With benefits.
I’d need to be harsh with her, keeping her on edge. It was entirely possible she’d fight the divorce given the boost in her lifestyle and living arrangements. If she preferred black and white, then that’s exactly what I’d give her. In spades. If she wanted to continually paint me as an arrogant bastard, then I’d prove her right straight down the line.
The last thing I needed was any complications. She was a useful tool and hate was often an enticing incentive. If she loathed the ground I walked on, perhaps the edge would present itself as intense passion. As if we needed that. Even with her standing a few feet away, the air in the room was charged.
“Why don’t you sit,” I told her, pointing toward one of the stools on the opposite side of the kitchen island.
“I think I’ll stand for now.”
Always defiant. Her upturned nose was far too adorable. She’d worn another dress, as if using her feminine wiles was her next move. The game was becoming enticingly delicious.
“Very well. I need to establish a clear set of rules.”
“Rules? I believe we’ve already agreed to those in the body of the marriage contract.” She said the words spitefully.
“Those were the basics, my lovely fiancée.”
“Ah. The more corrupt rules for the game we’re playing.”
“Mmm… Yes. The game.” I shoved my hands into my pockets and her gaze immediately fell to my open shirt. I noticed the hint of personal disgust, enough so she turned her head purposely away.
“Go on.”
“Rules of the house. Consider this your home while you’re here. However, you are to have no guests without my approval. Certainly no sleepovers.”
The surprise in her eyes immediately turned to full amusement. “Oh, Daddy, please? I promise I’ll be a very good girl if I can have my friends over. Maybe we can even have ice cream.” The pouty look crossing her face with her lips pursed and the purposeful cock of her head was definitely rebellious as hell.
It also pushed my cock painfully against the fabric of my pants. Now my balls ached. I half laughed. “I think you know what Imean. This is my private home and as such, one of two locations where I can find peace.”
“How can I forget about the boat. I mean the yacht. Caroline would be proud you’re putting it to good use.”
She’d made the statement just to annoy me. Unfortunately, it had worked. “Yes, my yacht. I’m certain you have fond memories of spending time with me. Both on deck and under the sheets.”
If we were going to play this game, she’d soon learn I was the master.
And not just with regards to her luscious body.
Her smile faded. “Not particularly. I do understand the need for space and privacy, which is why I’ll need time at my house as well. Away from you.”
“Fine. But only by yourself. We can go under the guise you’re planning on selling the property.”
“Which I won’t be doing.”
I smiled and took a gulp of my wine. She was all fire and brimstone at the same time, yet she’d melted in my arms. “We shall see.”
Her eyes flashed from my comment.
“What other rules are you proposing?”
“Not proposing. There is no negotiation with them. You’re not to tell anyone that we aren’t in love and getting married for the old-fashioned reasons.”
“That was covered in the contract. Perhaps you didn’t read what you signed. If you’d like, I can walk you through the tough partsyou might not understand.” My wildcat’s claws were showing and she was completely enjoying attempting to drive me into a corner.
Her behavior had me wanting to toss her over the edge of the counter, rip her dress up to her waist, and spank her until she couldn’t sit down comfortably for a week.
But I held off.
For now.
