Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 93699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Still not following, I glanced at the sheet.
Then I nearly lost it.
Charges for My Dear Wife
Use of luxury theater screen: $20 per minute
Use of kitchen & special chef requests: $50 per minute
Gourmet popcorn: $25 per kernel
Temperature system: $30 per degree
Toilet usage: $40 per flush
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me, Travis.”
“Not at all.” He pulled out a few more sheets. “Here are the other charges since you insisted on paying for all your personal expenses via our contract, Darling.”
The way he said ‘Darling’ made me want to lean over and slap him.
“I just want to make sure I’m holding up my end of the deal,” he said. “I overlooked it earlier, so I’m glad I caught it tonight.”
“Fuck you, Travis.”
“Here or in my bedroom?”
I rolled my eyes and headed toward the door, but then I turned around and grabbed that bucket of popcorn.
Two can play this game.
TWENTY-FOUR
THIRTEEN DAYS AFTER SAYING “I DO”
TRAVIS
Las Vegas, Nevada
I woke up at the crack of dawn with a rock-hard dick. Again.
There was no point in subjecting myself to a cold shower, though. Today’s conditioning session was minutes away, and my trainer always managed to get my mind in the right place.
Rolling out of bed, I pulled on a pair of shorts and tennis shoes. Then I headed to the kitchen.
To my surprise, Tatiana was already wide-awake. She was standing in front of the coffee bar, wearing skintight shorts and a sports bra. Her nipples were erect and poking through the fabric, and a faint line of caramel lingered above her lips.
Looking away from her body, I noticed a massive bell jar on my counter. Crumpled dollar bills were stuffed inside, and the words “My Husband’s Fees” were taped on its cover.
“I’m running late,” I said. “I need you to step out of the way for a second.”
“You should’ve gotten up earlier then.” She sounded nonchalant. “Time waits for no one, or so I’ve heard.”
“I said running late, not actually late.”
“I’m not done making my coffee yet.” She moved in front of my blender station, effectively blocking me and making me look at her. “I need to perfect and savor every drop, since it’s the only thing that isn’t on the charge list.”
“I’ll be sure to rectify that tonight.”
“My point still stands.” She picked up a can of whipped cream, squirting it into her mouth.
Testing my level of restraint, she tilted her head back and swallowed every drop.
“My trainer will be here any minute.” I took a deep breath as she licked the lingering cream off her upper lip. “I need to use the blender before my workout.”
“I bet you do.” She picked up a spoon that’d been dipped in caramel, then she gently dipped it into her cup before licking it clean.
“You need to buy your own fucking coffeemaker by the end of the day,” I said. “Actually, don’t worry about it. I’ll have Ryan go out and get it for you.”
“That doesn’t seem like a smart financial move on my part.” She stretched her shorts band, revealing that she wasn’t wearing panties. “Wouldn’t that increase the cost of what you’re charging me for electricity?”
“You also need to wear some goddamn clothes whenever you’re on this side of the condo. Now would be a good time to get dressed.”
“This is coming from the person who is currently wearing nothing but a pair of workout shorts?” She eyed my chest. “Is it ‘rules for thee and not for me’?”
“Tatiana Brave…”
“Travis Carter…”
We held a silent stalemate, the tension thickening and becoming more palpable by the second.
I waited for her to give in and submit, but the doorbell saved us both.
“I’ll get it.”
“Good.”
She walked past me and I moved to the blender station.
I peeled an orange and prepared to apologize to my trainer, but I didn’t hear his voice.
“Well, good morning, Missus Carter!” It was a man with a syrupy Southern drawl instead. “I’m Henry Dillinger.”
I turned around and saw Tatiana shaking his hand.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Dillinger,” she said. “I’ll get Travis.”
“I’m not here for him. I’m here for you.”
“Why?” She looked confused.
“I’m filming your husband’s comeback documentary, and I was promised unprecedented access to his life per Miss Dawson. I’m hoping to shadow you today, if that’s alright.”
“Well, um, I…” Tatiana stuttered.
“Maybe we can start with you giving me a tour of this lovely home?” he asked.
“Uh—”
“I just completed some extensive remodeling as a surprise gift for her.” I walked across the room and shook his hand. “You’ll have to excuse her if she makes any mistakes. It’s all rather new for her.”
“I completely understand, sir.” He smiled. “I’m looking forward to shadowing you as well soon.”
“Noted.” I looked at Tatiana. “Have a good day and enjoy your last free coffee, Sweetheart.”
“You have a good day as well, Dear,” she said.
“Be sure to ask Mr. Dillinger if he’ll allow you a moment to get dressed before you begin the tour.”