SAVANNAH
“This is still unbelievable and unrealistic,” I said. I’d learned my lesson from my failed marriage. It wasn’t a game or something you’d just throw away when you grew tired, at least on my part.
“You married for love, but where did it take you? Feelings fade, Savi. When it does, every foundation you build will be broken. Love is overrated if you ask me. I’m sure you understand that.”
“Have you considered what your family would say if they found out you’re dating some random woman?” I argued because he couldn’t see my point.
He was Rafael Sebastian. A billionaire bachelor, soon to be king of an empire and head of a family with an absolute but ludicrous tradition.
I was just Savannah Gibson, an ordinary woman in New York dreaming of having children and living a contented life with my family. Was that so hard to find? If Edward couldn’t give that to me, someone out there might… someone less complicated and willing to commit.
“I chose you because you’re different from anyone I’ve met. My family will see that.”
“You said that this is a trial. If I fail this job? I can quit?”
“Let’s see about that.” His mouth curved playfully. “But I hope you won’t.”
God, he really had an answer to every question. “What’s in it for me? The compensation.”
He relaxed in his seat. He probably thought I was close to considering it. “If you agree to be with me—just be with me until my father retires and passes down everything—I’ll help you get out of your divorce as soon as possible.”
Normally, they said the divorce process could take six months, and Edward promised it would be earlier than that. It’d been four weeks since he filed a petition, but it felt like it had already been months. I wanted it done as soon as possible so he’d stop using it as an excuse to dictate my life.
“How soon?”
“As early as next week.”
“Is that possible?” I whispered in surprise.
“I know someone. Isn’t that better than waiting? The outcome is the same.”
I couldn’t imagine the look on Edward’s face when he found out I beat him to it. That would be satisfying. He would be out of my life for good.
“Now, this seems more reasonable.” I couldn’t see how pretending to be in a relationship with Rafael would be hard. I bet I could even do it with my eyes closed. But that wasn’t where the problem lies. I knew I shouldn’t fall in love with him, and when I wanted someone, I just fell in love. Hard. I married Edward because of that. But Rafael wasn’t the type of man to reciprocate. This was a game I knew I would lose before it even started.
“I’m glad we’re on the same page now,” Rafe said.
“I haven’t agreed.”
“Yet.”
“How about marriage? You must have conditions with that, too.”
“I’ll just get us a drink. You might need it.” He sprang up and walked to his mini bar. He grabbed two champagne glasses and chose a bottle from his liquor collection. “Are you sure you want to hear it now?”
“Why not?” I said loudly so he would hear me.
“Because you’re not ready.” He corked the bottle and poured the drink into the glasses.
“You know that, but you asked me this anyway.”
He returned with the drinks and handed me a glass. “Here.”
“Thank you. What is this?”
“That’s Brignac.”
I immediately took a sip. The rich, exotic fruity taste with a touch of lemon, vanilla, and honey lingered in my mouth. But its soft and creamy feel, with a hint of toastiness, ran smoothly in my throat. I hummed in delight. “It’s delicious.”
“You’re welcome,” he murmured in his deep baritone voice and sat. “When you agree to marry me, you will have your own house, or you can live with me, but you will have your own room; your choice. You will have your bank account with no spending limit and a chauffeur. You can use them however you please and do whatever you want. I only have two absolute conditions: I want you to be exclusive, and divorce is out of the picture. It’s bad for business, and we’ll be the talk of the media and the elites. My father wouldn’t want that. That’s basically it. Something else might come up later.”
“I’m not polyamorous, so that’s fine. But why would we live or sleep separately?” I didn’t see that coming. It was, hands down, weird.
“I’m not used to sleeping next to anyone.”
I sighed. “Let’s be honest here. You expect me to have sex with you, right? Because how else are we going to have kids?”
A muscle in his jaw rippled. “Surrogacy is an option, but I prefer the natural way. If you carefully read my body, you’ll see the evidence.”
I knew then that he had a hard-on. My sex clenched at the anticipation. If only my brain hadn’t liquified, I’d be between his legs by now, taking his length into my mouth and sucking off until he begged me to stop.
I wanted to burst. With tears or laughter, I wasn’t sure anymore. He was a total force of enigma I couldn’t comprehend.
“You’re right. Let’s not discuss that for now.” The chauffeur thing was also excessive. That was why he probably said I wasn’t ready.
“Then let’s table my initial proposition.”
“Um, so…” I cleared my throat. “I just have to pretend to be in a relationship with you in front of your father, correct?”
“That’s right.”
“And in exchange, you will help me get out of my marriage.”
“Yes.” The champagne glass touched his supple mouth, but he halted to answer me. “We are exploring the possibilities here. I’m flexible. Is there anything else you want?”
“So if I agree and want something else, you’ll do it for me?”
“Name it.”
“Then I want my divorce done before my high school reunion, and I want you to accompany me there as my boyfriend.”
“So, you agree?”
“Don’t twist my words. I said, if.”
“I thought you said you don’t want your friends to misunderstand?” He grinned, teasing.
I grunted. “That was before we had this conversation. I also need the apartment back. Michael gave it to me as my wedding gift, but Edward refused to give it back because his name is also on the lease. I need the money for a new apartment.”
“How much is it?”
“Less than a million? I’m not sure. I’m going to check with the realtor.”
“Then forget about the apartment. I’ll give you the money.”
“No! You don’t understand. I don’t want Michael’s gift to be used for Edward’s infidelity. I knew how much my brother worked hard for it.”
“Your apartment it is. I’ll have Billy find a buyer, and you will get your money. We can even put it up in a market twice its price.”
“Do I need to tell Edward?”
He sighed. “Savannah, if you really want him out of your life, start not caring about his opinion.”
“You’re right. I keep forgetting. That’s the problem with me.” I lifted my head. “How long can you give me to decide? I need to think.”
“As soon as possible, but take your time. Read the NDA carefully. If you have questions, just ask me. There’s one more thing,” he murmured, moving closer and lowering his head to my ear. “I hope you don’t think my sexual desire for you is part of this agreement. It’s personal, and that’s unfair to you.”
Unnecessary giddiness flooded through my veins. Rafael Sebastian wanted me as much as I wanted him. That was clear to me now.
I gulped dryly, so I chugged the drink straight. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. “Edward never said he desired me.”
Rafael stood up and then sat in the space next to me. Then he hovered an arm on the backrest, confining me in the corner of his couch. “Shame. I even plan to tell you every chance I get.”
I gasped. “Wait.” I slightly pushed away from him. “I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.”
“I’m sorry. Overwhelming you is not my intent. I just want you to know that I will still pursue you, whatever your decision. I’m a man who gets what he wants, and I want you, Savannah. I realize that now.”
“And you said you don’t do relationships.”
“I’m open to one exception.” Suddenly, his mouth was on me, nipping my earlobe. I took a sharp breath. Inadvertently, I let my head arch to the side, giving him better access.
Rafael slid deeper, taking what I gave. A low sound escaped me because of my rising arousal. I moved my hand to the back of his head, clutching a handful of silky dark hair to steady myself. He shifted his body to face me properly and curled his other arm around me. He was only leaving small, gradual kisses on my throat, but I was already on fire. Desire was stirring in my belly.
He nuzzled his face in my temple. “I should have told you earlier. You look absolutely stunning tonight. I can’t stop myself from touching you.” His warm breath burned my skin. I could feel his erection pressing on the curve of my lower left side. “Kiss me, Savannah.”
His commanding statement had my body turned on. I licked my lips in anticipation. I had wanted this, imagined this to happen, but I didn’t realize it could come true. All that was left was for me to agree.
My body shifted instinctively so we were face to face. I wrapped my arms around his neck. On my cue, Rafe sealed his mouth on mine.