Chapter 5
S ailor.
I managed to avoid my siblings for most of the day but in all honesty I had a feeling they were avoiding me. At least TJ was. I stayed in my office, reviewed and drafted contracts I should have sent to my legal assistant. I also had consultations with two potential new clients. All of which kept me busy until just after five when Skylar slipped into my office and gently closed the door. She settled into a seat in front of my desk and stared for a long moment. When I didn’t speak, she did.
“Are we going to discuss this marriage thing?”
“No.” My eyes darted past my sister to the door before I added, “And TJ needs to mind his business.”
“We’re family, Sail. Whatever issues you have land on our shoulders as well. That’s how this works, and for the record, he didn’t exactly walk in here offering up the details. He was in his office talking through his stress. When I kept pushing, he handed over the details. We more or less swapped information from what little we both knew then he told me to leave it alone because this was your shit show and you had to figure it out.”
My stomach sank. My brother was angry, or worse, disappointed. He and Skylar made peace with my reckless ways. I was very open with my sexuality and never embarrassed about how I lived my life because why should I be? Men moved the way I moved all the time and it was celebrated. Sex, however, wasn’t the issue. In the past, my actions never directly affected them. This did. I was married to a man who, if I refused to comply with the terms of our agreement, could challenge me in court for money and assets attached to my siblings.
“He’s right and I’ll figure it out.”
“I can help, Sail. This isn’t just about you. Your decisions affect all of us.”
“He won’t touch the practice. If someone has to lose, it will be me. Not you and Teej.”
“That’s not what I meant but I’m glad you’re fully taking responsibility for how insane this marriage situation is and how it could affect all of us. I’m more concerned about you.”
“I’m fine.”
“Are you? Your actions don’t scream fine. Your actions appear to be a cry for help.”
I scoffed. “I married someone. I didn’t threaten to do anything dangerous or harmful to myself.”
Skylar stiffened. “That’s nothing to play with, Sail.”
“Sorry, I know. I’m just making a point. It’s not that serious.”
“You wanted to have sex with him. He told you no so you manipulated the situation to get him to agree. It’s that serious, Sail.”
“Why does everyone keep saying that I manipulated him? He’s a grown ass man.”
“Because you did.”
“He agreed. I didn’t force his hand. He wanted a wife; I became his wife.”
“Just to have sex. Doesn’t that register as a little drastic? You have sex with plenty of men. Why not just pick another guy? Why go so far for this one?”
I was still trying to figure that out. Maybe it was the way he looked at me with those reassuring eyes that made me feel like my biggest flaws didn’t matter or maybe it was because I was exhausted with the way I’d been living my life. I didn’t necessarily know if a husband was the answer but something had to give. Regardless, I wouldn’t admit that to my sister.
“I was drinking, Sky. A lot, which you already know.”
She nodded with stern eyes. “You were but I know you. Even completely shitfaced, you are still very functional. I’ve seen you down bottles of tequila and flawlessly recite The Bill of Rights in order better than most practiced attorneys. You knew what you were doing at that moment, whether or not you remembered the details later. Based on what I know, everything about what you did screams intentional, Sail. Was it?”
“No, Sky, it wasn’t.”
She nodded again but I could sense she didn’t believe me. I didn’t believe me. “Can I ask you a few questions?”
“You can ask whatever you want.”
“Do you promise to be completely honest?”
“Of course.” I squared my shoulders to prepare and she fired off the first one.
“On paper, Rival is a good guy. You did all the research before you let him work in your home, but what does your gut tell you about him?”
My expression dropped and she added, “Is he a good guy? Do you trust him?”
I opened my mouth but she quickly stated before I was able to get a word in, “You promised to be honest.”
I did and I couldn’t lie to my sister’s face.
“Yes, he’s a good guy and I trust him, but that doesn’t mean I want to be married to the man.”
“You feel safe in his presence, like he will not do you any harm?”
“No, he’s not going to hurt me.”
Physically, at least.
“Then I’m going to offer my advice, even though you didn’t ask and clearly don’t want it. Give him the year he’s asking for. Stay married on paper. You don’t have to be his wife in a literal sense but as your sister and a very accomplished attorney, I advise that you see this through. Staying married is the lesser of two evils and you know what one of those evils is…”
Her eyes met mine. Torrance Addison Sr.
“You’ve already been struggling with disappointing him by leaving the practice. Dad is Dad. As much as he loves us, he will have a huge issue with this situation. I don’t want that on your spirit, Sail. Play house. How bad can it be?”
Very bad. Terribly bad.
“I have to live with him.”
“Try to negotiate.”
“He won’t.”
“Then I’ll help you pack.” She smiled and I narrowed my eyes.
“Sail, you messed up. This is your problem to fix. Teej talked to him and doesn’t believe this is about money.”
“There’s no way for any of us to know with certainty that Rival isn’t after my money.”
“You’re right but that goes both ways. I don’t know what his reason is for doing this but Teej doesn’t feel like it’s for financial gain. Take the win and give the guy the year or you can let Dad fix this for you.”
“No, absolutely not.” I lowered my head to my desk. “I’m so angry with myself, Sky. What the hell was I thinking?”
“I have no clue what you were thinking. Well… I know one of those thoughts. I’ve seen Rival and he’s a very convincing visual but you should be angry. This is likely the stupidest thing you’ve ever done.”
I groaned and lifted my head, only to drop it back onto my desk. I did this several more times.
“I love you, Sail, and you’ll be fine. We need to decide what to tell Mom and Dad, and when, but it would be best to discuss this with Rival first.”
“I know,” I rushed out with an air of frustration.
“I’m going home to my husband. You should probably go home to yours too.” My head shot up just in time to catch the smug grin on her face.
“You shouldn’t be happy about this.”
Her smile expanded. “I’m not. You compromised the firm, which means Teej and I are caught up in your shit, but happy or not, this is where we are.” She shrugged nonchalantly. “Night, Sail. Take a few days off because I think you need it. We’ll cover whatever you have going on here.”
“I’m not taking time off.”
“Then don’t, but if you need to, we’ve got you.”
“Wonderful,” I murmured.
“I love you too.” I loathed the smile in her voice but could only blame myself. I did this, my siblings were simply a casualty of my bad decisions. They had the right to give me shit. I checked the time. It was five forty-two. I needed to get going or face another unwelcome visit from my husband.
Fuck, I have a husband.
After I logged out of my computer, I collected my things and left. I didn’t bother telling TJ I was leaving. I didn’t want to feel his disappointment any more than I already had. So I just left and tried to mentally prepare myself for dinner with the man I had to spend the next year with.
Rival Hassan.
I nstead of going home to get comfortable, I headed straight to Rival’s house, my house, according to the terms of our agreement. His residence was located in Inman Park, which was a beautiful historic district. The address I navigated to placed me in the driveway of a massive, two-story Victorian with a wraparound porch, beautiful bone structure, and an enormous yard. The home was beautiful but not very polished. With some love and care, I could see this house being something amazing.
Exhaling a sigh, I prepared to get out and made my way up the porch where I paused at the door. A few moments passed before I found the nerve to knock. When I did, the door immediately swung open and I was face to face with Rival. My husband.
He smiled handsomely while I took him in. Dressed in jeans and a tee, with his feet bare, Rival presented as tempting. He had a dish towel tossed over one shoulder and a smile on his face. Instead of inviting me in, he leaned against the door jamb and stared with a smugness that made my anger flare again.
“I’m here, aren’t you going to invite me in?”
“Are you sure that’s what you want? I was afraid you were going to back out of the driveway and leave for a minute there.”
“I should have,” I mumbled before I pushed past him, gaining access to his place since he wasn’t hospitable enough to properly invite me in. The rumble of his laugh sounded from behind me ,followed by the soft thump of the door closing. I took in every inch of space I could visually reach and was just as impressed with the interior as I was with the outside of the home.
A massive staircase sat to the left of the foyer, which was open and had at least thirty-foot ceilings. The wood on the railing was newly stained and matched the dark wood floors which also looked refurbished. Every detail was beautiful. There wasn’t any furniture but the only room I could see was a formal living room to my left and what appeared to be the kitchen straight back.
“Decided to bypass furniture?” I arched my brow and he smiled.
“For now. I’m renovating and not sure what the final look will be. Feels premature to furnish the place until I know for sure.”
“I hope you at least have a kitchen table since you’re forcing me to have dinner with you. I don’t plan on standing to dine, that is, if you still plan on feeding me.”
I was sure he planned on feeding me. Something smelled amazing but I was out of my comfort zone and not interested in being nice or cordial. I chose defensive and snappy.
“I grilled snapper and vegetables. It’s warming in the oven, and yes, I have a kitchen table. So standing while you dine won't be necessary.”
“Good, bathroom? I’d like to wash up.”
He pointed to the corner across from the stairwell and I was on my way when he added, “I’ll be in the kitchen. Join me when you’re done.”
I paced in the tiny bathroom, which by the way reminded me of how old the home was. When this home was built, bathrooms weren’t a selling point. After taking a few cleansing breaths, I placed both hands on the edge of the sink and stared at my reflection in the mirror.
“You can do this, Sail. Fake it ’til you make it. You don’t lose,” I stated before I straightened my posture and proceeded to wash my hands. After I was done, I exited the bathroom and made my way to the kitchen where Rival had a table set for two. The food looked amazing and I was very tempted to indulge in the glass of wine which sat next to the bottle he poured it from, my favorite wine, but that didn’t feel like a great idea all things considered.
Once I was settled in the seat across from Rival, I lifted the napkin and shook it free before placing it in my lap. “I’ll have water instead of this. You and I need to steer clear of alcohol.” I motioned to the wine and he grinned but lifted from his seat and left the table, returning with a bottle of sparkling water along with an empty glass. He set them next to my plate and moved the wine out of the way.
After a quick blessing, I sampled my first bite of snapper because my stomach was angry and in desperate need of nourishment since I’d neglected it all day.
“Oh wow, this is good.”
“Thank you.”
Shit, I didn’t mean to say that out loud.
My eyes shot across the table where I found Rival watching me with an intensity in those brown orbs as he held my gaze that had my stomach twisting in need.
Relax, Sail, you’re just hungry. Eat.
I lifted another forkful of snapper and shoved it in my mouth but that twisted feeling was still there. The need wasn’t satiated with food because that wasn’t the issue.
He was.
“Please eat and stop staring at me like that.”
He chuckled and did as I asked, which was a terrible decision, because my visual was drawn to his mouth. Those lips that I remembered kissing. I liked his lips…
Amongst other things.
After a few more minutes of silence and me enjoying my food, I wiped my mouth and placed both hands on the table. “What’s your endgame? Why won’t you just work with me on this?”
“Work with you how, Sailor?”
“An annulment.”
The corner of his mouth lifted. Damn it, I wish I could read his mind.
“We’re not related, it’s been years since either of us has seen the age fifteen, we both are in possession of all our mental faculties, we weren’t previously married to other people or forced into the marriage, and there’s only one thing left that qualifies an annulment.”
One party was fraudulently misled into marrying the other.
I cringed. “You’re not an attorney. You don’t know anything.”
“I’m not, but I can read with comprehension and so can you, which means I’m the only one here who can request an annulment based on the qualifiers.”
“No fraud occurred.”
“Then you’ve changed your mind about remaining married to me? Because based on our past few conversations about this, you’ve been demanding an out.”
“That’s not fraud. That’s me changing my mind.”
“That’s you setting all this up to have sex with me because I told you no and Sailor Addison doesn’t do no.”
I cringed again but recovered and narrowed my eyes. “Fine, if I have to admit to fraudulently misleading you into a marriage in order to get it annulled; then so be it.”
“Are you also willing to lose half of everything you own?”
“You don’t have to take my money. And if this isn’t about money, why would you?”
“Principle,” he stated sternly.
I lifted a hand and bypassed the water, electing for the wine. I gulped it down, emptying the glass, which I quickly refilled and gulped that down as well. Once the second glass was done, I slammed it on the table.
“Easy, killer. That’s how we ended up here in the first place.”
“No, Hennessy is how we ended up here and why would you want to remain married? You don’t even like me.”
His smile was so damn sexy I hated how much I appreciated the visual of his full brown lips. “What makes you think I don’t like you?”
“Because you’re doing this….” I threw my hand toward him.
“This?”
“Forcing me to stay married to you and threatening to take my money.”
“I’m not threatening to take your money, Sail, and requesting that you honor your vows, vows you voluntarily delivered, is not forcing you. It also proves that I do like you. I like you a lot and want you as my wife regardless of how we ended up here.”
“But I don’t want you.”
He stared smugly and his brow slowly inclined. “I disagree.”
“You think because I did all this to have sex that means I want you?”
“Are you admitting that you manipulated me for sex?”
“No…” He smiled wider then forced some snapper into his mouth. “You told me no, which I didn’t appreciate, so I employed other tactics to get the job done because…”
“You don’t lose.”
I frowned. “No, I don’t, but that wasn’t why I did it.”
“Then explain your reasons and maybe I’ll reconsider.”
I narrowed my eyes and his remained on me. “I had too much alcohol in my system, which messed with my logic. That’s why I did it. Can we just agree that I messed up and end this?”
“No.”
“No?” I reared my head back.
“I said no, Sail. I meant what I said. I like you; I want this to work. I feel like it can but you have to be willing to try.”
“I don’t want to try. Why would I try?” I threw my hands up and he continued to stare at me.
“We’re married. I don’t take that lightly, even if you do. I wasn’t drunk. I knew what I was doing, and even if you were, you knew also…”
“I don’t remember any of what happened, so how can you say I knew?”
Some of the memories were resurfacing. Not all of them ,but enough to remind me that I was very aware of what I was doing, which didn’t make sense. None of this did but it’d happened.
“Marriage is a big deal to me, Sailor. You promised me a year and I want that year. If after we cross that finish line you still feel the same, then so be it. But for now, I’m not changing my mind. I fully intend on being your husband and expect you to be my wife.”
“Can we at least compromise on the me living here part?”
Surprise flashed in his eyes. He must have expected me to continue to fight this. Technically I was, just in a different way. He might want me as a wife but he wouldn’t for very long. I wasn’t going to be agreeable. I wouldn’t be the wife he was expecting me to be.
“No, we’re going to be under the same roof.”
“Then we can live…”
“Here, like we both agreed. That’s the plan.”
I glared and he returned one. “Fine, but I want my own room.”
“I have no objection to you having your own room.”
“You don’t have access to it.”
“If that’s what you would prefer.”
“That’s exactly what I prefer.”
He smirked and nodded. “Would you like for me to help you pack your things?”
“No, I’m more than capable.”
“If you change your mind…”
“I won’t.” I lowered my fork and pushed my chair back. “Are we done here?”
“For now, yes, but you don’t have to leave. At least finish your dinner.” He spoke so casually that I almost screamed. This man was fucking infuriating…
And sexy…
“I need to pack. According to our agreement, I only have four more days to move in here.”
His eyes met mine before he nodded and pushed his chair back but I quickly made clear, “You don’t have to walk me out.”
Silently he stood, rounded the table, and waited. I stood and he trailed me to the door.
“I guess I’ll see you soon.”
Why was I anxious? This man was forcing me to stay married to him and I was somewhat sad about ending our evening; that was why.
“Very soon.”
There was that damn smile again. It surfaced slowly but I wasn’t allowed to enjoy it for long. Rival hooked a hand around my waist, which caused me to crash against his hard, firm body right before his mouth was on me. My husband delivered another soul shattering kiss that rattled my brain and made my body weak.
When he released me, I sucked in a sharp breath while he reached around me to open the door. “If you change your mind about needing my help, call.”
I groaned and hurried out of the door to my car and caught a visual of Rival moments later. He watched me the entire time and the door didn’t close until I was completely out of the driveway and heading down the street.
Damnit, I’m in trouble. I think I like the idea of keeping my husband as much as he wants to keep me.
Four days later I still hadn’t moved into Rival’s house. Nor had I been communicating with him but he was clearly communicating with me through his actions. Actions that were concise and very loud. He sent texts asking about my day, asking if I needed anything, requesting my time and presence. All of which went unanswered.
Last night was my last night of freedom, so my day had been filled with anxiety. According to the terms of our prenuptial, I was supposed to move into Rival’s place this evening. I had my things packed, not all of them but enough for me to manage. However, the idea of leaving my office and going to his home instead of mine had me stressed. Outside of his texts, Rival had left me alone. He hadn’t popped up and demanded to see me here at the office or at my apartment, thank goodness. I was wondering if he may have changed his mind. That would have been lovely but the idea was short-lived when the text I received this morning was a firm reminder that his mind was set.
Rival: If you need me to help you move your things, let me know what time and I’ll be there.
He hadn’t changed his mind.
“Hey, Sail.”
Skylar walked into my office carrying take out bags. She and TJ had been somewhat normal but the occasional disappointed looks they offered and the way they were providing space were reminders that neither were happy with me.
“Hey, you brought me dinner?”
“Nope…” She smiled smugly and I frowned so she added, “Your husband did.”
“My…”
Rival. Right.
“He’s here?”
“No, you can relax. He had it delivered, along with a message for you to check your texts.”
I cringed internally. Most days I left my phone in my purse or in my desk to avoid the reminder of him. Another reason why his texts had gone unanswered.
Instead of doing as he asked, I grabbed the bag and began digging through the contents.
“That’s your favorite.” Sky grinned with a curious stare.
“Don’t,” I warned, peeling open the lid. As stubborn as I was, my impending hunger wouldn’t allow me to deny myself and this was my favorite.
“Don’t do what?”
“That silent scrutinizing.”
She laughed and rolled her eyes. “I’m not silently scrutinizing you, Sail.”
“Yes you are.”
“If you feel that way, then maybe evaluate your own emotions, but I am curious to know how your husband knows so much about you and you’ve been avoiding him like the plague.”
“I have not.”
“All week you’ve been working until well after nine. You’re usually glued to your cellphone and I can’t honestly say I’ve seen it in your hand once today. And instead of you moving in with him right now, like you’re supposed to be doing, you’re here, at the office, eating dinner he sent to you.”
“I have work to do,” I mumbled through a mouth full of food.
“Mmhmm.”
“See, silent scrutiny.”
Skylar smiled. “Why are you so averse to the idea of being married to Rival? He seems like a pretty decent guy.”
“You don’t know him,” I shot back.
“Then let me know him. We can do dinner or something.”
“Nope.”
“Nope, that’s your answer?”
“Yes, that’s my answer. This isn’t real. There’s no point in you getting to know him.”
“You’ll be married to him for a year. Do you plan on avoiding all family functions for the next twelve months?”
“Eleven months and three hundred and sixty something days.” My sister grinned with amusement flashing in her eyes, which only further annoyed me. “If I can, yes.”
“Sail, that’s crazy.”
“So is this marriage.”
“Blame yourself.”
I groaned. “Sky, leave it alone.”
“Fine.” She rose from her chair and walked to the door. “I will let this go for now because pushing you to do anything is pointless. I will say this much, he’s doing his part as a husband.”
“And how would you know what he’s doing?”
Her eyes lowered to my desk where the food he had delivered was sitting and I rolled mine. Who cares? He sent me dinner and not to mention lunch two days ago. I had also received beautiful flowers but the most important gift was his distance. Rival stayed away, knowing I didn’t want to see him.
“Night, Sail, and you might want to consider meeting him halfway. It will make this year go by much smoother and faster.”
When she was gone, I sank back in my chair feeling annoyed. I hadn’t had sex in almost a week. I was unreasonably horny and the worst part was that I had a perfectly sexy and willing husband I was sure would gladly welcome me into his bed to fix that problem.
And what was worse, I wanted him to. No matter how much I ignored his texts and kind gestures, the man was heavy on my mind. I found myself wondering what he was up to and if he was honoring our vows. Sham or not, the thought of my husband sleeping with another woman, something he was very good at, bothered me. What I couldn’t understand was why I cared. I didn’t want to be married to him.
True enough but Rival confessed his attraction to me. I felt the same. The time I spent with Rival filtered into the background of my life had been an interesting one. We didn’t talk often but when I was home and he was there, I was uncharacteristically comfortable with his silent presence.
Wanting to have sex with him was one thing, craving his presence was an entirely different reality. A reality I couldn’t explain. The lack of clarity was what bothered me the most. Even now, as much as I loathed the idea of moving in with him, mostly because I was being forced to do so, I was secretly looking forward to sharing his space. I was curious about Rival and what his life looked like outside of what little I knew of the man.
“I’m curious about my husband. A husband I don’t want,” I whispered quietly to myself.
Exhaling a sigh, I lifted the lid to my food container, resealed my catered meal, and placed everything back in the bag. Like it or not, I had to face the firing squad so I might as well get it over with. I reached for the duffel in the corner and removed Hippo, which I sat on my desk and frowned at. She was my comfort tool and I would have to live without her for a while. I damn sure wasn’t letting Rival know I relied on a stuffed animal to keep me grounded. He would think I was insane. Maybe I am…
She got one last hug before I shoved her back into the bag then I gathered my things and removed my phone from safe keeping. The very first thing that had my attention was the text thread from Rival. His last ones to be exact.
Rival: You’re moving in tonight even if I have to drag you kicking and screaming, and to answer the question in your head, no I don’t care who sees. My neighbors or yours. You are my wife. They won’t get involved. Be there before midnight, Sail, or I’m coming to get you.
Rival: And because I know how damn stubborn you are, I’ll give you until ten after. If I have to guess you’ll stretch this out just to spite me. My money’s on an 11:59 arrival time.
His messages made me smile. Full blown smile and I didn’t once try to hide it. How on earth this man knew me so well was lost on me. It was as if he had some secret Sailor handbook, and if I was being honest with myself, it made me wish I had one on him as well.
Or maybe that was just the competitor in me. I supposed I would have to roll up my sleeves and learn about my husband the good old fashioned way. Working his nerves until I learned all his pleasures and triggers.
Pleasures, well shit. That just changed the game.