her mouth and eyes to ask who I am sitting with.

******

– Thea just stared, rapt with attention.

"Okay, so a few days back I went to the rooftop of a building. I wanted to end it all" I stopped to observe her reaction. Of everything I expected, it wasn't her silence. She was beyond shocked. She gave me a warm hug; my best fucking friend hugged me.

"Since you are here, it means you didn't go through with it. What changed your mind, the thought of never tasting my mean lamb stew again?"– She blurted, wiping a tear from her eyes as she pulled apart. I realized I had been holding my breath all along and finally let out some air in relief.

I was still processing the fact that she didn't get upset, but she's always been emotionally intelligent, I guess that's why we became friends in the first place. I hugged her again and went on to narrate everything that happened that night with Christian. She listened attentively to me without saying a word. When I told her about the proposal she was surprised, then excited and then she asked me the most important question according to her.

"So what did you tell him after he told you about his offer?"

"I said I'll think about it"

"Why?" She asked

"Well" I was stuck "plus you came and took me away, telling me about this other guy"

"Alexia, forget the other guy. Christian is a great offer, you basically have nothing to lose. What the heck do you want to think about?"