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“How do I know you won’t do that anyway?” I bite out. I’m not backing down from this. I look to the paper. There is nothing to the contract. Couldn’t I take him for all he’s worth in the end if I want? Being under Garrick’s thumb my entire life, I’ve had no leverage. He has controlled it all. Marrying Hunter makes it a whole new game. I could manipulate him with my looks to get my way. If everyone is going to treat me like a pretty object I might as well use it. I am a survivor and I am going to win this new game.
“Sign the paper, Rose,” he demands again. “I won’t throw your sick aunt out. I’m not that much of a bastard.”
A hiccup of a humorless laugh comes from me. Sure he is. I pick up the pen. “But you’d buy someone?” I sign the paper even as I ask the question, dropping the pen down as fast as I can.
“You, Rose. I’d buy you.” His words roll across my skin like a caress.
“There. You got what you wanted.” Men like him always do. He reaches for my wrist, pulling me to my feet. How does he keep moving so quickly? A man his size shouldn’t be able to move that fast. My heel gets tangled in my dress and I fall into his chest.
“I want a kiss, Rose.” I don’t think that’s all he wants. I can feel his erection dig into me. My whole body heats but not with anger as it should. No, it’s desire. Damn it. What is wrong with me? This man just bought me and I am getting turned on. My eyes go to his mouth. He leans down and I can feel his breath against my lips.
“Have you ever been kissed? Has your brother made it so no man could get near you?”
I lick my lips, my tongue brushing his bottom lip. “I’ve been kissed before.” Hunter’s nose flares. His jaw goes tight. “My professor in my sophomore year.” The lie rolls off my tongue so easily. It looks like Hunter is as possessive as my brother could be. That was something he should have hidden better from me because I will use it. If Hunter wants to be a bastard two can play at that game.
I think.
Chapter 5
Hunter
“That’s too bad.” I press my intercom button. “Chris, please compile a list of the professors at St. Mary’s College in Heathton, New York, for the last four years.”
“What do you want that for?” Rose yelps.
I lean back in my chair and gaze at her over my steepled fingers. “I didn’t think you would tell me your professor’s name so I’m asking Chris to obtain it.”
It’s interesting that she is suddenly showing a spine. Or maybe it’s not sudden. How else does she survive under the oppressive watch of her brother if she isn’t made of steel? Her next response only affirms my suspicions.
“You’re right. I won’t,” she snaps.
“That’s fine. You don’t need to. Ah, Chris, come in.” I motion my assistant inside.
“Your list,” he says.
“Chris, before you leave, the future Ms. Keal would like another refreshment.” Her water glass is empty.
“Certainly, what can I get you?”
She sends me a glare and then tips up her pert nose. “I’d like a skinny mocha frappucino with two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup and a sprinkle of Godiva chocolate shavings with one teaspoon of caramel drizzle.” She finishes with a triumphant smile as if she’s asked for something impossible that can’t possibly be delivered.
Chris merely nods his head lightly and leaves. Rose’s face falls when she doesn’t get the response she anticipated.
“Chris has an eidetic memory. It makes him an exemplary assistant.” One who makes more money than some executives in this town. “Rest assured that he will return with exactly what you ordered and should you desire this drink ten months from now, he’ll be able to deliver it without you doing more than raising a finger.”
“That’s cute but I’m not going to be here ten months from now so he might as well use that brain power for something else.”
What is cute is that she thinks she is getting away from me, but I’ll play the game with her…for now. “Where is it that you’ll be in ten months if not by my side?”
“The papers I signed said that I’d agree to marry you, but I don’t have to live with you or sleep with you to fulfill my end of the bargain. I know that sex can’t be written into a contract.” She’s back to looking as if she pulled out a winning card.
“It sounds as if you did research.”
“I knew this day would come.” There’s a trace of bitterness there but not as much as I expected. She is more resigned, as if she came to terms with her brother’s greed a long time ago.
