Chapter 5
“Thank you, Mr. Stone, Ivy smiled, though Silas could detect a subtle hint of fear in her tone.
Despite the fact that she had walked in wearing that hideous attire, he could still see the curves of her body beneath the fabric. Her breasts, though partially concealed, were impossible to ignore, and they stirred something primal in him.
God, she was a fine woman, and he found himself smirking,
“What happens next?” she asked, adjusting imaginary creases on her gown,
“Let’s celebrate first,” Silas replied, walking to his desk. He dialed Mrs. Harris, his secretary’s number. When she picked, he said. “Bringa bottle of champagne and two glasses, please. Then he turned to Ivy, his wife.
Her green eyes, once full of determination, now flashed with uncertainty. “It’s just six months, right?”
He chuckled at her tone. “Yes, six months, and we’re done,” he replied, gesturing
ng to one of the chairs opposite him. She chose the couch instead
“How do you intend to help my photography business in six months?” she asked.
“I’m a very wealthy man, dear Ivy. Six months is more than enough time,” he said, his voice filled with pride.
He thought of Thomas, and became eager to share the news with him and Wade.
Mrs. Harris entered with the champagne, setting it on the table. She gave Ivy a nod before quietly leaving. Silas opened the bottle, pouring each of them a glass. “To us.
She smiled and clinked her glass against his, “You should have a mini–fridge in here.”
Her suggestion caught him off guard. “What?”
“You know, a mini–fridge,” she repeated. “So you could keep drinks here for convenience
“I’m not an alcoholic.”
Her cheeks turned bright pink. “I wasn’t saying you were. It’s just practical you know what? Forget it.” Her mouth tightened into a small line.
Silas fought the urge to laugh out loud at the face she made. From her expression, he knew she was going to be a handful. “I see your point. I’ll consider it.”
She seemed genuinely surprised. “Oh, alright.” She sipped her drink, then stood. “I should go home now. Let me know when you need
“When I need you?” He raised an eyebrow.
1
“To..to be your wife,” she replied, her face flushing.
“But you are my wife,” he said, putting down his glass. He couldn’t deny his attraction to her, and the confusion on her face made him just want to reach out and kiss her. He moved closer, his gaze lingering on her chest.
“Yes, I know, but only on paper,” she said, trying to mask her uncertainty. “This isn’t a serious marriage. You need me for publicity. Just let me know when I need to play the role
“Maybe you should read the contract you signed.” he said, folding his arms. “You’re required to act as my wife both publicly and privately”
Her cheeks turned pink. “But you didn’t say that
He frowned slightly. “That’s what a marriage of convenience entails. You’ll have to act like my wife for six months, including living with me. His tone sent her eyes widening.
He didn’t need to include it, but he liked the idea of her moving into his house. The mere thought of having her close–of possibly sharing a bed again–was pure temptation, and it sent a surge of heat through him.
“I don’t agree with that,” she said firmly. “I don’t want to live with you.”
10:14 AM
Chapter 5
His frown deepened. “But you’ve signed already.”
“Then 111 revoke it. She crossed her arms defiantly.
contract.” “In that case,” he replied, turning back to his chair, “you’ll owe me ten million dollars for breaching the c
“Ten million? That’s ridiculous. Her voice spiked with disbelief, and a frown creased her forehead.
Wade hadn’t included that in the contract, but he found it entertaining to watch her reaction.
When she had first walked in, it took all his strength to maintain his anger. And when she said she had divorced Mason, it took even more not to reveal his excitement.
Now, he had no intention of giving her an easy out, not after the explosive, passion–filled night they’d shared yesterday. He would call Wade to draft another contract and ensure that penalty was included.
“Well, sorry. That’s the deal,” he shrugged
“I want to renegotiate the terms,” she insisted, stepping closer to him. If he didn’t know her a little, he might have been intimidated by her expression. “I’d like to add some conditions.”
Like what?”
*Like not living together. I want to stay where I am,” she replied, though he caught a hint of hesitation in her voice. “You can call me when you need me.”
He wondered why she was arguing so much when they could be doing other things.“And the reporters?” he asked, standing again.
Confusion etched on her face again. “Reporters? What about them?”
“Once I make the announcement, they will find you. What will you do when they swarm around your place? How long until they figure out this is all a facade?”
She bit her lip, and he feared she might draw blood. “I’ll be discreet. When I was married to Mason, I managed to stay out of the media until I had to.” Her voice wobbled, and he knew it was hard for her to say that.
“Well, Mason doesn’t have my level of wealth,” Silas pointed out. It was true, and she knew it. “When the news breaks, trust me, you won’t be able to handle it alone.”
Ivy fell silent. When she spoke, her voice was calmer. “Fine, but I still want to add a few conditions.”
He chuckled. Such a stubborn woman. “What else?”
“If I do stay with
you,
there’ll be no…uh… intimacy between us.” She looked away as she said it.
“Uhmm, okay, but why do you seem so nervous about sex? It’s not like we haven’t done that before,” he said, moving closer, causing her to take a quick step back.
She bit her lip. “I’m not nervous,” she replied, a bit too quickly.
“Doesn’t seem that way,” he teased, enjoying her discomfort.
She took another step backwards. “If that’s all, I’ll take my leave now,” she said, trying to regain her composure.
“And go where?”
“Home,” she said. “I would have to prepare myself. I’ll be at your house tomorrow, just send me the address.”
Silas laughed. “You think you can just go back to your old life? You’re now Mrs. Stone–my wife–and you’ll act accordingly.”
Ablush crept across her cheeks. “I can’t just leave without informing my aunt.”
“Your aunt?” His eyebrows rose as he moved closer to her again.
“I live with her, she replied, her blush deepening
“Perfect,” he said, placing a hand on her waist to hinder her from retreating again. “You’ll introduce me to your family”
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10-14 AM
Chapter 5
Her eyes widened, and Silas couldn’t tell if it was because of his touch or the thought of introducing him to her aunt. “You can’t come
“Oh, yes, I can,” he interrupted, tightening his grip and pulling her closer. Possessiveness surged suddenly in his chest. “You’ll introduce your husband, and then I’ll take you home.”
She protested once more, her face turning a darker shade of pink. “No, I can’t-”
Silas interrupted her again, this time with a kiss.
