Chapter 40

**Blue**


Shocked is the only word I can use to explain what just happened. Artemis had been glaring at Liam since we walked in and I was ready for him to say something assholeish, but he kept it some what civil. Well, civil in Artemis’s book.

I didn’t expect him to ask me to write down a whole list of new rules. My old one had been longer and was mostly a jab at Artemis. The list I gave him this time were all the things I really want out of our relationship. I don’t want us to just be roommates who are married. No divorce was one of the things mentioned in Artemis’s contract, which I expected. As crazy as it sounds, I didn’t mind that bit, but if I’m never gong to get married again I want to be part of my husband’s life. Even if I have to make it happen with a contract. It can be pretend if he wants it to be, but I want to feel what marriage can be like even if it’s an act. Plus, Artemis is an enigma that I can’t help but want to learn more about.

“Mr. Rhodes should we also discuss the prenup while we are all gathered?” Artemis’s lawyer asks.

I didn’t catch his name over how freaking loud my heart was pounding.

“I think that’s a very good idea.” Liam says far too happily.

He’s been a bit of an asshole himself today, but I get where he’s coming from so, I’m okay with him giving Artemis a small taste of his own medicine.

Also where did that saying even come from? Were two doctors sitting together and randomly make a deal to try each other’s medicine? But! One of the doctors hates the other so instead of medicine he gives the guy poison. The other doctor finds out and switches the medicines without the bad doctor knowing. Then they drink and the bad doctor starts choking and the other doctor stands over him and says: “Have a taste of your own medicine.”

Boom! That is exactly how it happened! Anyway…

Artemis’s lawyer pulls out some papers from his briefcase and lays them carefully on the table.

“Mr. Rhodes insists that this document would not be needed since he feels divorce is not an inevitability-“
“It’s not.” Artemis and I say together.

Crap where did that come from? Why did I open my mouth and say that? Shit on toast.

“Yes well, it is still important to have a prenup in case of death as well.” Artemis’s lawyer says and I look at him like he’s just stabbed me in the back.

Why the hell would he put that idea into the universe?

“Don’t talk about death! Are you crazy?” I snap at him.

All eyes turn to me, and I see Liam lower his head and clear his throat so no one sees him smiling. Okay, so I have some odd superstitions, but so does everyone!

“I’m sorry? How does speaking of-“

“Stop! What the hell man? I just told you not to say that! Sheesh.” I lean my head back and look up at the sky. “Universe, he didn’t mean it. No one is dying today, okay? This was all a misunderstanding. Keep it cool.”

After my talk with the universe, I lower my gaze on the offender and glare as hard as I can.

“Is there some sort of religion where people speak to the universe that I don’t know about?” The lawyer asks and Liam can’t cover his laugh completely this time.

He clears his throat again. “Blue is a colorful character. It’s part of her charm.”

I smile proudly and lean back into my chair like I just won something. Heck if I know why. Honestly, I don’t understand half the things I do or say sometimes.

“It’s definitely never boring when she’s around.” Artemis adds and my face gets so hot that I’m scared if I touch them that I’ll get burned.

“You haven’t known her long enough to make that statement!” Liam says suddenly.

My head snaps in his direction and for the first time since I’ve known him Liam looks furious.

“Excuse me?” Artemis on the other hand sounds completely calm.

“You don’t know anything about Blue. You think spending a couple days with her after you ruined her life that you have the right to pretend to know her. You don’t.”

“And you do? Has she shared with you about her life before she came here? Do you know anything about who she really is or where she came from? Because after a few days with her, I do. I didn’t need weeks to get to know her. Maybe she didn’t want you to know her. Have you considered that? I mean she didn’t tell you she was getting married to me, so what else isn’t she telling you?”

I’m stunned silent. I don’t know who to be angrier with right now.

“You probably manipulated her into trusting you and that’s why she shared anything with you. Why would anyone freely admit damming information to you? With who your family is, it would be easy for you to tell the whole world what you know and ruin Blue’s life even more. I won’t let that happen!” Liam turns to me now. “Blue, you need to walk away from all this before it’s too late. Please don’t tie yourself to a man like Artemis Rhodes. He will make you miserable. That whole family is poison.”

What?

“Liam that isn’t true. Artemis’s sisters are both very sweet girls and Rhea’s husband Max was kind to me as well. Where is this coming from? I mean I know you were shocked but you didn’t seem this angry before.”

“I wanted to give you time to change your mind, but you are agreeing to things like not getting divorced like you expect to be happy in this shame of a marriage! Please Blue, just leave with me right now.” He grabs my hand and gives it a hard squeeze.

It’s hard enough to make me wince and that was the moment Artemis appears and ripped Liam’s hand away.

“Don’t ever touch my fiancé like that again. Do you understand me?” Artemis’s cold expression is tight and anger is rolling off him in waves.

Liam tries to pull his arm out of Artemis’s grip but he doesn’t let go.

“Artemis-“

“Shut the fuck up!” He yells at his lawyer without turning his attention away from Liam. “Do you understand me?”

“I’m not leaving here without Blue. You will ruin her.” Liam grinds out.

“You will be leaving without my fiancé but how you go is up to you. I believe trying to talk someone into doing something they don’t want to do I coercion. Isn’t that right?” He looks over at his lawyer who looks tired of Artemis’s bullshit already.

“That is correct.”

Artemis looks down at Liam and smirks. “Now that that’s settled I’m asking you to leave and don’t come within a hundred feet of my fiancé again. Do you hear me?”

Liam glares at Artemis but doesn’t make a move to agree. I don’t want to see Liam get hurt so I decide it’s time for me to step in. So I stand and move in front of Artemis . Liam’s eyes land on me and I try to give him an apologetic look before I look up at the man I’m going to marry. I slowly lift my hand and lay it on his arm.

“Artemis. It’s okay. I’m not going anywhere, so you can let him go. Please.”

Artemis works his jaw but eventually relents and lets Liam go. He has a pretty dark red mark in the shape of Artemis’s hand but a look down at my own hand I have marks from Liam as well. Artemis reaches out and pulls me closer to him before wrapping an arm around my waist.

“I think we’re done here. Abigail will have the new contract written up and we will both sign it before forwarding it to my lawyer.” He tells Liam. “You can go. Blue won’t be needing your services anymore. I will always take care of her so don’t bother being her knight in shining armor. She won’t need one.”

I mean he’s right about that. As long as he knows it goes the same for him.

“Blue. Do you want me to leave?” Liam asks.

He looks at me with pleading in his eyes and I want to acce0t his help just so I don’t hurt him, but that’s the only reason. As much of an asshole Artemis can be, he hasn’t ever hurt me or intentionally put me in danger. The whole thing with the fans was a childish mistake but he’s been protecting me ever since.

“Its fine Liam. I think we covered everything important. Ill have Abigailsend you a copy of the signed contract. We’ll talk later, okay?”

“I don’t think-“ Artemis grunts in pain from where I am pinching him on the leg.

“Thank you for all your help.”

Liam shakes his head and stands. “You’re making a mistake Blue, and I’ll be here to pick up the pieces when he breaks you.”

He grabs his bag and walks toward the door without looking back. The door slams behind him and I feel it like a punch to the stomach. He’s pissed but so am I! What was that?

A warm breath against my ear makes me shiver. “You’re mine Blue and I know one way we can make sure everyone knows it.”

Oh dear…