“That ring costs more than I make in ten years. Why the fuck are you buying a ring worth that much for a woman you’ve just met?”
“Oh, you’re partial to the f-bomb. My parents aren’t going to like that.” I grimace comically. “And my guess is, that ring is worth more than you make in twenty.”
“What the hell is wrong with you?”
I set down my phone and don a serious expression. “Natasha, you’re trying to stick it to your ex. I’m trying to stick it to my parents. This ring a good start to achieving our goals.”
“I don’t want to get back at my ex with a giant ring!”
“Well, it’d be awfully awkward if we sent him a picture of my giant cock.”
The color drains from her face.
“God—sorry! Didn’t mean to spoil the surprise.”
“You can’t-you can’t be serious!”
And this is why it’s good to know your spouse before getting married.
I exhale slowly, trying to find the least offensive way to word what I’m about to say.
“I mean—we barely know each other,” she babbles on. “It’s been what, an hour since we’ve met?”
I blurt out. “Did you really think I’d agree to a sexless marriage?”
“I-I—I didn’t know what you’d agree to. I mean, you said you were going into an arranged marriage.”
“People in arranged marriages still have sex.”
“They do?”
I can’t help but smile at Natasha’s innocence. When we were filling out our marriage license, I learned she was only twenty-two. Her wedding wasn’t thrown together overnight, so it’s safe to assume she’s been in a committed relationship for quite some time. He may be the only man she’s ever been with, and she might not be ready for a follow-up, or a rebound, or whatever it is they’re calling it these days.
I bring a hand up, caressing her soft cheek. “Natasha, in the short time we’ve known each other, I’ve grown to like you very much. And I hope that you’ve grown to like me. Whether we’re married a month or just a day, I fully intend to stay faithful to my wife. A vow is a promise, and promises are important to keep. Staying faithful to you will be easy, provided my needs are met.”
Her chest rises and falls as we stare into each other’s eyes, and I swear, the little flecks of amber that sparkle in hers damn near have my hypnotized. I can’t stop myself from leaning in and pressing my lips against hers.
It’s a sweet kiss, her lips soft and decadent, with none of the filler the women I’m used to dating have.
Unexpectedly, I find myself beguiled. I wish I hadn’t been so crass about my expectations, but I thought it best to lay it all out on the table, and in truth, I’m being completely reasonable. We’re getting married, and she’ll have access to my vast resources. Plus, I’m going to make it my mission to please her as many times as she’ll let me.
I imagine her legs wrapping around my body, pulling me to her, her voice thick with want as she begs me to take her. God, I want to bury myself inside her.
“I’m game,” she finally says. “I mean, that is as long as you don’t want anything weird.”
I smirk. “Define weird.”
Her lips begin to move, but before she says anything, the jeweler returns with the receipt.
“Now, let’s go track down that Elvis you were eyeing.”
Chapter 3
Natasha
Everything about what I’m doing is insane, but I reason that it’s genius-level insane with none of the stupid.
Sure, I’m getting married to a man I’ve known for less than two hours—but the ring on my finger is a banger.
