Contract Marriage To The Tech Billionaire

Taylor POV

Taking a deep breath, I approached the massive corporate building, a skyscraper that screamed wealth and power. My dad's condition had worsened, and the doctors insisted on immediate surgery for a liver transplant. Without the funds, he would remain in critical condition.

My heart pounded as I contemplated how to tell my boyfriend of two years about the contract marriage. Sleep had eluded me the previous night, and my nerves were frayed. Lost in thought, I accidentally bumped into someone, knocking my glasses off.

"Watch where you're going!" a girl in an exquisite couture dress sneered.

"I'm sorry. I didn't see you."

Her face twisted in disdain. "Ugh. What are you wearing, did you get that outfit from a dumpster?"

Suddenly, the doors slid open, and Ryder stepped out, towering over me with his dark, meticulously styled hair and crisp suit. My dislike for him grew with every passing second. He would eventually ruin my relationship, and the thought made my stomach churn.

He wrapped his arm around the girl's waist as she fawned over him. "Mr. Jones, you promised you wouldn't miss my modeling debut at 7 pm."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'll see you later," he replied, his calculating gaze shifting to me. "I have very important business to take care of."

She strutted to the limousine, trying too hard to be seductive. I wished she would just trip and fall.

"Taylor, you're quite early. The meeting with my lawyer starts at ten. It's only seven."

"I didn't want to be late," I mumbled. The truth was, I lost the business card he gave me and forgot the time.

He looked me over and sighed in disapproval. "I thought you'd wear something more... appropriate.

My mother died giving birth to me, and I ended up living with my grandmother since my father was always drunk and unfit to care for me. Things worsened after he fell ill.

"It's none of your business what I wear," I muttered, staring at the ground. I wore what I could afford.

He lifted my chin with his fingers, forcing me to look at him. "It will be my business soon," he said, his eyes cold and devoid of warmth.

I batted his hand away. "Don't touch me."

He laughed softly. "You're a feisty one. I have other matters to attend to. Wait in my office until I return."

He strode off, leaving me alone. The shuttering of cameras caught me off guard as a swarm of paparazzi flooded the entrance when a Lamborghini arrived. Alexis Normandy, the famous French chef, stepped out, gracing the screaming crowd with her elegance.

They stood together in the spotlight, and I hid behind a small bush, watching them. She kissed him on the cheek, and the cameras went wild. He was leaving with her! This was the important matter he had to attend to? We had a meeting soon.

If it weren't for my dying father, I'd reject this offer. Just being here was hard enough.

"Mr. Jones!" a journalist called out. "I saw you with a girl earlier. Who was she?"

My body froze.

"No one special," he replied, slamming the door shut as the vehicle sped away with the journalists chasing behind.

That stung. I knew he was a douche, but I didn't expect him to be that harsh. My life felt pathetic. My boyfriend wasn't rich, but he was caring and considerate. Marrying Ryder would devastate him. I had to prepare for the worst.

Ryder's personal assistant led me to his office and opened the large oak door. "Please wait in that chair in the corner," she said, her voice plastic and doll-like. She crossed her arms under her plus-sized chest, leaning on expensive suede heels. "And don't touch anything. If you break it, you pay for it."

She looked me up and down, her tight-lipped mouth creasing with disdain. It was then that I realized just how out of place I was in this building.I gingerly walked into his office and sat on the farthest chair close to the window.

The office was built with fresh air and health as a priority, very spacious.

"Why should I let this gutter rat in Mr. Ryders' office. I'll have to get some Lysol." She closed the door at her back, the clacking sound of her heels slowly disappearing.

Why do I have to be humiliated like this? Anger and desperation made me clench my fists. But then a soft gasp escaped my lips as tears poured from my eyes. This isn't happening. Crying in Mr. Bastard's office is so pitiful.

Two hours later.

The door clicking open jolts me awake from my slumber and I tried straightening my clothes. Ryder enters the office with a man in tow. His slightly peppered hair was elegantly brushed to the back of his head, he smiled warmly at me and I nod acknowledging him. He must be the lawyer.

"Let's get down to business shall we?" Ryder gestured for me to sit closer to his desk which I did. "This is Williams. My lawyer, he'll be taking care of the necessary documents."

He gave me a stern eye when I wiped the drool from my mouth.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Taylor." Williams extended his hand and I shook it.

"The pleasure is mine." I squeaked.

Unlocking his leather briefcase, he removed some paperwork. He handed me a paper with information and I flipped over one of the pages to read what's provided there. What's this? My eyes popped wide open.

Williams cocked one eyebrow, "Is there something wrong?"

"Um, no one said anything about moving in with Mr. Jones."

I glanced up at Ryder who seemed super annoyed. By the looks of it, he's not aware of that condition.

He reached for a bit of paperwork spread across his desk and I took in how his white cotton shirt drew tightly across his back and shoulders.

"Naturally, a man and woman live together when they're married." Williams turns over the paper, "For you two, that's going to be a period of six months."

"I refuse!"

"You don't have a choice!" He barked, his eyes were burning with impatience. "Your stuff was already sent to my place." He breathes out a low growl, "Now, sign the document."

I stared at this incredibly masculine male with my lips hanging open. His presence was nearly a physical force.

This is for my father. I snatched the pen from the desk and signed the paper.

He signed his part and his lawyer collected the documents with a pleasing smile.

I shot him a narrow eyed glance, "Mr. Jones, you haven't given me much information about our agreement on this fake marriage." After a period of silence, he said, "I ended up getting drunk in Vegas and found a ring on my finger the next morning. The woman who was with me plans on divorcing me for half of my wealth."

Damn, that's rough but I was smiling on the inside, serve you right Mr.

Pompous high ass. He sighed harshly, pissed beyond words. Williams grimaced, tapping a finger on his knee.

"If I can prove that I'm already married, that would make her claims void. Do you understand that we both benefit from this agreement, Miss Miller?"

"I understand."

"There are a few things I must outline." Williams leans forward in his chair, drawing my attention. "For this marriage to appear believable, you're not allowed to sleep with anyone else throughout these six months." Ryder lifted an eyebrow, staring at his lawyer as if he'd made an error in his statement. This playboy, how is this a problem for him?! "Mr. Jones, who you take to bed isn't my business but if you're caught with another woman in a way that compromises the marriage, the contract falls apart. This can cause big problems. Not to mention the media, they're looking for a hot topic."

His lip twisted a little and he gave me a scornful eye. "If you're going to be my wife, you have to look presentable." "There's nothing wrong with what I'm wearing."

"Dull. Boring. Tasteless. I wouldn't let my grandmother wear that."

My face heats with shame, trapping my lower lip between my teeth.

"I have a red carpet photoshoot in two days, I'll be taking you with me. We're going shopping tonight." He leans forward, so close that I can see his lashes, they were so long. His intoxicating scent surrounded me like a tease, "My driver will take you to my place. I want you to get settled in."

"Y..Yes Mr. Jones." I answered, almost breathlessly. Something's wrong with me. I need a doctor!

He caught my chin between very capable fingers, "My wife shouldn't address me as such."

His name rolled off my tongue like a forbidden spell, "Ryder."

But then he pulls away, fixing his tie. "How was my acting Williams?"

The man seated next to me grins from ear to ear, "You deserve an Oscar."

Clearing my throat, my lips stammered, "I have a boyfriend and I'm not sure how I'm going to bring this across to him."

"Do I have to spell it out for you Taylor, for the contract to stay in one piece, you have to break up with him."

Suddenly, the reality of losing a precious relationship was setting in. This will be very difficult and painful for me.

His tone hardened as he continued, "Make sure you tell him soon." He gave my trembling shoulders a gentle squeeze, "I won't share you with another man." My chest spasmed at his words.

Not that he even cares, we're a fake couple. He's everything I shouldn't want. Everything I should stay away from.

I gulped down a huge metal ball, wiping at a stray tear. "I want to meet with him first before your driver takes me to your home." "That's fine with me." He grabs his jacket from the chair, preparing to leave. "Before you get any bright ideas, you should know that I'm not interested in you in any way or form."

Irritation ignited in my chest and my back teeth clenched. "You bas -" I didn't get a chance to finish my sentence since he was already out the door.

"I will see you again Miss Taylor." Williams makes a speedy exit and I nearly screamed.

My eyes shifted to the filing cabinet next to a potted plant. I stormed over to it and I opened all the drawers, now, let me make your life a little bit difficult. I mixed up all the files and hid some of them under his desk. I'm not a tech geek for nothing, I also planted a virus on his laptop that would keep him from accessing the browsers. Let's see how you deal with this.

His personal assistant popped inside, "Get out. I need to disinfect the place."

"You can start by disinfecting your face," I replied, walking out and leaving her while she gaped like a fish. "I'll tell Mr. Jones this you dirty trash bin." "There's nothing much you can do about it. I'm his wife."

She burst out laughing, "Are you that desperate? You'd even lie like that. Get a life."

I slipped into the elevator and left her fuming. Thinking about meeting my boyfriend, it's already breaking me apart. I'll have to face the repercussions full on.

Taylor POV

Crying my eyes out like a baby, Luke glanced away from me annoyed. He's lying, there's no way he'd do something like this to me. We've been together for so long and to hear this now, comes with a massive blow.

"Shut the hell up, twerp. You're drawing attention to us." He snarled then lowered his voice, "Your dad gave me some good money to date you.. he's busted up in the hospital now so I was planning to leave you anyway."

Saddened and embarrassed, I tried drying my eyes but the tears won't stop.

He took a sip of his black coffee, looking at me like vomit, particularly at the tiny holes in my wool sweater.

"Do you really think I'd go out with someone like you? You're deceiving yourself, you should be thanking me I stayed with your sorry ass that long."

The waitress came to our table, she kept on chewing and rolling the pen over her knuckles.

"Is everything ok?"

I was going to speak when he shot a dagger at me.

"Everything's great, she's not feeling well. I plan on taking care of her when we get home." He reaches across the table to hold my hand making me flinch, "Isn't that right babe?"

My bottom lip trembled, heart pounded. He squeezed my fingers hard.

"Y-Yes that's right." I forced a smile while he stroked my wrist.

"Well, if ya say so. This is the bill for the sandwiches and coffee." She plac it e table, and winked at us ore leaving.

He quickly released my hand and I tried to rub the throbbing pain away. My glasses fogged over because of the AC.

"Hey Grandma," he whispered, shoving the bill next to me. "You'll be paying for this."

"But I don't have any cash -"

He sinks his thumb into my thigh and I wince. "You're not leaving until you pay it.".. please, you're hurting me."

"That pathetic man of a father must be on his death bed waiting for surgery, he better pay me the rest of my money."

The bell tinkles on the door and audible gasps filled the room. I kept my head down in fear that Luke might hurt me more. My fingers were white, tightly pressed to my lap. Tears pooled under my eyelids but the clicking of cameras and excited chattering made me take a peek.

My pulse shoots off like a bullet train seeing the man that I detest! Ryder. What is he doing here? They're trying to take selfies with him, most had their cellphones out, getting him on video.

"You got to come to Delly's café! Ryder Jones is here in the flesh, hurry!" A girl screamed over the phone, "Get your ass here now."

The café was packed already, inside and out. This place will surely get more recognition.

"Please sign my Vogue magazine!"

Another girl tried, shoving through the crowd.

She had stars in her eyes, flushed cheeks, and such eagerness in each purposeful movement, she did catch his attention and he drew her to himself.

"Mr. Jones, you're an inspiration to me, and your study app, the green leaf, has helped me in college. I'm an honor student."

He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek and my eardrums nearly erupted from the screams. God, can they be more desperate? I watched them, each trying to get close to him, feeling a certain numbness inside of me. Can't he just leave already.

Six foot two of solid male perfection. Just a smile from him kes his onlookers go crazy. The man has hands. Big, broad hands. Must have grabbed countless asses, I'm sure of it. Not that it's my business.

Black hair is thick and falls into his beautiful pale, green eyes when he leans down to take a selfie with a small boy and his mom.

I jolt when he sees me and he immediately dismisses those around him. Luke stiffened at the sight of this powerful imposing man and tried squaring his shoulders, he had his hand at my back.

"I take it that he must be your boyfriend," clearing his throat, he corrected himself. "Ex-boyfriend."

Luke glared at him, he was so angry, his ears had turned red. I wanted to hide in a hole and cover myself with stones and bushes.

Hardly able to contain his temper, he gritted out the words, "What the hell do you want?"

Ryder takes my hand, pulling me up. He weaved his arm around my waist.

"I've come to take my wife from the likes of you."

His jaw hits the table, staring at me. Stunned. With my hand still in his, Ryder whisks me out of the café and towards a limo. The driver opened the door and we got inside. I've never been inside one before, such a delicacy. I didn't know the inside was so spacious. Even the leather feels like heaven.

He removed his jacket but I was too engulfed by my surroundings to pay him any attention.

"Oli."

"Yes! What?" I crossed my arm brooding at him, "My name's Taylor."

My eyes were swollen and it hurt to shed more tears. Is he not gonna even ask what happened in there?

"You're mine. I call you whatever I please." His voice betrays a hint of softness I don't think I've ever heard from him, "Mine."

I answered and my resolve shakes a little. "I'm not your property."

His eyes narrowed down to slits and his disposition shifted. "I'm not some monster who will hold you captive against your will."

He held my chin, forcing me to meet his icy glare. e're married, at least pretend like you're interested in me. It's very important how we act towards each other in public."

"Don't touch me, we're not in public." But. Oh God, Oh God. Clear your head Taylor! Undeniably, he smells divine, wood and spice, and something so intoxicatingly unique. I can't stop myself from inhaling it. When I do, it gives me an instant rush.

A blast of heat floods my cheeks and I'm grateful when he pulls away. It feels like I need to be resuscitated.

"I noticed that you took a cab instead of letting my driver take -" he paused cupping my jaw, "Are you unwell? Your face is red."

I pushed his hand away, "Stop paying so much attention to me. I am okay." Remembering what Luke told me still hurts.

His nearly black irises bore into me but he spoke not a word. Instead, he silently leans back, giving me space.

"You're more mischievous than I thought, little wife, you nearly destroyed my computer system. Not to mention the files you messed up."

"I'll do more than just destroy your computer system. I've developed a virus that can shut down an entire database."

He's definitely pissed now, I gasp when he pulls me onto his lap. By instinct, I held his shoulders for balance. I nearly snapped seeing red lipstick stain on his collar, he's been messing around. I'm not surprised. "I will not allow you to destroy my business. Instead of being a criminal, why don't you use your skills for the good of society?"

My bottom lip recoiled, "How dare you call me a criminal! You.." I huffed, failing to control my breathing, "You awful playboy."

He threw me onto the seat and I started kicking him, "Behave yourself you wild woman!" he tried to shield his groin.

"You have a lipstick mark on your shirt."

"And?"

The audacity he has.

"DO WHAT YOU WANT. I don't care! Even if it's a fake marriage. At least show some respect, we're doing business." I'm not pretty or anything.

There's nothing special about me and the fact that my dad paid Luke to date me shows how true that is.

Ugh. Why is my life like this? Before I could lose my nerve, his arms came around me and he tucked me against his chest.

"I'm sorry. I need to take this more seriously for our sake," he wrapped his long dexterous fingers around my hand, and the contact made a warmth like warm syrup climb throughout my body.

"Yup, right." I tore my hand from his putting some space between us.

His driver dropped him off and he walked up to a black Porsche. The window glides down revealing the face of a beautiful middle aged woman, beautiful is an understatement, she's stunning. He discreetly hides the lipstick mark on his shirt and slides his jacket on before entering her vehicle.

He's an influential man, a sons' sovereign, and the Royalty of society. As his fake wife, I have to stand in one corner and be silent. Trying to forget today's ordeal, I'd succumbed to the deepest sleep I'd had in ages but was awakened by an unfamiliar voice.

"My lady, we have arrived." It's his driver. The afternoon sun was barely peeking over the horizon, he helped me out of the vehicle.

Why am I not surprised? This place is huge. It's a whole big ass mansion.

Looks like a king's dominion. I knew he was wealthy but not this friken loaded. So many trees, even the flowers, I've never seen this kind before. They're like something out of a fairytale.

There are pillars, high mountain sized marble pillars, caressed by blooming vines. The exterior design was so Roman, with a touch of history and an exquisite eye for detail. Does my father know what kind of man he is? They talk a lot in private about things I don't know about.

"Please pardon my manners, my lady. I'm Logan, I've been Mr. Jones's chauffeur for three years." He leans in a bit close, with a smirk, "My boss has never brought another woman here before." Oh wow, does he expect me to be flattered? I couldn't care less. I'm already sad and just pissed that my boyfriend would date me for money.

I stretched my arms with a loud groan, "I see. You can call me Taylor."

"All your belongings were already moved in, now come, you must be tired."

I felt so tiny walking towards the fancy looking door, he pushed it open.

"Woa." Are you kidding me? The interior, it's even more breathtaking. It's like a whole different world.

The sophistication, depth, and artistry are vast. Such beauty. His taste was certainly unexpected. My eyes were drawn to the intricate ceiling. I marveled at the mural, angels reaching out to each other. An excitement

I'd never experienced before was building up inside me, glancing around.

Logan cleared his throat, "You seem intrigued," he removed his hat smiling so much, his cheeks just might crack. "Quite wonderful isn't it?"

"I never expected any of this, his taste is so different." My legs shook a little and I bit my lip feeling a sharp stabbing pain in my stomach.

I know what's coming next and at a time like this.

He eyed where my hand covered my stomach, "Are you okay?"

"Yes. I'm fine. I just need to shower, where's my room?" "Well," he turned his back before looking at me. "The boss' room is on the third floor."

Already breathing like a tired elephant, I cocked my brow. "I asked for MY room."

He clicks his tongue shaking his head, "He's your husband so naturally, your stuff would be in his room."

No!

The overly enthusiastic man glanced at his watch, "Would you look at the time? I have to go now."

He turns on his heels and before I could stop him, the door shuts in my face. I wanted to scream. What the heck is his deal?

No way I'm staying in his room. That isn't a part of the contract. I'll just shower and crash on one of the couches. He has to change his living arrangements. I have work tomorrow and I already feel like shit.

RYDER POV

I didn't think Grace would try to seduce me. After rejecting her business proposal, you have to be careful when you compliment a woman, sometimes it goes to their heads.

I can't wait for this six-month contract to end so I can get back to clubbing, and might hit the casino while I'm at it. Mother keeps nagging me to get married, now that I'm in this fake relationship, I'll let her meet Taylor soon.

Her father's bakery produced exceptional products. She's hard working but she needs to stop wearing her grandmother's wardrobe. I could have asked to wed in contract to some other woman but it can't be some random woman. I'm not too acquainted with Taylor but I've seen her working shifts at her father's bakery.

She doesn't speak often but the customers seem to enjoy interacting with her.

"Uncle, turn the AC on, I'm hot." My niece ordered, she didn't even ask.

"Mom bought me the new Gucci handbags," she squealed, "She's going to France next week so I'll be staying with Nana."

"Your dad won't be home?" I made a right turn, watching the stoplight as it changed from green to orange.

Stretching her hand out, she admired her glittering painted nails. "He's going on a business trip," suddenly her expression went from eagerness to curiosity.

"What."

"It's nothing."

How will I introduce her to Taylor? I won't tell her that we're married yet. When we arrived at my place, she gets out of the vehicle.

The gardener was busy pruning the canopy of a ficus benjamina. He's an expert and my garden has never looked more healthy and vivacious.

She pointed at the tree, "That's a ficus benjamina, also known as weeping fig."

"Correct, that's a thousand points."

"Sir, welcome home." The gardener greets me brushing dirt from his pants, he smiles, glancing at the flowers by the fountain, they were shocking red, some flowing waves of pink and lavender.

I love plants, seeing them thrive brings me nothing but joy. I soothed myself with the scent of flowers and the fading evening.

"I'm heading inside."

He nodded and returned to his work. Lillian crossed her arms, glaring at him.

"Zara, what's the matter?"

She gestured for me to lower my head so she could whisper in my ear, "That man is filthy. He has no form of decency."

"That's not nice, he's my gardener and I trust none else in taking care of the plants."

"Humph!" She cocks her chin and walks away, tails of Persian silk flowing from behind her dress.

I wonder if Taylor has settled in. I'll have to find out, removing my jacket,

I made my way up the staircase. Striding towards my bedroom, I pushed the door open.

"Taylor?"

Loud snoring in the corner of the room drew my attention. She's sprawled over the couch, one leg high up and the other crooked. One slender arm slanted wearily on her damp forehead. The sky overhead throbbed and pulsed with light, forming a sheet of golden orange against her profile. This troublesome lass sounds like a tractor failing to start.

I stepped closer and noticed the light ruddiness that painted her cheeks.

I swore viciously at how miraculously generous her breasts were, they're damn upright virginal, so full. I thought she was flat chested.

According to her father, she just turned twenty. Throwing my jacket aside carelessly, I carefully lifted her from the couch. Bunches of brown silk curls tickled my arm, she had this dusky golden softness that flowed off her flesh like the flame of a candle. The bed opened its arms to receive this sleeping willow.

Next to her, I sat inclining reverentially.

She finally stopped snoring. My ears were beginning to hurt.

But then her eyes flew open and she moved back, "Stay away!" Tears were pouring down her face.

"Taylor rel-"

"I'm not sleeping in your bed, don't ever touch me again without my permission." Her voice came straight and clear and with a ringing.

She pointed her trembling finger at my chest, "This is a contract. Nothing else, don't try to get close to me."

"I'm not trying to do anything." I breathed out heavily watching as she dropped her hand, "You fell asleep on the couch so I brought you to the bed."

The wretched glance made me feel like a criminal. I knew she despised me but I didn't know she hated me this much.

"Listen. Once the contract ends, we'll be out of each other's way." My shoulders dipped gradually seeing that she had relaxed a little though she trembled in every limb.

"I'll stay in your room," she muttered, "Don't you dare try anything when I'm asleep."

"Why would I?" Crossing my arms nonchalantly, my lips tugged at one corner, "You're not my type. Definitely not blond and curvy."

She threw the pillow at my face, "At least I'm not sleeping around!" The next thing was the door slamming.

Why is she so moody, did something happen between her and that guy? No, probably she's on her cycle or something. Dammit. Women are so complicated, they're like a friken rubix cube.

"Uncle!" Lillian flies the door open, her ears red with anger. "There's a strange woman in here!"

"Her name is Taylor, she's my girlfriend."

She burst out laughing. "You have a girlfriend? That's the biggest joke of the century, you've never settled with anyone."

"Shut up, you talk too much."

"You know it's the truth, you better let her off soon or there's going to be heartbreak."

Lillian wasn't all wrong. I've never taken an interest in a serious relationship. Most of the women I've dated ended up on my dump list a week or a few days later.

Her voice springs up with tenderness, "Nana worries about you," she stares at me with honesty. "All these women you take home, no connection. Nothing. Those were the words that she spoke today when I visited."

I turned my back, trying to ignore the pain echoing over and over inside my chest.

"Tell her I'm fine. There's no need to worry."

"Can I stay here for the night?"

"Yes. The blankets are in the closet."

The door clicked shut and I stumbled into the bathroom. What the heck is wrong with my family? It's my life. I do whatever the hell I want. Can't they just let me? Exhaustion from work still loomed over my shoulders. I looked about languidly for my electric razor, standing like a log before the mirror, my head dropped sullen and dogged.

I didn't like the idea of being tied to someone. It makes me uneasy.

Anxious.

My narrow black eyebrows were drawn in a sort of peevish misery while my cheeks and sulky mouth seemed to be saying, "I don't care what they say. I will have my way."

If I'm gonna let my family know I'm married, it has to be believable. I need to speak with Taylor. I'll wait for her to cool her head. hours later.

I've been drafting a document for the new software development for an upcoming board meeting. My eyes were heavy-burning. Taylor has not returned. Where did she run off to? Scrolling through a ton of emails, my eyes caught something unexpected.

Who sent this? The sender is unknown.

I opened the email.

I just wanted to let you know that I've always admired you, whenever I see you my heart falls helplessly apart.. I hope that I'll get the chance to speak with you when I get the courage.

With all kindness,

Your secret admirer!

Who the heck is this? The sender's email address has odd numbers from one to nine. They must have sent it by mistake but my work email is quite unique. How strange.

"I made you tea."

I snapped my eyes from the computer to see Taylor with a cup and saucer in hand. She left and stayed away for hours and popped up with tea. This was unexpected. I sat erect, strung up against the chair, the door was an inch open. I waited, and the clock struck one. She has no idea what time it is.

She spoke between clenched teeth, "Isn't this the part where you say thank you."

"Thanks."

"I see you received a love letter of some sort, such a woman magnet."

Her mouth pouts disconsolately. "Even if I do, it's not your concern."

My jaw hits the ground with a crash, staring at her as she drops an ice cube into my tea. Where did that come from?

"Care for some iced tea?" She flips her hair and turns to walk away. I can't believe I'm sleeping next to this unpredictable weather, ridiculous. I rubbed my face and pushed the tumbled hair off my forehead. This is going to be a long and torturous night. Roaming about in oversized pajamas, she settled on the bed. Then she looked down at the ground, a little sideways. She seemed to brood for a moment. Then she looked straight into my eyes so that I blinked and wanted to turn my face aside. She was searching me for some ing. I started typing again as my pulse wacked curiously.

"I can't continue to keep you from my family now that you're with me."

"Your point?" She extracted her arms from the pillows, waiting for an answer.

"I'll formally announce that we're getting married. Once I do that, we'll have a wedding."

She closed her eyes for a few moments as if composing herself before she speaks, "How much?"

"What do you mean,"

"I'm not gonna just cooperate with you because you want to make face in front of your family. I need money, a lot of it." Her stare was unflinching. This damn fox.

"Give me a price."

"Four thousand and I want it in cash."

I turned away, my voice scathing. "I'll write you a check in the morning."

Wagging her tail, I watched her maneuver across the bed, she used the pillows to create a wall between either side. I rolled my eyes and proceeded to remove my shirt.

"Stop, I said stop right there!"

My shirt was halfway over my head.

"What the feck do you think you're doing!?" "I'm taking off my shirt."

Face red, with eyes laid elsewhere, her body was vibrating with unbridled energy. Then, she glared fire at me, "Have you no shame, in taking off your shirt in front of me?"

"Stop being so bashful, it's not like you haven't seen a man's chest before." I got in bed next to her and she continued to build the pillows higher.

What the! I tugged the huge ass pillows away and she smacked my face. Catching her wrist, she froze, glancing elsewhere. Jaw set tight, I flashed her a warning glare.

"To hell with you." She growled. A dark curl fell across her forehead. I watched something shift in her gaze, unspoken words thicken the air between us.

My voice scratchy and raw filled the space. "You're going to drown us in pillows."

Her eyes became teary, almost liquid and it was as if she was holding on for dear life to a cliff that was crumbling. I'm holding onto a vulnerable defenseless deer. I lifted my hand to cup her cheek, her body warmed, and my heart buzzed at the flush in her cheeks.

Too soon, she pulled away and pulled the covers over her head, "I told you not to touch me."

I huffed, shaking the fuzz from my head. I couldn't breathe past the lump in my throat. I was drowning in emotion, emotion I'd never dare let in.

"..you didn't stop me."

Her head emerged, "You're a man, have some self control."

"You're a woman."

"I'm not just some woman."

I lowered my head and she tucked hers back like a mole in a hole, "I know that or I wouldn't have asked to make a contract with you." She pinched my nose.

"The last time I checked affection wasn't a part of the contract."

"You having me in your bed isn't a part of it either!" she hissed, flipping me off.

I rolled over her, caging her between my arms, "You're not complaining."

"I'll kick you in your balls."

So violent. Tipping her chin up my forefinger, I watched as she swallowed past the lump in her throat. I don't intend on getting close, I need to be careful. I got back to my side of the bed.

"I can't have you hurting me little wife, good night. I have work in the morning."

"Good night." She whispered.

We weren't considered friends. We've only exchanged a few words since

I'm a regular at her father's bakery. I don't know anything much about her, like her family background and where she studied. This is going to be a problem, my family, they're high-class people on top of the social hierarchy. They're Elites. Even if we act as a couple, my mom especially will be asking her tons of questions, especially about her educational standing.

Our meeting will be a pain in the ass if we don't think through this carefully.

"Lights off."

The voice command system switches the lights off, before I could think of some ingenious plan, sleep took over.