Rubbing my ass, I shiver at how much I liked it. At the way it makes the bite he gave me sting even more under the smack. Even aching as much as I do, I’m resentful of him telling me no. I’m a freak, definite freak. Thank god, he is too and doesn’t make me feel guilty for it.
One of the many reasons sex hadn’t been great was because Brandon made me feel guilty for even wanting to like it. When I tried to explain, to ask how to make it better he shamed me, hinting women who liked sex were dirty.
I laugh when I find all the bras and panties Ivan packed were black, considering thanks to him I had a rainbow of colors to choose from. Ivan likes black, duly noted. I pick out a lacy black dress with a slit up the side there is no way he noticed. This is one I haven’t worn yet, I was saving it for a special occasion. Today feels pretty damn special.
His condo is...impressive might fit, but awesome is probably better. It’s on the fifty-fourth floor in a corner with a view that took my breath away. Yesterday, it took a few minutes to find him after he ran scared from bed. There are two other bedrooms, a library, an office, and two different living rooms, although only one has a television in it. His kitchen is a chef’s dream, huge with an area to eat in, and there’s a large dining room right next to it.
I managed to get through every room before I found him with a glass in his hand, looking like he regretted everything. Forcing my pain down at seeing his regret, I promised myself I would stick to the plan of not pushing him.
So I told him I wanted to go home. I thought I was telling him what he wanted to hear. It was hard not to smile at his reaction. The way he told me he wanted me to stay, demanded I stay not just for the night, but for the week. I threw his warning back at him and almost laughed at his outrage. Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea to stay after all.
In the kitchen there is a small woman with graying dark hair in a pixie cut. Her brown eyes are soft and welcoming like her smile. She’s wearing a while silk blouse and black pants, and I can’t help but wonder if it’s a uniform. She is carrying a plate with what appears to be my breakfast to the table where Ivan is sitting, going through his phone. “Good morning, right on time.”
“Christina, this is Lilly. Lilly runs my home. Lilly, Christina will be staying for a little while.”
Her handshake is firm, and her smile so big I wonder if it’s painful. “I’m so happy to meet you. So very glad you’re here. Your coffee is on the table. I chose to put out cream and sugar for you. If there is anything at all you need, please let me know.”
I nod, a little overwhelmed at her effusive happiness.
“That is enough, Lilly. You are embarrassing her.”
“Be nice, Ivan,” I hiss at him.
He chuckles. “Lilly has been with me for ages, she is well aware how not nice I am. Sit and eat.”
Lilly disappears.
“Is she always so nice?”
His eyes on his phone, he shrugs. “I do not have visitors here, just my assistants to work. That could be a part of the reason.”
“Ever? You don’t bring women here?”
“No, I do not like people in my space. Lilly does not even live in. She comes in at six and leaves by four, often before. Make a list of anything you need so she can shop for it today. I grabbed a few things; however, I know there are things I missed.”
That whole me going home thing, not happening. “Okay, I’ll put it together when we get to the office.”
He glances at his watch. “Ready?”
“Yes.”
“Why are we going to your lawyer’s office? Why are you not using the legal department?” I ask as we get into the elevator. I’m wondering if it’s personal, what it could be.
“For the contract to settle our deal.” He doesn’t take his eyes off his phone.
I’m stunned and hurt. The insane urge to slap him comes over me. “A contract? You want me to sign a fucking contract?”
Finally, he takes his eyes off his phone to frown down at me. “Of course, it will protect you as much as it will me.”
“Protect me? Protect me from what? And what the hell is it protecting you from? What do you think I could do to you?” Do not cry in front of him. Don’t fucking cry.
He steps close. I move away, thankful for the large elevator because I don’t want him touching me right now. Ivan doesn’t like that, the fucker grabs my arm, holding me tight against him.
“Christina, this is a simple, clear-cut document that spells everything out. The five hundred thousand you get, protecting your position in my company, and keeping anyone from ever knowing this was not real.”
“I told you I don’t want the money. I told you that I wouldn’t tell anyone. Do you not trust me? Do you think I’m a liar? Fuck you, Ivan.” Why does this hurt so bad? I try to get away, but his hand tightens on my arm and the other hand has me by the back of the neck.
“Christina, calm down. I am a wealthy man. This is a part of ensuring I stay that way. You are taking the money and I am making sure I protect you too.”