6 Fake Marriage

"What if someone tells the media about Giselle?"

"The media and other shareholders had some speculations. We are very careful so that we wouldn't scare the local and international investors away. Especially these days are the critical period because of the company's turn-over to me as the oldest heir. All the people, our employees who knew, were sworn to secrecy or we'll make sure we destroy them if they spread rumors." Darius said a matter-of-factly as he sipped wine on his goblet. "And that includes you."

"Is that a threat, Darius?"

He loosened his tie and he must have noticed how I followed his movements. I swallowed audibly when he popped a few buttons on his collar.

"What do you want?" Darius told me soothingly as if I was a volatile child. "I could give you money for your effort and hard work as my wife."

My attention peaked at the word 'money'.

I just resigned from a stressful office job and my married ex-boss was harassing me at work so I had to do it. I don't have any source of income at the moment. I think this is a good opportunity.

I cleared my throat and brought my gaze back to his steel-grey eyes. "How much and when will this 'marriage' last?"

Darius couldn't hide his smile from my interest in the money and this fake marriage. But of course, I will never make this easy for him.

"I will have my lawyers prepare the contract right away so that you could re-negotiate them. I will give you enough money that you wouldn't have to work for the rest of your life and you would be able to pursue your dreams as an aspiring Broadway actress. "

Oh, sounds like a great deal.

"I heard you resigned from your job?" His voice softened with concern. "Why?"

Heard, huh? Darius would be the type to hire a private investigator to gain access to certain information. He even knew where I was and what Christmas Party I attended.

Drowning in cash is pretty convenient.

"None of your business, Darius. Show me the contracts as soon as possible." My determined eyes didn't match the gentle lilt in my voice at all. It's like I'm in the front line of soldiers in a losing battle rather than agreeing to a marriage-in-name only. "I'll go over them."

"Good that we are on the same page."

"I'm interested as long as we don't engage in any physical contact that would lead to sex or the act itself. As your temporary future wife, I can tolerate hugs, pecks, and holding hands. Anything more intimate than that will get you a kick in the balls just like what happened yesterday. I will raise the 'pain intensity' every time you violate my personal space without a valid reason."

He flashed me a smile that would make ladies swoon. "I consider myself warned by a bloodthirsty wench."

Good. "I'm not allowed to have a sidepiece, right?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Side-piece?"

"Boyfriend." I trailed off as a flush crept across my cheeks. Would I dare, though?

Darius's lips tightened as if he's contemplating something. He finally spoke up after what seems like an eternity, looking serious as hell. "Not while you're married to me. Perfect little wife, remember?"

"She can be the perfect little wife if she hides the side-piece well," I whispered, challenging him.

"We're not even married yet and you're already thinking of cheating?"

"I will not cheat, Darius. How about you?" Clamping my lips in amusement, I leaned forward to the table. "Can you remain celibate for years for the sake of this perfect husband image and your inheritance?"

Our knees knocked together under the table, sending electric aftershocks on my skin. Darius flinched at the contact. Did he feel it too?

"I'll be discreet."

I pushed away my plate, losing my appetite in an instant.

So, it's okay for him to seek other women and I'm not allowed to seek men for my pleasure?

"Exactly. I'll be discreet." I emphasized the word 'I'.

"But why do you have to look for another man when I'm already here?" He reasoned out as he stared deep into my eyes. "I can give you sex."

I choked in my drink and almost spat on his face. In my effort not to, I coughed uncontrollably.

"No sex." I tightened my fist, trying to stay calm. I didn't want to give him a lecture about gender inequality when I needed his money to survive. "Make it clear in the contract, Darius. I don't mix business with pleasure. Understand?"

"Maybe I'll just have to tempt you, then." Darius' voice was deep and husky I can't help but shiver at its promise of ecstasy in them. He moved towards me and gripped my armchair. His grip wasn't strong but it has no intention of letting go.

"Would you want me to?"

I didn't answer, just stared at his face which is too near for comfort.

Good Lord, he was beautiful. He's too dazzling I had to blink a couple of times. Perfectly square jaw. Full lips. High cheekbones. Broad forehead. Blond hair was thick and wavy. Darius' skin was golden even under fluorescent lights. His eyes were dark grey and they stared right through me, drowning me to sweet oblivion.

I masked my desire, schooling my features into indifference just like what I used to do when someone I'm not interested in tried to flirt with me. I just shut down my emotions completely. "Your charms don't work on me anymore, Darius."

"That's unfortunate. I guess I'll have to try harder." Darius leaned down and breathed on my neck. It sent my pulse frantic, blood rushing through my veins. "And by the way, I just want to tell you that tonight is our engagement party."