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Madison

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

He takes a step back. "So you want a written contract including everything you'll gain, and in return, I can enjoy your body—is that it?"

I feel anger welling up, but I still try to maintain control. "The only difference from what you proposed to me the other day is that I found out there's a name for the kind of relationship we'll have."

"Through a contract," he repeats slowly, and his tone lets me sense that he's very angry with me. He falls silent for so long that I start to panic.

"I told you I like to set my own rules. I need to define within myself what we'll be to avoid confusion. I don't have your experience. I've never done anything like this before, and I don't want to get hurt."

"How do you know I'll hold up my end?"

"Because you told me about your honor, and I believe you. You made it clear you're not a prince, but you've been honest from the start. I'm trying to do the same. I thought this was how you did things."

"I've never signed a contract to take a woman to bed."

"Why are you making things difficult?"

"If I agree to your terms, you'll have to submit to mine as well."

I'm a bit scared by the way he looks at me. All the warmth is gone, and he seems not only angry at me but at himself too.

"What does that mean?"

"For this one month, you'll be mine."

"I thought that was the idea."

"If I want you to sleep here, you'll have to sleep here. If I want to take you on a trip, you'll say yes, Madison."

"I need you to give me notice in advance," I say, thinking that I don't like the possibility of being away from the twins.

"I'll let you know the day I want you in my bed."

I try not to be offended by the way he says that, because I think I’ve wounded his pride. "As for the trips, I can't be away for many days. I have a job and I need the money."

"And what if I propose, along with the house and the contract, a real salary?"

I feel my stomach knotting, not because of what he says but because of the mocking expression on his face. "I don't need your money, Mr. Kostanidis. You want to know something else? I don't need you. Go to hell." I step back, but he intercepts my path.

"What's the problem with accepting the house but not cash?"

I lift my chin. "I'm not a prostitute. I've been working since I was fourteen. I'll never depend on a man to feed me or dress me. You said you'd provide clothes for when I go out with you, and I'll accept that so as not to embarrass you, but when our deal is over, you'll get everything back. I'm only interested in what I asked of you: a house and a fake job contract. As for your money, I appreciate it, but I'd rather stick with my cleaning jobs."

"What?"

"I don't need you to support me. Apart from dancing, I clean during the day."

His expression changes, his facial muscles relaxing as his eyes scan my face as if he’s trying to decipher me.

He doesn't soften, because I think nothing about the man will ever be soft, but he doesn't seem as angry anymore. "Why do you need so much money, Madison? Isn't what you earn at the club enough?"

"No. I have a lot of expenses."

"What sort of expenses?"

I know I'm losing ground, walking on thin ice. He wants to know my reasons, but I don't need his pity. I don't want anything from Zeus Kostanidis beyond what I'm asking for. Not a friend-lover but an equal.

I change tactics and step closer to him, almost pressing our bodies together. "Nothing I’ve proposed changes the fact that I want you. Isn't that enough?"

"Do you really? How can I be sure of that?" He steps back, as if trying to put distance between us. "Maybe I need a sample to be convinced." The cold tone has returned to his voice.

I feel my face heat up, knowing he's talking about something sexual but not understanding exactly what. I mean, I'm not stupid—I know what happens between a man and a woman—but I have no idea how to seduce someone like Zeus Kostanidis.

He crosses his arms, staring at me without allowing me to look away, and I want to run. It's going to take him one second to realize I'm a fraud, not the sensual woman he imagines.

I clench my hands at my sides and look at my feet. "I can't give you a demonstration because I don't know what to do."

"What?"

"I've never been with a man, and I've never dated. You were my first kiss. If you want me, you'll have to teach me everything."

I feel him approach.

"Don't lie to me, Madison."

I meet his gaze, even though I'm embarrassed. "I'm not lying. I've never been with a man."

"Why not?"

"I'm not good at trusting people. That's why I suggested the contract. It will give me security. I need the house and the job contract, but I'd never make a deal like this with any other man because I've never desired anyone but you."

His hands come to my face, and he studies me in silence. "Are you a virgin?"

"Yes."

"I didn't know that when I suggested you be my lover."

"I believe you. Regardless, it had to happen someday, and I want it to be with you, but you need to know the truth or you'll be disappointed. I don't know how to please you . . . uh . . . in bed."

"Madison, you drive me crazy just by breathing, but I don't want to hurt you. I have a stone in place of a heart, but I know the first experience for a woman . . .”

I pull away from him, feeling humiliated. Zeus is trying to find a less painful way to say that I don't fit into his plans, and I just want to leave and hide. "Can you ask your driver to take me home?"

"No, we're not done yet."

"What else is there to be said?"

He doesn't answer me, but he comes closer and holds me in his arms.

"What are you doing?"

"Maybe you can't give me a sample of what you want from me, but I can give you one."