Chapter 16
Lauralyn
The pounding on my door has me startling. Lola was right. This place is not the safest. I go to look out the peephole and step back. It’s Deuce. He’s probably come to ensure his valuable asset doesn’t leave town.
“Go away, Deuce.”
“Let me in, princess. We have some things to talk about.”
“There’s nothing left to say.” There’s nothing that will convince me to sleep with that man for them.
“Open it or I’ll bust it down. Your choice.”
I turn the lock and take a deep breath.
“It’s not what you think, baby.” He pushes his way into my place, closing me in with all his dominance.
“I heard the terms.”
He shakes his head, pinning me up against my sofa.
“The contract stipulates that you have to consent to any physical contact. It also says that in the event that you get married or become pregnant, that part of the agreement becomes null and void. The money remains ours and we will do our best to find him another suitable woman to spend an evening with.”
“But I’m not married or pregnant.” I don’t care if I don’t have to have sex with him, I don’t want to spend an evening with him period.
“That’s because you haven’t given me a chance to ask you yet.”
He lowers down to one knee, and it feels like time has just stopped. My heart goes silent in my chest.
“I know it’s fast, princess. But I already feel like my time with you was stolen.
I was led down a false path, but now I know the truth.
And I know that I’m completely in love with you.
So, marry me, Lauralyn. Let me spend the rest of our lives making up for all the wrongs of my past. Let me give you the life you deserve. ”
The only thing I want is him. He could promise me the world and back, but all I want is to be loved by this man.
“Yes, Holt. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
He pulls me in and the kiss is unlike any that came before it. I can feel the love sealing our hearts together. Another memory being etched into my mind, but this one is the best one of my life.
“Just so you know.” He pulls back. “I’d kill the man before I ever let him touch you.
There was no way I was going to send you off with him.
No matter what. But he needed to think he was in control.
And even if he walked away and we didn’t get the money, I still wouldn’t let him have you.
You’re mine, princess. And I don’t share. ”
Once again, I was wrong about this man. It’s time to let go of all my misconceptions. It’s time to start trusting my heart.