Marriage of Convenience (The Raven Brothers 1)

“Yeah, well I’ve put up with more.”

His amused expression dropped. “I’ll take care of your ex as well.”

God, just what I needed. “Hunter scared him off, Chase. Let it go.” I had more important things to think about. Like how was I going to become a proper wife to a tycoon within a week so that I didn’t royally fuck up and embarrass the entire Raven family.

“I won’t let it go, Sara. I protect what’s mine.”

On the one hand, I liked that he considered me his. The problem was, I was his as a business investment, not out of love. The other side of that was that I was a person, not an object. I was my own person.

“That sounds like something Glen would say.”

Chase’s eyes went dark. “Don’t ever compare me to him.” His tone was lethal but it didn’t scare me, which was strange. “I don’t hit women or grab them, and I definitely won’t try to keep one around that doesn’t want to be with me. The door is there, Sara, as I’ve told you multiple times.”

“I don’t think you’re like him, but you don’t own me.”

“Ten million dollars says I do.” Then he swore and turned away as if he realized what he just said. He turned back. “I don’t own you. We have a deal. Part of that deal is keeping you safe and secure. It’s something I’d do for anyone I was working with. If Alex had a stalker, you bet we’d take care of it.”

How strange that he’d say the words that were more accepting to my feminist sensibilities, but at the same time reminded me I was simply a business deal.

“I just don’t think you need to do anything. Glen is all bark and no bite.”

“Grabbing you in the street doesn’t seem like just bark.”

He was right about that. “But now that he knows I’m working here, I think he’ll move on.”

“Just in case, I want you to keep in touch with me. Let me know when you leave the apartment.”

A feeling of dread filled me. “I won’t be controlled Chase,” I said in desperation. “I’m in New York to get away from that.”

He cocked his head to the side. “I don’t want to control you, Sara. I want to keep you safe. You’re free to do what you want, but someone needs to know about it in case you ex shows up again. I don’t think that’s unreasonable considering what happened today, do you?”

I couldn’t help but think that if I gave in on this, eventually, I’d have to give in on more. At the same time, he had a point. And it was possible I was carrying his child, which gave him even more right to want to know what I was up to.

“Fine. I’ll keep you informed when I leave.” Wanting to move onto a new topic I said, “I’m more concerned about this party.”

“Why?” He led me to the couch and motioned me to sit. He sat next to me.

“Because I’m new to this world. I don’t know about all the protocols. What if I use the wrong fork?”

He laughed, which I didn’t appreciate. “Sara, it’s at a club, not a sit-down meal. Surely you’ve been to a club.”

I stared at him. “Why would you say that? I’m nineteen for one, and too young. The only time I’ve been to a club was with you.”

He sighed. “I forget how young you are.”

“It’s the boobs and hips,” I quipped.

“You look lovely in that dress by the way. It makes you seem older.” He surprised me by taking my hand. “The rich are just people. Yes, some are conceited or pretentious but you’re as smart and interesting as any of them.”

“They’ll be like Kade, accusing me of being a gold-digger.” I looked down. “Which I suppose I am.”

“If I remember correctly, this deal was my idea. More than that, no one would dare accuse you of that in front of me.”

I looked at him. “Kade did.”

“Kade is a fucking asshole. He’s probably pissed he didn’t think of this plan with you for himself. He’s closer to your age. It would have been a better match.”

I shook my head. “I don’t think he likes me.”

“Kade doesn’t like anyone. I’m not quite sure where it comes from, but you can’t take it personally. I actually think he does like you. It’s me he doesn’t like.”

“What will your father think?”

Chase let go of my hand and stood, walking to his bar. The fact that he needed a drink didn’t bode well. “I think he’ll be suspicious of our marriage, and if so, will take it out on me. I think he’ll be fine with you.”

“But you’re not sure?” I asked.

“He’s changed the rules on us, so I can’t be sure of anything with him.” He looked at me after taking a sip of whatever he poured. “But like with Glen, I’ll protect you, Sara. You can count on that.”