Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 88263 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88263 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
I clench my hands into fists. “I didn’t ask for that.”
“I don’t care.” He leans closer. “I know you wanted to run this business all on your own. I’m going to step back and let you make your decisions. But I will not leave you in a precarious position if you do decide that you don’t want to be my wife. Even though I will be disappointed, I will take care of you, my something.”
I let that sink in. It’s strangely kind, like he actually gives a damn about me, but it also pisses me off.
I wanted a clean break. No money, no perks, nothing. Five months, then gone. Now it’s like even if I do leave him, I’ll never be rid of him because his money will always follow.
But I’d be stupid to turn this down. As much as it drives me insane, I understand he means well.
He really believes I’m going to stay with him after five months. But he doesn’t realize I have this baby to worry about above all else, and in five months, I’ll need that money to make sure my child is provided for.
That’s the real reason I’m not telling him to fuck off.
“All right, call Gareth back over,” I say finally, feeling reluctant.
Nolan waves for his friend. Gareth returns, looking slightly concerned. “Well? Did you discuss things?”
“I’m ready to sign.” I hold my hand out for a pen.
Gareth produces one but doesn’t let it go. “I just want to make sure you’re doing this from your own free will. You’re not in trouble, are you?”
“Gareth,” Nolan says sharply.
“No, I’m not in trouble. This is my decision.”
“If you need help, you can come to me.” He hands over his business card while Nolan glares like he wants to rip the thing to shreds. “I have the means to help.”
“Asshole,” Nolan says.
“Thank you.” It makes me feel better for some odd reason, and Gareth only nods.
“Sign here and here.” He walks me through initialing each page until we get to the end. I put my name down, hand shaking only slightly.
Nolan does the same thing, flying through it, scribbling like he wants to set the pages on fire. When it’s done, Gareth takes the papers back, and stands.
“I wish you both good luck,” he says, glancing at me with a slight frown. “I hope you don’t need it.”
“Thanks for your help, Gareth. Though next time, stick to the legal stuff.” Nolan shakes his friend’s hand and seems genuinely pleased, despite his harsh tone.
Gareth leaves without a backwards glance. I’m alone with my husband, the contract like a ticking timebomb.
I look over at my husband. He looks back at me, leaning into the corner.
“I’d like to go home now,” I say, turning my eyes to the table, unable to hold his gaze. “Unless that’s too much of an inconvenience?”
“I’ll have the jet prepped in an hour.” He puts his hand on my thigh. “Don’t look so upset, my wife. This is going to be a good five months.”
“Good for you, anyway.” I get up and turn my back on him. “Do you mind if I eat alone? I just want some time to myself before the flight back.”
“I’ll see you at the room.” He leaves without an argument, which is surprising, but Nolan seems good at reading my mood sometimes.
I watch him go before sinking back down into the booth.
Five months with that man, then five million dollars, whatever else I buy during that stretch—and a baby.
Chapter 19
Nolan
I give her some space to think about our marriage on the flight back to Boston. I can tell the meeting with Gareth knocked her off balance, and now she’s trying to figure out how she feels about the situation.
I didn’t mean for the five million offer to confuse her. It’s supposed to be an enticement, a reward for her to make it all the way to the agreed-upon five-month mark. She could, technically speaking, divorce me sooner than that—although I’d never let her, even if she tried—but I don’t want things to reach that point.
Instead, I’m starting our relationship out on a positive note.
Or that was the idea anyway.
Now it feels like I made some unspoken mistake, like offering her that money is in some way admitting that I don’t think we’ll go the distance.
While I think it proves the opposite.
I have all the faith in the world that she’ll never collect.
The plane lands in the late afternoon. Roger gets us from the airport. I sit in the back of the SUV with Keely while she stares out the window, distracted by her thoughts. The trunk is laden with a dozen bags from designer stores packed with clothes for her, each the product of my overzealous desire to solve all her problems.
I can’t help myself. When there’s an issue, I sink my teeth into it, and I don’t let go until everything’s settled. Whether it’s a brewing gang war or my wife’s clothing situation, I approach everything with a single-minded determination.