Chapter 2 #2
“Good. On page seven of the pact, I’ve outlined the details.
I would like two children before your thirty-fifth birthday.
I was going to suggest in vitro, but given our negotiation, we’ll plan for intercourse accordingly.
Of course, we will be using extra protection when we do have sex—once a month.
It’s up to you to choose the type of birth control you want to use. ” He made a notation on page seven.
“That’s very generous of you, Master.”
“You know what I mean. It’s a binding agreement, and I have to consider all things.
And to be clear, neither of us are ‘waiting’ for the other.
Go on with your life and make better choices.
This contract is only a ‘what if’ plan if we don’t have someone and we want non-romantic companionship after six years of singlehood. ”
“That’s reasonable. Okay, then, here’s another thing for you to consider—what kind of car do I get?”
“Whatever you want, and as a sign of good faith I’ll buy it for you at the commencement of the contract in addition to the engagement ring.”
“A ring! Yes! Can I pick it out myself?”
“You know which ring you’ll get.”
“That ring? The platinum Cartier cushion-cut ice in the box on your dresser?”
“I saw you try it on. It fits, so all six and change carats will be yours at engagement. I have no need for it otherwise.”
“Awesome! Is it natural or lab grown?” she asked.
“What do you think?”
He thought she’d have a heart attack when he told her the news, but she held back her glee. Still, he could see the foam forming inside her mouth. The girl loved bling, even if she wore cheap knockoffs.
“Not that I mind, but this contract seems awfully one-sided in my favor. What’s in it for you?” she asked.
“As Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy you will have all the opportunities, connections, and wealth that a love-match would have—”
“And don’t forget bedroom privileges.”
Rolling his eyes, he said, “Yes, bedroom privileges, too ... but you must agree to remain married and cohabitating with me until the kids leave for college, in case I plan on getting involved in politics. If you cause a scandal by openly cheating, you’ll get a meager lump sum pre-nup settlement calculated by the number of months married minus the total allowance previously paid. ”
“Jeez, you’re merciless.”
He grinned. “Thanks. If you think this is cutthroat, you should see me with clients seeking capital. You’re my friend, so I’m going easy on you.”
“Easy? You’re making me promise to only have sex with my husband once a month. In two days, you have seamlessly slipped back to the William of old before you hooked up with what’s her name.”
He wanted to stare her down, but in good conscience couldn’t.
She was right. His whole life he’d been groomed by his father to be a tough son of a bitch and heir to Pemberley Capital.
In nine months, his ex-girlfriend and his mother had entirely changed his attitude, leaving him a sappy, soft drunk when it all went to shit.
“Can I at least vacation without you?”
“And give up your once-a-month ticket to paradise?” He joked.
“Are you sure you don’t want a real drink?—because you might make a more compelling case for this ‘marriage pact of convenience’.”
“Hey, this was your idea, not mine. I’m just rolling with it, putting both our most important issues on the table. You want safety from heartbreak and users and never to live paycheck to paycheck again, am I right?”
“That’s exactly what I want, along with daily sex and the occasional vacation so I can let my hair down. Wherever, just so long as it’s far from here. Somewhere like the Darcy villa in Sorrento?”
“Yes, you can vacation alone in Sorrento, just not the house in Vermont. That’s my mother’s property, part of her family’s holdings. I’ll have Charlie spell it out in the contract.”
“And what about our children? Will they inherit your money?”
“At birth, trusts will be established in their name with financial oversight by Pemberley until their thirtieth birthdays. If they wish to pursue a career at the firm, I’ll oversee their rise from bottom to top, just as I did. After I die, they will be taken care of. It’s detailed on page nine.”
“Aww, I’m getting such warm fuzzy feelings thinking of you as a daddy. You’re so sensitive, honey bunny.” She ran her hand over his.
“Smart ass. You asked a pointed question to which I answered. Of course, I’ll take care of my children. I’m not that void of feeling. I’ll love them like a regular dad, even schedule time for ballet classes or little league games, and for what it’s worth, I think you’ll be a great mom.”
“Thanks. Let’s hope I’m at least better than my parents. I do have another important question.”
“Shoot.”
“Is there anything in this pact that protects my interests? You do realize, as generous as it is, I have a lot to lose. What if you cheat? Or miraculously find true love ten years into marriage? Guys go through mid-life crises—just look at my dad. What assurances do I have after all my time invested in our perfect little family and your rise to greatness? What if you cause a scandal or dump me for a younger model?”
He raised an eyebrow. “That is a very well thought-out and wise question, but completely irrelevant. First of all, I’m not a drunk like your father and secondly, I know myself, I know my integrity.
I’m loyal to people and my contracts. You can take it to the bank that I will not cheat, lie, leave, cause you heartache, or fall in love with anyone, including you.
Besides, I know the heart-gutting pain a woman can cause. ”
“… and the pleasure. I didn’t hear you complaining the other night. You enjoyed yourself hugely.”
“Did I?”
“Um, yeah. You may have been chanting her name over and over, but you were totally into it, literally and figuratively.”
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t in my right head. Please, I never want to hear or speak her name again.”
“Hey, I get it. My heart was vulnerable the other night, too, but after a few seconds it was all you, baby.”
He felt sick. Here, he thought she was the one screaming his name. Self-consumed dick!
“What are you writing on the contract?” she asked.
“That from this point forward we are never to discuss our misguided, drunken hook up or the woman who brought me so low as to force myself upon you.”
“You didn’t force yourself. William, I’ve known you a long time, right?”
“Fourteen years.”
“Then understand what I’m about to say is with sisterly love,” she said, reaching across the table.
Again, he cocked an eyebrow.
“You’re a complete dumbass if you think not mentioning her or wearing a suit ... dumping the booze or getting your business groove back is going to wipe her or the pain out of your mind.”
“It’s done. My heart and romantic memory bank are bankrupt. She is officially canceled, forgotten. That’s why this contract is a brilliant idea. It’s safe. I never have to go through that crap again.”
“Yeah, sure. Mark my words. Not even this agreement will erase what she did to you. You can take that to the bank.” She rolled her eyes. “You’re so na?ve about how shit works.”
“Enough. Let’s get back to your contractual concern.”
“Fine. I get that you believe and state you’ll never cheat or leave, or get addicted to porn or .
.. whatever, but I want my protection written in the contract just in case your ethics fail you under some unexpected voodoo spell.
” She snorted. “I know what that’s like first-hand vis-à-vis the syphilitic dick.
Like your ex, he totally stripped me of my agency, but your third leg and its persuasive power over you makes you vulnerable. ”
She was right. He was vulnerable, but preferred not to answer, having wrenched his agency from his ex’s delicate—absolutely lethal—hold on his memory yesterday, and yes, her siren call did things to him because he loved her.
Call it cautionary fear, but he was banking on never running into her again lest he fall under her spell.
“I’ll have Charlie add a compensation schedule broken down into the various breaches of contract, time married, and the dollar amount assigned should I betray my own ethics and vow to you.
For example, on the unlikely chance that I cheat, let’s say three years into our marriage, you’ll receive compensation of thirty thousand.
Five years, fifty thousand, etc. And I’ll also work out a flat rate of compensation, in addition to your monthly alimony, if, for whatever reason, I leave you after the wedding, thereby severing the contract. ”
Her mouth dropped open. Hopefully, she saw the dollars and how her future could be set forever no matter which way the dice rolled.
Even now, he had more money than he knew what to do with, and the future ahead was paved with gold.
She’d want for nothing other than love and sex on demand from her husband.
Sliding her copy of the contract across the table, he said, “You should go home and review this. Think hard about it, because it’s a lot to take in and I don’t want you to think you’re being screwed.
I wrote my new mobile number on the back, so call or text me if you have any questions or if you’d like something specific included.
I’m not that much of a hard ass that I won’t consider your concerns or needs.
This marriage pact should be a two-way street. ”