“I’d be worried if you weren’t scared. You’re essentially marrying a stranger. But remember the wins.” I sit down at my desk, putting distance between us for her sake.
“It’s my entire life, Griffin.” She looks like she might cry.
“It’s only a year. Maybe a few more. Just lean into the skid, Selena. You’ll enjoy the ride. I’ll make sure you don’t suffer—too much.”
I laugh inwardly because enduring my personality might actually be the hardest part of the contract.
***
Friday evening, I take Selena to my penthouse.
First, I show her to the room that is going to be her private sanctuary—though, secretly, I don’t want her spending much time there.
“This room is entirely yours,” I tell her, opening the double doors to the guest suite. “But your clothes will go in our room. On Monday, we have a designer coming to help you decorate. This will be your project; I don’t care what you choose as long as you’re happy. You’ll have me in your bed for the next year, so make the primary suite a place you want to sleep.”
I lead her out onto the terrace overlooking the glittering Manhattan skyline.
“I have staff,” I say, feeling compelled to explain the ecosystem of her new home. “I don’t talk to them much. They’re from a high-end agency. I prefer to have vetted professionals working here rather than people I have to make small talk with.”
I’m sure my inner asshole is showing, but Selena just stands at the railing, staring out at the city.
“Our appointment is in an hour,” I say, checking my watch. “I can fix you a drink. When we get back, we can use the hot tub.” I’m scrambling for ways to make her feel at ease.
She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, centering herself. “Can I just have a glass of ice water, please?”
“Of course.”
I bring her the water. I touch her shoulder and kiss the top of her head because it feels like the right thing to do.
“Everyone at work knows about us,” she says quietly into herglass. “El has been telling anyone who will listen that I’m your latest fling and I won’t last the month. She says I’ll be labeled a liability and banned from the building.”
Her voice is flat, defeated.
“Monday, you will not go in at eight. I’ll have you meet me for lunch, and I’ll make an announcement then. You won’t have to see El again before being Mrs. Calloway. Actually, I kind of want to see the look on her face when I drop the bomb.”
Selena’s head whips toward me. “That’s cruel.”
“I never said I wasn’t cruel. When I started sleeping with El, I told her it was purely physical. She had a nice ass, decent tits, and an attitude I wanted to break. I told her I’d make that pinched brow of hers arch as she screamed my name. Challenge accepted and met. Oh, and I paid her as well. That condo she owns? I paid the down payment and half her mortgage. I stopped fucking her because she started looking at engagement rings.”
Selena stares at me, horrified.
“Why are you marrying me?” she asks, her voice steady. “Is it because you think I’m an easy target? That I’ll shut up and be your complacent little wife?”
“Yes. And because you have an amazing pussy that makes me lose my mind. Plus, you’re gorgeous and smart. That doesn’t hurt.”
Her expression turns to fire. She slaps me hard across the face.
Snap.
“Save that for the bedroom, baby,” I growl, grabbing her wrist.
I kiss her palm, staring into her eyes. “I deserved that. But let’s not take our relationship there unless you want us to veer into the really kinky shit.”
She’s trembling, but she doesn’t pull away.
“Okay. I need you to sign the marriage agreement before we head out.” My cheek throbs, but I don’t fault her.
She takes a deep breath. “I can’t do this.” She’s trying to escape. I anticipated this.
