Page 27 of Lucas

“A kiss. Something worth reporting in the headlines tomorrow.” I’m still holding her face, my thumb caressing her jawline. “I want our picture published.”

She shakes her head. “There was nothing in the contract about kissing. I’m not okay with you kissing me.”

“Why?” The corner of my mouth rises in amusement. “Are you afraid you might like it?”

“I’m not afraid of anything, and you’re the last person on earth I would enjoy kissing.”

“Then you shouldn’t have any problem kissing me now.” Irise from my chair to lean toward her and plant my lips on hers.

I keep the kiss casual but linger long enough to make sure the photographer gets the shot he’s waiting for.

“Fuck.” I recoil, licking my lower lip and tasting blood. “You bit me.”

Chapter Nine

AVA

“You kissed me.” I arch an eyebrow, trying to appear unaffected despite the heat coursing through my veins. “Without permission.”

Damn it, my body feels like it’s on fire, every nerve ending tingling. I run my tongue over my lips, tasting him there, the rich flavor of the wine blending with his unique masculine essence. Even that brief brush of his lips against mine has me quivering, craving more.

“Next time, you’ll learn that no means no. Or do you always force yourself on women?” I challenge, meeting his gaze head-on.

He narrows his eyes, leaning back in his chair with a casual grace that belies the tension in his jaw. “Again, with this? I do not need to force myself on anyone. They’re the ones who jump on me.”

I’m sure they do. If this is how a mere stolen kisswith him feels, I can only imagine how a real one would consume me. But I can’t forget that he’s the big bad wolf, not Prince Charming.

“Not me.” I smile, batting my lashes in mock innocence. “I won’t be jumping on you.”

His lips press into a straight line, and he fixes me with a stare. “I already told you, it’s just business. Nothing more, nothing less. It’s a game.”

I look down at my plate, cutting into my steak with more force than necessary, trying not to get lost in those penetrating blue eyes that seem to see straight into my soul.

I press my legs together under the table, trying to ease the pounding ache and growing pressure, but it only makes it worse.

I’m just horny because it’s been so long since a man touched me, that’s all. Nothing personal.

“I told my father about the contract,” I blurt out, needing to change the subject to distract myself from the heat building between my thighs.

“Great.” He continues eating, not even glancing up from his plate.

“Don’t you want to know what he said?”

Do what you need to do to get the money.

I blink, trying to dispel the tears that threaten to form. He’s my only family, and he sold me without batting an eye, without a second thought.

“No. You signed, and that’s all I care about. You read the breach of contract clause. You know what’s at stake. His opinion is irrelevant.” Lucas shrugs and takes a sip of his wine.

Yes, I read it. If I don’t go through with the wedding and the two years he demands from me in the contract, if I don’t pretend we’re in love, I’ll have to pay him back two hundred million.

Two hundred million that I don’t have, because right now I’m drowning in the huge loans Father took out.

How the hell am I supposed to spend two years of my life with this terrible man?

This is a huge mistake.

I blink again, holding back the tears that threaten.