“Civil ceremony.”
“—requires consummation.”
“Says who?” She screws her nose up in disbelief.
“The law. More specifically, The Matrimonial Causes Act of 1973,”—I’m kind of glad Lachlan insisted on this discussion—“which states the inability or refusal to consummate a marriage is grounds for annulment. And that’s a risk I won’t take.”
“Who’d know?” she demands, flipping out a dismissive hand.
“Whoever you told.”
“Why do you assume I would be the one telling?”
“Because you have the least to lose.” Because this hasn’t been months in the making for you.
“I suppose a million must be small change to you,” she mutters. “Anyway, what about your entourage? It might be one of them who lets it slip.”
“No one is letting it slip.” Their NDAs are watertight, and the consequences are severe.
“Well, I wouldn’t tell anybody.”
“As I said, that’s not a risk I’m willing to take. I don’t need this marriage to look legitimate. I need it tobelegitimate.”
Oh, how I’ve changed my tune because when Lachlan, my lawyer, had broached the annulment risk, I’d told him I didn’t want the headache of a romantic entanglement.Been there, tried that, and failed.
I required the union to be nothing but a business arrangement, arguing that Lavender’s precarious financial position would guarantee her silence. The numbers were a balance because it’s not like she’d ever be destitute, not related to Leif Whittington.I need the sum to be enticing enough and the threats to be real enough.
But then I’d gotten my mouth on her, and all other considerations had flown out of the window. I can’t seem to think of much else right now but sucking on her clit again.
It’s not like I’m expecting her to fuck me and not be into it. Because she was into it. The things she said, the noises she made that, hours later, still make me hard.
I’m not greedy, but I’ve had a lot of sex. Fucked a lot of women. But I’ve never gone down on one I’d just met. Or with such zeal. When I said she melted like sugar on my tongue, I wasn’t kidding.And sugar isn’t addictive for no reason.
She isnotpouting, I think as I glance her way.
Is she?
My chest tightens as she drops her chin. No. Fuck no, is she about to cry?
Why do I have to be such an asshole? But before I can smooth things over—though fuck knows how—she opens her mouth and sets me on my ass.
“I want double,” she demands as her head comes up quick. “Double your original offer.” Those beautiful blue eyes narrow as she leans closer, bringing with her the scent of vanilla and cinnamon.It’s little wonder I want to devour her.
“You do?” My answer hit the air in an easy breath, a grin tugging at my lips.
“Two million or I walk.”
So much for tears. She looks luminous as she delivers her ultimatum.Fierce, like a fucking Valkyrie.
“So we’re negotiating?” I put my glass to my mouth.
“No negotiation. It’s what I want. If you want… me.”
Christ, I do want her with a strength that should frighten me in the opposite direction. I don’t have time for complications, and I’m not interested in the risk that comes with relationships. But none of that seems to change a thing right now.
“Why stop at two?” I set my glass back on the bar as uncertainty flickers in her expression. “Ah, my apologies. You said we weren’t negotiating.”
If Lachlan could hear me, he’d piss himself. I never take a bet I can’t fix. Gambling is a fool’s game, yet here I am, up to my neck.
