CHAPTERELEVEN
Bran
The woman was infuriating. Was she always like that or did she save it just for me?
I’d expected some push back on the contract, but I’d already given in on the financial portion of the deal. Her living in my home was non-negotiable.
She was going to carry my child.
I didn’t think it was too much to ask that she do it under my roof where I could make sure she and the baby had everything they needed. Healthy food. Safe environment. Low stress.
Okay, so maybe the low stress would be a challenge considering how we bickered.
She shook her head, clearly uncertain about what she needed to do.
“I’m investing a great deal of money into you, Anne. I don’t think it’s too much to ask that you live in my place where I can keep an eye on my investment.”
She flinched. “That’s how you see this baby? An investment?”
My jaw tightened. “No. You’re the investment. Your health and safety are crucial for a child.”
“If I’m healthy enough now, I can still be healthy living in my own place.”
“That shithole?” The idea of my child growing inside her while she lived there was untenable. “You have fucking bars on your windows.” I let out a breath. “My conditions are reasonable.”
“You want me to hand over everything to you.” Her voice rose. “My entire life. My body.”
A flash of heat snapped through me, and it wasn’t anger. It was something I shouldn’t feel. But when she spoke of handing over her body, my traitorous libido took notice.
“For one year, Anne. One year. Twenty-five million dollars.”
“You know I’m desperate. You’re taking advantage—”
“Stop the bullshit martyrdom. I’m desperate too. I want a child. You want wealth. It’s a business deal. Surely my home is better than where you’re living now.”
“It’s not your home that’s the problem, it’s you. I’m happy to get a new place. You can even have input but—”
“Non-negotiable, Anne.”
She shot up from the couch. I stood as well.
“Why do you have to be such a controlling jerk?” She leaned toward me seething.
“Why do you have to have to be so contrary? If I say the sun is yellow, you’ll disagree just because I’m the one saying it.” I tilted my head downward, glaring into her eyes.
“You’re not talking about the sun. Everything you say is controlling and dismissive and…”
“And what? Right?”
“You’re infuriating.”
“So are you.” I leaned in closer, interpreting the danger bells in my head as a warning that I was about to blow this deal. “So, what will it be, Anne? Are you going to walk away from twenty-five million dollars because you don’t want to live in a mansion, be pampered and served? We both know that’s what you’ve been trying to get back ever since your dad cut you off. Now you won’t have to pretend.”
“You’re such a jerk.” Her finger poked me in the chest.
I took her hand. I should have let it go when sparks flashed hot through my blood. Instead, I stepped closer, now realizing the warning bells had nothing to do with the deal and everything with wanting to kiss the ever loving breath out of her.
“And you’re…”