Cold was about to propose to him!
“There may be some trouble soon,” Cold went on, his eyes serious and unblinking, “and I need to extend to you every possible protection so that the police are no longer tempted to try and involve you in my business.”
Jimmy flinched. Not quite the heartfelt proposal a young boy might dream about, but Cold wasn’t done talking yet. He tried to remain hopeful.
“As you know, my aspiring young attorney,” Cold continued, handing him the ring box, “spousal privilege will shield you from being forced to testify against me from the moment we’re legally married.”
“Wait,” Jimmy snapped, staring down at the little box with a scowl. “Are you... are you only marrying me so I won’t have to testify against you?”
“This is a very important deal, Jimmy,” Cold said, a touch impatient and refusing to directly answer the question. “I need to know that you’ll be safe. You wouldn’t want to lie to the authorities, and this way you won’t have to. Your conscience will be clear if you happen to become privy to any of my work.”
“Right,” Jimmy snorted disgustedly. “Like how my conscience is so clear knowing what really happened to Dickie White?”
Cold’s eyes narrowed, and his expression drained of any warmth, warning, “Careful, Jimmy.”
Dickie White was Rowena’s ex-boyfriend who had been killed last year. His murder remained unsolved, and although Cold was still the main suspect, there wasn’t enough evidence to arrest him. Thanks to some well-constructed blackmail, there never would be.
The truth was that Rowena had murdered him herself in retaliation for his abuse.
“Careful or else what?” Jimmy spat defiantly, his heart aching and glaring furiously. “Gonna have one of the Gentleman whack me?”
“No!” Cold growled, obviously frustrated. He took a deep cleansing breath and said carefully, “I don’t want to make this complicated. It’s a very simple arrangement. I’ve already had a prenuptial agreement drawn up—”
“Wait, what?” Jimmy stood up, gawking at Cold in disbelief. “A pre-nup? How long have you been planning this?”
“A few weeks,” Cold replied without even bothering to look ashamed.
“A few weeks?” Jimmy echoed. “Is this why you freakin’ told me to take this semester off from school? I thought you wanted me to take a break so we could spend more time together!”
Cold’s silent grimace was all the answer Jimmy needed.
Jimmy wanted to laugh, perhaps cry. Maybe both. He shook his head and set the box down on the bed, asking bitterly, “And when exactly were you thinking about telling me?”
“When everything was ready,” Cold replied, his face muted and eyes watching Jimmy intently as if he was dealing with a wild animal. “Now it’s ready, so I’m telling you.”
“Wow! A marriage proposal with a pre-nup already included! How sweet! Except you didn’t even actually propose! It’s just another stupid fucking deal!” Jimmy snapped, fumbling around to find his clothes. He managed to get his boxers on, scoffing, “Why’d you even bother getting a ring?”
“Because I wanted this to be romantic,” Cold answered through his teeth.
“Right! Because nothing screams romantic like hey, I got us a pre-nup, baby!” Jimmy snarled sarcastically.
“Jimmy,” Cold said shortly, “this is the most practical arrangement. We will both benefit from this, and you’ll be protected.”
“Do you love me?” Jimmy challenged, crossing his arms over his chest and jutting out his chin defiantly.
“What?” Cold looked alarmed by such a direct question.
“You heard me,” Jimmy said haughtily. “Do you love me? Really and truly love me? Convince me that you’re proposing because you love me and not just to cover your own ass.”
“You are well aware of the depth of my affection for you,” Cold replied sharply.
“Tell me,” Jimmy demanded, “and I’ll think about it.”
“Think about what?”
“Saying yes!” Jimmy growled.
“It’s already done,” Cold said icily. “Asking was a formality that I thought you would enjoy. I did not expect this much... resistance.”
