Pretty Prize (Rags to Riches 2)

“Chris, please bring in the contract.”

The door opens immediately, as if Chris had one ear pressed to it. I wouldn’t be surprised if he did, not that I have many secrets from him. He carries in a tray holding one single pen and the two-page document. I don’t believe in complicated contracts. The more words the more likely you’re introducing loopholes. This agreement is very simple. In exchange for me not calling in the mortgage on the Vandermeer family home on Park Avenue or the two loans on the factories in New Jersey or the real estate portfolio worth an embarrassingly paltry five million, I acquire ownership of one Ms. Rose Vandermeer. Along with taking control of how said companies operate. Technically, it’s a marriage contract, but we all know the truth. I’m buying Garrick’s sister so that he can continue to snort the Vandermeer legacy up his cocaine-riddled nose.

“I don’t even get a refreshment as you rob me blind,” Garrick attempts to joke as Chris places the contract in front of him.

“No.” I wave for Chris to leave. “Sign,” I order.

I lean back and wait, using my time to inspect every inch of the delectable morsel in front of me. Even though there is a massive cherrywood desk between us, it’s still the closest I’ve ever been to Rose. From afar, her beauty is ethereal and otherworldly. Up close, it’s unreal enough to render one speechless. No one person should be that beautiful. Perhaps Garrick kept her locked away like a real life Rapunzel to protect the world from her ravishing good looks or maybe he just wanted to keep her to himself as some collectors do with a priceless piece of art.

She is more breathtaking than any master could’ve created. If I was an atheist, I would have to repent at the sight of her. Only a divine being could have conjured up this combination of golden skin, piercing emerald eyes, and the body of a goddess. My eyes travel from her graceful neck over the rise of her perfectly formed breasts down to the nipped-in waist. Her skirt covers the valley of her pussy but I’m certain that is perfectly shaped as well. I’ll know soon enough when her clothes adorn the floor of my office.

My blood heats at the thought of this glorious being nude in the sunlight. The floor-to-ceiling windows in here allow in a massive amount of sunlight given my position on the 98th floor of this high rise. I could lay her out on the carpet and feast on her body and no one in this city would know.

The pulse at the base of her throat is fluttering rapidly and a peach flush is climbing up her neck and into her cheeks. I wonder how low that blush goes. Does it cover her tits? Does it extend to her stomach? Is her pussy getting red and swollen? I press a fist against my growing erection.

“This contract is hardly fair.” Garrick’s whine blasts through my morning fantasy.

“Then don’t sign it,” I say with a calm I’m not entirely feeling.

“If you would just give me another week or maybe a month, I could—”

“Sign or get out. Those are your options.”

Look at me, I order silently. Look at me and tell me that you’re ready to be mine.

“Rose wants to keep her last name.”

“Either sign the papers as they are written or get the fuck out of my office.” I don’t raise my voice. I don’t give any one of my words any special inflection. I could be ordering breakfast if you listened to my tone and not my words, but the threat is real. Rose shudders.

Possessiveness courses through my veins. I will own this woman, heart, mind and soul. She will forget that she was ever a Vandermeer. I will fuck her until all she knows is my scent, my feel, my name.

Chapter 4

Rose

Keep my last name? I have no idea what they are talking about but it clearly has something to do with me. Then it hits me as hard as Hunter’s dark gaze had narrowed in on me. Marriage. That is the only reason for me to change my last name. I was more right about being some kind of pretty prize than I’d known.

“Garrick?” I give in and speak. It’s hard to think straight with the way Hunter is staring at me. I was silently taking pleasure in him correcting Garrick. It was short lived though. Hunter might heat something deep inside of me that I can’t explain but he acts as cold as my brother. I will be going from the devil I know to one that is unknown to me. I don’t know his rules or the lines in the sand he’ll draw.

“You need to sign the papers, Rose.” Garrick reaches out, picking up the pen and signing his name. I see the small shake of his hand as he tries to hand me the pen next. I don’t have to do anything. I try to tell myself but still I reach over, taking the pen from his hand and doing as I’m told. I don’t know if it’s habit or fear. “Think of Aunt Nora,” he adds for good measure. I swallow, knowing Nora would tell me not to do it if she was here but she’s not. She can’t be here.