Lana's POV
"I'll sign it." I paused.
"But under one condition".
His eyes narrowed…. Dangerous. Amused. Intrigued.
He leaned forward slightly, then the stood up. His towering frame casting a shadow over me .
Then a low chuckle rumbled in his chest.
"You don't get to make conditions". He reached out gripping my chin gently but firmly urging me to stand up from my chair.
I didn't want to but it was like my body had a mind of it's own and stood up even before I agreed.
"I give the terms here." He replied but paused. His thumb brushed my lower lip.
"But I'll let you speak. One condition only".
"Urhh I meant two condition". I said and looked up folding my hands. I was trying so damn hard not to look weak. Or scared. Or frightened.
And from the way he looked at me, he looked impressed.
I didn't know why. Maybe at my little show of resistance I guess. I hope it wasn't it.
A dark, almost wicked glint showed in his gaze almost like my fight to look tough made his predatory instincts roar.
"Two, hm?
He let my chin go and stepped back slightly, his arms crossing over his chest as he studied me with an unreadable expression.
".... Speak"
I paused.
I had practiced how I was going to come here and tell him my conditions. But now the words just sat there in my head, unwilling to come out.
I didn't know if it was because my mouth was too heavy to speak or because the words just didn't come together again to make sense to me.
"... Urnmmm first. After this deal is signed I get to stay two weeks still in my house with my friend before moving in with you. And…. I'd still be free to live the way I want. I could still keep doing my job, like continue my routine".
I breathed out the moment I finished talking. It was like I had been holding my breathe and finally I had let it out.
His expression still didn't hold any emotions. Just his eyes, they narrowed in on me so close. Not because he was upset, he was just considering my terms.
He clearly wasn't used to giving in to anyone's demands.
"You want to spend two weeks still living with your friend?" He repeated the first part slowly, a clear hint of possessiveness in his tone.
"Yes" I replied.
He raised an eyebrow at me. His sharp gaze never leaving mine.
It was like he enjoyed every moment of it. Like he was absorbing every word we exchanged. Then…. Slowly a smirk curled in his lip. He leaned in, his voice dropping to a low dangerous murmur.
"So… you'll be my wife…., but wants two weeks to keep as yours".
He repeated your words, a hint of mockery in his tone.
I didn't reply to him.
I just removed my face afraid that if I kept looking, my legs might give in.
And he must have noticed it.
Noticed the flutter in my gaze and the way I kept fondling my dress because a dark thrill flashed in his eyes.
His smirk widened, his fingers gently caught my chin again, titling my face up slightly to meet his direct stare.
"Not going to answer that?" He taunted me softly while his thumb lazily traced the outlines of my buttom lip. His touch was strangely gentle yet screamed with possession, as if he was already claiming what he taught was already his.
I felt my knees weaver at his touch again.
God why does he make me feel this way.
He clearly knew the effect he had on me. He enjoyed it.
He tugged me closer to him and whispered in the most velvety tone I've ever heard.
"I'll consider it. On one more condition".
My back stiffened not from what he said, but because I felt his hand slide down to my lower back almost close to my butt while he spoke.
"What is that?"
He pulled me even closer, my body now flush against his, his other hand moved to grip my hip. His hold slightly tight as he squeezed on the flesh of my hip.
"My condition…. Is simple". He sniffed my neck. He leaned more towards me, his body pressing me against the wall at my back. "Are you listening carefully?"
I nodded I couldn't even speak. It was like my brain had shut down completely.
He chuckled softly at my speechless state. At the way my body seemed to melt against his. At how my lips struggled to form words….
I knew all these fueled his ego, his desire.
This man was clearly teasing me.
I should have left. But even when I tried to, he tightened his hold on me more, pinning me even more firmly against the wall.
"Look at me".
I shook my head
"I…I.. cannnn't"
"Why not, hm? Are you scared?" He challenged me. A hint of mockery in his tone. I knew he wanted me to look at him, to meet his gaze, to be completely under his spell.
"Noo…" I'm not I tried to defend myself almost immediately and looked at him.
The moment my eyes met with his, he froze for a heart beat. Like he was looking at me for the first.
I heard him wishper something under his breath but I was too focused on the way his lip moved I didn't get what his said.
But I clearly heard the way he cursed
"Hhmm what did you say?"
"I said liar. You're trembling"
He leaned down until his lips was leveled with mine. Not kissing me, but close enough that every word landed like a whisper against my mouth
"One week. I accept. One week not two."
His eyes burned into mine.
"And if you're good… maybe I'll let you keep calling this friend of yours."
It was just like the universe knew I needed saving just immediately, my phone rang from the table I had kept it.
"Ignore it" he murmured the command low against my ear hot and firm. A demand disguised as suggestion.
But I shook my head. "I have to get it. Besides I think I'm done here. I'd sign the contract and send it to you team"
His hands at my waist tightened again, his fingers briefly digging into my skin as if in silent protest against my words but his face remained cool, his eyes watching mine carefully as I reached to answer the call.
His body still half-trapping me against the wall…
Keeping me close, almost protectively. He watched me answer
"This call better be important wifey. And just a second."