Chapter 8: The Proposal

Dimitri

Seraphina stared at me, completely motionless. Slowly, she sat her glass down and slid out of the booth, never taking her eyes off of me.

“I’m not sure what game you’re playing, Mr. Valor, but I assure you, it’s not amusing.”

This is exactly why privacy was a must. I wrapped my fingers around her wrist and pulled her down back into the booth. Her brown eyes widened and her delicate hand came to my chest. The touch instantly ignited from spark to flames. As I leaned over her, she held her hand out to keep space between us.

I lifted my hand to her face and she stood still in order for me to do whatever it was I pleased. The fire in her eyes was burning furiously the closer I was to her. I brushed my thumb to the corner of her mouth.

“I assure you, Seraphina, this is no joke. I need a wife and you’re perfect for the job.” I say only inches away from her mouth.

The rise and fall of her breasts were exquisite and put images in my mind of her panting as she prepared to climax all over my cock.

“It’s a simple business deal, little one.”

“Please, sir, I can’t,” she spoke the words from her mouth, but her eyes were saying something rather different.

“What’s it going to cost to make you mine?” I said, moving her hand from my chest and placing it around my neck.

I wasn’t sure what I was doing, but the closer she was to me, the more I craved her. A small grin came to my lips as I took her in and waited for her answer.

“I’m not interested.”

“That’s not what your eyes are saying, in fact, they are saying something I know all too well.”

“Is there anything else I can get you two?” The waiter said, clearing his throat.

“No, we’re done here.” She murmured and quickly slid out of the booth.

Causing me to chase behind her on the street, she held her hand out for a taxi. Despite my growing irritation, I couldn’t help but admire her will among other things. I knew that fight in her will dwindle, especially knowing she needs me just as much as I need her.

“Can’t you get one of your groupies to do it?” she said with her arms folded.

“No, I can’t. I want you.” I said and her eyes once again flickered.

“There has to be another way.”

“It’s the obvious solution for my problem and you’d gain a hell of a lot by marrying me.”

“At this moment, I’m only gaining irritation.”

“We can discuss the terms, but I’m willing to pay you a hefty amount.”

“Just to marry you?”

“More or less,” I say shrugging my shoulders. “I can have a contract by morning if you agree.”

“And if I don’t?” she says as the taxi pulled up beside her.

“You have until seven to give me your answer,” I said firmly.

“I have to go, Mr. Valor,” she said as she slid into the taxi.

“Seven o’clock, Seraphina.”

I stood, watching the taxi fade into the traffic and proceeded to call Thomas to draft up the contract.

“I like that girl.”

“It’s best that we don’t get too attached, but I will admit she has a fire in her,” I said as I poured myself a glass of scotch.

“I’ll have it ready in about an hour, should I add a baby clause?” he said and stood silently. “I mean, you two will be husband and wife. I imagine you will eventually cross that bridge.”

“I don’t plan on sleeping with her, that would make things complicated.” I downed my scotch in one swallow. “Complication that I can’t afford at the moment.”

“Well, she has already signed a non-disclosure agreement for your company, but we’d need one for the contract. How much are you willing to offer her in total or are we thinking of an allowance?”

Thomas and I discussed the details of the proposal for Seraphina just like any other business deal. After all, this is just business. Everything I’ve been working for led up to this very deal and I could not risk losing it.

“I have a plan. You get the contract ready and we will sign today.” I say, looking at the time and realizing it was after midnight.

Apprehension filled my veins as I downed one last glass of scotch with the thought that she held my future in her hands. A woman I’d just met was the one who could make or break me and my plan., but I knew what I’d use if she’d say no. I’d pull out the coup de grâce, her grandmother. It will prove what I know; everything has a price, including people.

It was an odd feeling that I did not like. I sank into the cushion of the sofa as my head fell back and my mind started wandering with the possibilities. I hadn’t realized I had nodded off until the doorbell startled me. I checked the time on the watch my grandfather had given me on my twenty-first birthday. It was 3:45 in the morning.

I made my way to my front door to see her standing there, biting down on her lip as her gaze held mine.

“I hope you don’t mind me letting myself in, but it’s late and I wasn’t sure how long I’d have to wait-” she was going a mile a minute, but I stopped her by throwing my hand up and signaling her to come all the way in.

I set the alarm and led her to my study. My gaze slid over her as she ran her hands through her luxurious curls that fell at her neck. The woman was a sight at any time, but in the dim light of my study, she’s gorgeous. Her freckles covered just about every inch of her and had me contemplating where else I’d find them.

“What are you proposing?” she said, breaking the silence.

“Fifteen thousand a month. If the charade lasts longer than six months, I’ll double it.” I studied her impassive face and decided to keep going. “ When we get married, I’ll pay you a bonus and when we divorce, I’ll make sure you’re good for the rest of your life.”

“No,” she said standing.