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We make our way outside, where we’re greeted by a lovely October morning. Fall has always been my favorite time of year. Winter and I used to— I shake my head. I need to put all thoughts of her far behind me.
“What has made you frown?”
I glance up as we reach the waiting SUV.
“Just wondering how I’m going to pay for everything, Sir.”
A lie to hide my truth.
He answers, “I’ll take care of the bill. Consider it payment for everything you will do over the next twelve months.”
He opens the back door to the SUV, and I climb in, scooting to the other side so he has room to sit. He slides in next to me, sitting so close that our legs brush. I ponder on what he just said. Payment, because I’m basically being a whore by being with him? Because that’s what it sounds like. I cross my arms over my chest and look out of the window.
The ride is silent as we make our way into Manhattan. Kieran scrolls on his phone, occasionally typing out a message. I wish I had my phone, but I know what he’ll say if I ask for one. He’ll say I’ll be tempted to reach out to my sisters, and he’s right. I would be. I might even text Winter, so I guess it’s better I don’t have one.
“Sir, we never signed the contract last night.”
“I know. We’ll do it this evening.”
“Can I ask for something to be added?”
He drops his phone into his jacket pocket, giving me his full attention. “What?”
“Before my father sold me to Max, I was enrolled in college.”
“I’m aware.”
“If I’m going to be with you for twelve months, I’d like to take some online classes. I don’t want to fall behind.” I pause, afraid to try my luck. “I’d also like to watch TV. I’m sure you’ll have to work at some point, and I’m easily bored.”
“I agree to the TV, but I’ll have to give the online classes some thought.”
I hate that my happiness deflates a bit with his words. I mean, he doesn’t owe me anything, especially since I’m the one who will get more out of the deal than him, but still.
“Thank you, Sir.”
“What were you going to school for?”
“I didn’t have a major yet. I was getting my basics out of the way.” I smile. “God, I loved going to college. My roommate and I lived in a dorm room together and it was the first time in my life that I only had to fight one person to use a bathroom.”
“You roomed with Winter Phrygia, right?”
Of course he’d know that.
“She was single when we first met, but yeah.”
“Why didn’t you go to her for help?”
I shake my head, looking out the window. “It doesn’t matter.”
“It might.” He pauses. “Need I remind you that you’re supposed to do as I say without question? That means answering me, even if you don’t feel like it.”
“Need I remind you I haven’t signed the contract yet?”
He snorts. “Touché. Call it a sign of good faith in our arrangement.”
I turn to face him.
“Do you want to know because you’re wondering if it’s something you can use against Midas or because you’re curious?”
