“Nothing, it's just going to make her wonder why you don’t want to have my babies. So many do.”
I stare at him, shaking my head. “No, I can’t do this with you.”
“I’m sorry! It was just banter,” Blake pleads, reaching for my hand.
I snatch it away before he can touch me. “No more banter then.”
“Will you do it?” Blake catches my hand, turning me toward him as the elevator dings. His gaze flickers behind us, and I see the panic in his eyes.
I can say no.
“You know I’ll look after you, Danielle. You can do whatever you like, with whoever you like; just don’t get caught.”
The office starts filling up, and I close my eyes, nodding my head. “I’ll do it. Just remember what I said.”
“No banter, no women, no men except Issac, no babies. Did I get it all?”
“No. I’m not sleeping with you,” I remind him in a low voice.
Blake smirks, then coughs. “Yep, like I said, unless you want to.”
“Which I won’t. This is a business transaction, Blake; don’t be mistaken because I won’t hesitate to use clause 244.”
Blake’s head snaps up, his brain whirring behind his blue eyes.
“‘If the wife is mistreated in any way, including sexual assault or abuse of any manner, she has the right to press charges and terminate the contract,’” I breathe out, enjoying the disbelief on his face.
“I wouldneverdo that!”
“Good. Then we’re clear. Have a good day.”
Turning on my heel, I hear him call after me, “I’ll get the lawyers here today. Make sure you’re free.”
“Make sure I’ve got satin sheets,” I throw back, earning us curious glances.
“Yes, dear.”
I’m called into Blake’s office two hours later, and I wonder how he got the lawyers here so quickly. Briefcases slap onto the mahogany tables in his office, and I’m directed to a leatherchair at the side of Blake. Across from me is Issac, and he stares through me like I’m not here.
The briefest of introductions are made, but then we’re straight down to business.
“Mr. James gave you a copy of the contract, correct?” a man to my right asks, peering at me over his spectacles.
“Yes,” I confirm, clearing my throat.
“Any questions?” Five pairs of eyes lock on mine, and I take a deep breath.
“No women in the house. Blake has to maintain a professional demeanor throughout. This is abusinesstransaction.”
One of the lawyer’s scribbles something down, whispering in his partner's ear.
“No men either,” Blake declares, avoiding my gaze.
I frown. “YousaidI could date Issac,” I argue as Issac lifts his eyes to mine.
“No thanks, Danielle,” Issac responds, shaking his head. “You’re marrying my best friend. Fake or not.”
Oh.
