6. LUKE
Chapter 6
LUKE
Seven fucking days. Why is it taking her this long? I've reached out to Osei while trying not to act eager, though every cell in my body is in hyper-eager mode. Osei tells me he discussed things with her, but she asked to think about it. Who thinks this long about two million dollars? Seven mind-fucking days.
I haven't slept and mentally crushed the vision of her in Osei's arms or any thought of him backing out and marrying her. He occasionally has a rare impulsive side that always throws me off. I, on the other hand, always stay focused and don't give in to impulsive actions.
I asked Bruce to watch Osei and immediately alert me if he goes to a courthouse. Bruce had a long list of questions that I refused to answer. He did keep an eye on Osei, and no, Osei hasn’t gone anywhere near the courthouse or a church, which means Dele is the one holding out on me. It's time she and I chat—without Osei.
I know her schedule because Osei is no longer tight-lipped about it and was happy to share it. Yet, I'm not getting the answer I want. So here I am, about to ambush her.
I get off the elevator, and just before I use my key to unlock the door, I hear the elevator from the garage open. I see her heading toward me, head down, reading something on her phone. She looks up right at the door, almost as if she mentally counted the steps to the door. She's startled to see me. We stand there, gazing at each other. A ping from her phone is her wake-up call, and she steps back.
“Hi,” I say to her.
“Hi, Osei isn’t back yet,” she replies, fumbling with her keys.
“I know. I came to speak with you.” Now I have her attention as she looks at me, wide-eyed.
“About?” she croaks.
“Let’s get inside,” I say, taking the key from her, opening the door, and signaling for her to go ahead. She moves gingerly. I step in after her and shut the door. “Shall we?” I say the moment she takes off her shoes and puts them away. She nods, and we take a seat on opposite ends of the room.
“I know marrying me is a big decision, and we barely know each other. I’m open to answering any questions you have. You have to understand, my company is important to me, and you will be helping me a great deal if you agree to this. Plus, it will also give you the chance to finish school as you’ve planned. This arrangement could really benefit both of us.” I state in a controlled voice. Though inside, I’m screaming, ‘What the fuck is taking you so long to say yes? Just fucking say YES!’
“Why me?” she asks, locking eyes with me and not flinching. I see strength behind her eyes, and her upright, steeled sitting position shows a backbone I can’t mess with.
“Why not you? Osei speaks highly of you. You’re the one person he can vouch for. We both need this arrangement. I will use all my resources to get you your legal documentation, and my father can stop pushing me to marry one of his friends' daughters. Otherwise, he’ll distribute my inheritance to charity.”
“Please, tell me the truth. The devil, as they say, is in the details. I know and trust Osei, but I don’t know you.” She fidgets, her skepticism not masked. Of course, she trusts my annoying brother, and I want her to trust me. But I can't tell her the truth—the simple fact that I’ve wanted her since that kiss on the balcony. Scratch that. I have an insane craving for her.
“I don’t have a hidden agenda. I’m laying all my cards on the table. We both have something to lose and gain, but if we both play our cards right, we both win. You get to finish school and leave for the UK, and I get my inheritance. It’s that simple.” She nods. I think I’ve convinced her because she relaxes a little. I put my hand out for a handshake, and she looks at me, stunned. Her eyes widen in incredulity at my extended hand. I’m not surprised she’s stunned because I’ve avoided any physical contact since the day Osei introduced us.
Now, as she slowly places her hand in mine, we both feel the charged connection. Her blatant expression is a mix of shock and uncertainty as I hold on, refusing to let go. It confirmed that my decision to avoid physical contact before was not unfounded. “Is this a yes?” I ask, my heart racing with anticipation for her answer.
“Yes,” she answers, and inside, I bubble with excitement and relief at her agreement. I speedily freeze my desire for her. I pull back. Control , I chant to myself.
“Great, I’ll have my lawyers draw up the paper for our marriage agreement. Do you have a lawyer?”
“No, Osei said he would get me one.” Of course he did.
“Okay, do you have any requests for a ring or any bridal preferences?” I want to know her every desire.
“No, a simple band will suffice.” Her reply is casual.
“Since you are marrying a Blythe, it will be more convincing to wear a ring when not at work.” The thought of other men not knowing that she belongs to me—even if it is only temporary for business purposes—makes me possessive. She’s fucking mine in our time together, business or not.
“Okay, nothing flashy.”
“Any preference for the stone shape?” She turns to face me, confusion in her eyes. My brain immediately responds with, “Yes, I’ve been shopping for you.”
“Round is fine,” she answers hesitantly.
I can’t hide my smile as I mentally check off another task on my list. Everything is falling into place perfectly, and soon she will be legally bound to me. And in our time together—whether it’s business or pleasure—she will be mine.
“Round it is, then.” I pause and smile at her, looking directly into those beautiful brown eyes. “Thank you for doing this,” I say, hoping to ease the thick tension between us.
“I should be the one thanking you. You are helping me more than you realize.” She nods as she wraps her arms around herself. Her body language shows she’s still skeptical.
“So, a week from today to get married,” I state. Her perplexed look is blatant. I’m not giving her a chance to think, let alone find another guy or consider backing out. I close deals all the time and never act eager, but this deal is far greater than any deal I’ve closed, and I’m not giving any chance for the tiniest gap of air to slip through—let alone a loophole for her to backtrack. I’m locking us down.
“Won’t that be too quick?” Her shaky voice and eyes question.
“Anything holding you back?” Please, say no.
“No, I just thought we had to meet with lawyers to sign the agreement before going to the courthouse to get the documents.”
“I’ll take care of all that. The lawyers will bring the papers by tomorrow, and your lawyer has a day to review. We can get married in a church; I know someone.” If only you knew I put the lawyers to work the moment Osei agreed, before he even mentioned it to you.
“Okay.” I rise. I need to leave. I can’t stay this close to her and not unleash the craving to kiss her. If I kiss her, I doubt I will stop, so not now. Just a week, I remind myself. Seven fucking days, and she’ll be my wife forever.