Buying Love

Now, I’m standing in the middle of a room, staring at myself in a large mirror in a private bridal room. The man had everything prepared for this wedding as if he’d been planning for a week at least. It’s only been a few hours since we met and less than eight hours since we saw each other for the first time.

It’s obvious he came to Vegas for a wife, and I fit the mold he had envisioned. I’m just the one he picked. I should feel lucky considering my life was only getting worse. Well, at least he’s freaking, gorgeous and wealthy. I need the money to go to school and get on my feet. All I have to do is give him a baby.

A baby. Our baby.

Can I just walk away from that? I don’t know if I’ll be able to do that.

Doubts fly in my head like jets heading into McCarran. Then I think about what I have waiting for me if I walk away right now. Nothing. No family, no money, no job, no food, and very soon no apartment because I’m not going to give that bastard my virginity for a few nights of sleep.

I hold the contract in my hands, reading several lines over. There will be no room for infidelity by either party. Marriage is dissolvable after the birth of the first child, and I would receive a settlement in the millions depending on the length of the marriage. The millions per year part is ridiculous. He must really need this heir. He doesn’t even look old enough to worry about kids right now.

“Hey, what’s taking so long in here?” Jack, Jake’s brother, says, stepping into the room.

I jump back, startled, pressing the contract to my chest. “Um, this is a changing room.” I remind him even though I’m fully dressed.

“And yes you’ve been changed for twenty minutes.” He snatches the contract from my hands. I check the time, and he’s right. I’ve been in here a long time. I can’t believe I let it slip away like that. “Look, I think my brother’s an idiot for doing this, but you’re not going to find a better man to take care of you. He may work a lot, but you won’t want for anything, and he’ll never do anything to hurt you.”

“I’m just thinking about what happens when I give him what he wants, and it’s all over.”

“No one says it has to be over. Maybe you guys could fall in love. I mean the fucking chemistry between you is combustible, but that’s the sexual tension. If not you get boatloads of his money. I think it’s a win-win for you.”

“Thanks for the pep talk, Jack,” I grouse.

“Jack, if you don’t get the fuck out of there, I’m going to beat you to death,” Jake snarls behind the door. The sound of his voice is guttural like he’s dangerously serious. Could he be jealous?

“Damn, cranky, cranky. I’m coming, Jacob. He thinks I’m going to steal you from him. That’s how much he wants you…he’s actually jealous. That’s so not him at all.” He winks and leaves the room.

I drop the contract and take in my appearance one more time before I step out into the hallway. Jake’s eyes widen and rake over me. “You look so beautiful.” I feel his words and let them wash over me. I’ve never known love, but I might find a little peace and some definite pleasure in this. Maybe Jack is onto something can the sexual chemistry be enough? I’m so confused.

Taking my hand in his which ignites my whole body and energizes it like nothing else, he pleads, “Marry me.” I felt the vehemence and need in his voice that demands I be his, but his vulnerability owns me.

“Yes,” I answer, smiling and hoping that he’s exactly as his brother describes.

The wedding is over before it starts, and now it’s time for kissing the bride. He smiles at me before his steady hand slides up my back and into my hair. With a tight grip, he tilts my head, and his mouth comes down on mine, sealing our bargain, but it feels like more than just business as he deepens it.

Our kiss starts off innocent and sweet, just like a wedding kiss is supposed to be, but then a low rumble comes from his chest, and his mouth presses harder. Sliding his tongue along the seam of my lips, I part them and let him in. Every part of me screams for more, and he must feel the same way because his other hand slides to my ass, cupping it fiercely and pushing it against his cock. I’m glad this isn’t exactly a church.

“I told you that chemistry was combustible. Lovers, you need to take that back to your hotel suite.” It takes a moment for us to register the words and pull back. I’m afraid to meet anyone’s eyes, including the man I was just kissing.