by C. M. Steele
“Doll, that’s the easy way. The hard way is getting naked and letting someone see you vulnerable as they explore every part of your body, stretching you out over and over and that’s what we’re going to do. Tell me you don’t want to feel me deep inside of you.”
“You’re so sure of yourself. You’re hot, but…” I can’t wait, I grab her hair, cupping her head and then crush my lips to hers. Our kiss shoots through me, and I know that she’s the one without a doubt.
“Deal?” I pull back and ask again, arching my brow and looking deep into her warm eyes.
“Deal,” she moans with lust clouding her eyes.
“Good.” I sit up straight and get a hold of myself before I maul her in the backseat. “We’ll head to my home and go over the details.”
“Um…when are we going to…” A sexy blush washes over her and I want to take her this very second.
I brush my finger down her jaw and grunt out, “I’d like to lift you onto my cock right now, but I do have some manners, so we can at least wait until tonight.”
“Are the documents going to be ready by then?” she stammers out.
“I’ll have my lawyer draft them up and have them for us to go over after lunch. Are you hungry?”
“Um. I’m not.” Her stomach betrays her, rumbling loudly.
I cup her face, looking deep into those pretty eyes and give her a warning. “Listen, Doll, don’t ever lie about being hungry. Remember, soon you’ll be carrying my baby and you need to take care of yourself. If you want something say so. I’ll have a credit card for you, so you can buy whatever you need or want while you live with me.” I want to say forever because that’s my plan, but I’m sure I’ve already scared the fuck out of her.
“How long?” she chokes out. Yep, I’m pushing too damn hard. Take a step back and act like the excellent businessman I am.
“Well, we’re already looking at roughly eighteen months to two years, assuming it takes us longer to get pregnant.”
“What if I can’t give you a baby?” I’m not interested in that at the moment. I’m not picking anyone else even if we don’t have kids.
“We’ll talk about that if we get to that point. No need to add any more stress. Tell me more about you. At your age, why are you selling a part of your life for money for college?”
“I can’t afford it.”
Who gave her this ridiculous idea? She probably has the same crazy friends I do. “You know there’s things called financial aid and a regular job. I know it’s hard. I had plenty of loans in college.”
“It worked for a friend of mine. Plus not racking up a hundred thousand in student loans sounded even better. I know the idea’s crazy and totally impulsive. Still, I suppose…getting out of a small town with no future except marrying the guy who works at the factory if he doesn’t get laid off again…well it sounded like a great idea.” She blushes, but I’m getting heated thinking about her marrying a faceless man and having his babies. That’s not fucking happening.
“I think it’s perfect. Crazy, for sure, but I was looking for someone for the same purposes, so it’s not absolutely preposterous.”
“I suppose not, but this is. This is so much more personal.”
“Only if we let it.” I’m going to let it. I want it as personal as possible.
“I think you being inside of me is quite personal.”
“That is true, but the damn doctor will put his hands up you,” I grunt out, feeling pissed off about that guy at the fertility clinic. I have to find out who he is and have him fired.
“Stop making valid points. It’s bad enough that we’re from opposite ends of society.” My phone rings and it’s my lawyer, stopping me from answering which is good because I’m about to tell her she’s mine and soon we’ll be from the same circles—very soon. There’s no way I’m letting that contract see the light of day.
Chapter 2
Gwendolyn
He calls me doll. It should irritate me, but I find it endearing especially with that panty-melting smile of his. From the second I felt him behind me, my heart began to race. Then I turned and looked at the masterpiece in front of me in an expensive suit and I nearly passed out.
Grant has to be at least a foot and a half taller than me and yet he always has his sexy blue eyes trained on me. With almost jet black hair and a slight five-o-clock shadow going on, he’s a walking sex magnet. What he’s doing in here is a mystery to me.
All my life I let fantasies of prince charming fly away, hell, I’ve shoved them away because I never expected to live a life better than I had. We were almost dirt poor, but not for my parents not trying. Small town USA has been dying with jobs going to China and we’re all left floundering. Then in walks this sexy son of a bitch and a hope flutters in my heart that maybe he’ll want more than a business deal and my pussy.
“How about we stop here and have a bite to eat, so we can talk?” he offers after getting off the phone with his lawyer. I did my best not to listen in, so I observed the city from the safety of the limo. Although being with Grant doesn’t feel that safe. I’m ready to take off my clothes for this man and let him put his baby in me for free. Gosh, I’m losing it. The city is getting to me right away.
We enter a delicatessen and order, taking a seat at a corner table with two corned beef sandwiches on rye and a couple of sodas. “I’m sure you want to know a lot about my health.”
“I do.” He opens the wrapper for me, reading my nervousness like a book. Taking a bite, I moan. This is the best meal I’ve had in a long time. I have been saving money to make the trip here that I’ve been living off ramen and oatmeal.
When I look at him, his eyes are focused on my lips. He quickly clears his throat and says, “Mostly, I’m just curious where you’re scheduled to go to school.”
“NYU.”
“I graduated from there. Your major?” I bite my lip because honestly I haven’t narrowed that down. Seeing my hesitation, he adds, “You don’t have to know what you want to be right away.” God, now that I’m thinking about it, I feel stupid. I wanted to get out so badly that I never gave it much thought.
“What are you thinking about?” Grant asks, grabbing my chin with his thumb and forefinger. God, just the gentlest touch and I want to throw myself on him. He’s right this is definitely the hard way of getting pregnant. My emotions are already involved. It’s been an hour since we met and I’m falling for this stranger. Lust is a huge part of it, but there’s more. I can’t explain it, but if I’m not careful, after two years I’m the one going to be walking away, rich but broke all the same.
His phone rings and he smiles impishly before whispering, “my lawyer.” While he talks mostly in yes or no answers, he eats and so do I. His eyes never leave mine and I wonder what he’s thinking.
As soon as he’s off the call, he apologizes, “Sorry about that. Now where were we? Oh yes, what’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?”
“I should be heading back to the apartment I share with my friends,” I say, dodging his question. I take a bite of my food and let out a moan. A low growl comes from him and his eyes are focused on my lips.
“To get your things?” He arches his brows and somehow that makes him even sexier. This panty-melting bastard.
I try to create space, but I have a feeling that I’m poking the bear and gonna love it. “You know we can still have sex and not live in the same place.”
He seems calm, but I can see that he’s angry. “No the fuck we can’t. I’m a busy man, doll. I can’t be running by after a long day to pick you up, take you home, fuck you senseless and then drive you back home every damn night.”
Damn! Every night? I’m practically screaming.
“I suppose you have a point. Can we go to pick up my things now?”
“Absolutely.” We dump our drinks and wrappers into the wastebasket, and he takes my hand, leading back to the limo. A camera flashes around us and I blush, panicking and ducking my head into his chest.
>
His thick finger presses up under my chin, lifting my eyes to his. “Relax, doll. They’re just nosy reporters. They see a limo, and they need to snap. I don’t recall ever making TMZ, so we’re okay.”
“Are you famous?” I ask once we’re inside and driving away from the mob.
“No, just rich.” He gently kisses my hand and releases me. His phone rings again, and for the next ten minutes, it’s as if I don’t exist as he talks shop. I know next to nothing about this man, and yet I’m in his limo willing to let him impregnate me for money. This is ridiculous.
I arrive at the apartment and thankfully no one is home to ask questions. After all they shouldn’t complain; this wasn’t my idea. I went along for the ride, hoping to have a better life. And if Grant’s everything he promises to be then I will.
Once he has some of my clothes packed back in my suitcase, I shoot a text to the girls. I have a disposable phone that’s limited by my cheap plan. Suddenly my phone rings repeatedly, but I refuse to pick it up. I can’t let them talk me out of it. His offer is more than generous. A million dollars is enough to set me up with a degree and have money to give to the girls to get them through as well.
“Ready,” he asks, taking my hand and carrying my suitcase with his other.
Once we’re in the vehicle things are silent as he reads on a tablet. Then he calls someone. “Send them over ASAP.” It’s all he says before ending the call. Slowly the limo darkens as we enter an underground parking garage.
“Come.” He steps out of the back and then takes my hand, helping me to my feet. He leads me to a bank of elevators that look extremely expensive for a parking garage. Then he enters a code, slips in a key and we zoom up. The initial inertia makes me lose my balance, but he’s there to catch me, holding me tight with his massive arms.
I’m too embarrassed to confess that this is the first time I’ve ever been in an elevator, so I keep it to myself. For being smart enough to get into NYU, I’m naïve and wet behind the ears. It’s kind of pathetic, but I try to remain cool, calm and collected.
“Sorry,” I mutter, my eyes on his, biting my lip, waiting for him to say something, but he doesn’t. Instead, his mouth forms a straight line as if he’s annoyed with me. Straightening myself up, I move to step out of his hold, but he tightens his grip on my waist.
“Can’t have you falling again.” A tiny uptick in his lip tells me he’s teasing me. Still his fingers give my waist a gentle caress and another squeeze. My emotions are all over the place at the moment, but mostly I’m overwhelmed with passion, desire, and fear of failing.
The door opens after what feels like forever and we go into this expansive foyer. It’s furnished and I think we’re in his house, but it looks as if it’s large enough for a waiting room. Then he unlocks the door in front of us and I realize I’ve truly gotten in over my head. The hallway to his home probably cost more than my parents’ house.
My mouth forms the words, but nothing comes out. “Do you like it?”
“Like? This is a palace. Are you sure you want to raise a baby here?”
“Do you think we need a regular house outside the city?” The “we” makes my heart jump, but then I remember he’s probably talking about him and the baby. If he’s never around, who is going to care for the baby? What if it’s not the heir he wants but an heiress instead? “You don’t like it here, do you?”
“I’m not saying that. It’s nice. Gorgeous, actually, but there are so many breakable things. But it’s your house. I suppose you can do whatever you’d like.”
There’s a buzz which sounds like the door. “Please take a seat. I’ll be right back and then we can go over everything.”
I nod and see that my generic pink suitcase doesn’t fit in all this opulence. I know Grant’s wealthy and although I think his home is expensive and grand, I’m betting it’s pretty average when it comes to rich residences. The man has absolutely no photos around except one of a woman in an NYU tee and him. So there’s a girlfriend somewhere.
He comes up behind me. I feel him before I hear him. “That’s my sister. Not a girlfriend.”
“I was wondering why you would bother with me unless your girlfriend was infertile. Then again, we don’t know if I am either.”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. The lawyer sent over the documents. Please read through every page. I’ve already signed it and if you give me your bank information, I’ll have the first installment added.” He leads me over to the sofa with a large coffee table near it.
“What? We haven’t even done the deed yet. Shouldn’t you wait before dumping money into my account?”
“I can read people easily. You are a sweet girl. I’m not worried about you faltering on this deal. I’m ready to strip you bare and taste every inch of you before sliding up into your wet, tight pussy and filling it with my seed. From the way you press your thighs together, I bet you want the same thing. Read and sign.” He steps away from me and from this angle there’s no mistaking the insane bulge in his slacks.
I do my best to read through all the legal jargon, but my mind goes back to his cock. It’s terrible how horny he makes me. I suppose it’s not terrible since he wants me in his bed. In his bed…am I going to have different sleeping arrangements? Will I be sleeping in my own room when he shows up to take what he needs and then leaves? Will he be sleeping with other women?
“You can read it in the papers yourself,” he growls. Shit. I said that aloud. I keep my head down and actually read the document. Mr. Masterson shall remain solely to Ms. Franks and Ms. Franks must remain solely to Mr. Masterson. If the paternity of the child should come into question, Ms. Franks will forfeit all assets. Ms. Franks must reside in Mr. Masterson’s residence for the length of the contract. Arrangements will be made one month prior to the end of the contract wherein Ms. Franks will receive one million U.S. dollars. If the union does not produce a child at the conclusion of the contract, Ms. Franks’ tuition will be covered thoroughly, and lodging will be provided.
As I continue to read, a feeling of sadness hits me, but I wash it away. Everything here is happening for the best. I click the pen and Grant spins around, anxious for me to sign on the dotted line. I do it. Strangely, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders which is silly because I’m adding to my stress with all this familiarity he wants to create.
“I have a meeting to go to. Please relax. Get comfortable. Tonight, we’ll put this contract into action. Oh and before I forget. This is for you as well. My number’s already stored in there. You can send the number to your friends and get rid of the burner phone.” He points to my purse.
“Um…you didn’t have to.”
“Yes, I did. I need to be able to get in touch with you when necessary and not worrying about you not answering because you’ll run out of whatever minutes or whatever it is those things do.”
“Well. Thanks.” He leaves without another word. I sit there, realizing he snatched up the documents. “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” I sigh, twirling the phone in my hand. Gosh, it has to be an expensive one. I’m afraid I’ll drop it, so I set it down on the coffee table in front of me. Just then it vibrates with a message from Grant: Don’t think of running out. Dinner will be delivered at six. See you tonight.
I don’t respond back because I’m too annoyed. My other cell rings and it’s my mom. We haven’t spoken since I left because she wants me home and to marry Ricky. He’s a good guy and all, but I have dreams that don’t include him. I feel for him. He’s hardworking, but there’s not much back home in Almont, Oregon except the Hatchery and the few little stores and farms around. It’s practically a ghost town. Maybe it should be.
Despite my reservations, I answer the call. “Hello, Mom.”
“Oh darling, I was wondering when you were going to answer my call. I heard about your silly plan. I’m not telling anyone because I’m not looking to get our family name disgraced by this.” What family name? We’re not rich. My dad has th
ree bastard children with several of the ladies in the town. My name in Almont is ruined. It’s a wonder why Ricky would want me anyway.
“Mom, are we really going to go there? Our name couldn’t be more in ruin than it already is. Or do you choose to forget?”
“That’s uncalled for,” she hisses, ignoring reality completely.
“Mom, I’m trying to live my own life. I’m sorry that life isn’t what you expected. I’m hoping for the best and right now I’m getting ready to start school in two weeks. Everything’s going to work out.” Even as I say it, my heart breaks a little because I’m not sure that’s entirely true. My life’s written out in a contract. Temporary.
“I’m telling you. You need to come home and marry Ricky. He is going to be something someday and you’re going to be all used up for someone else’s happiness,” she says, annoying me even from far away.
“I’m searching for my own happiness, Mom. I’ll talk to you later.” I end the call and toss the phone into my purse. I look around, but I don’t see my suitcase anywhere. No time like the present to check out the rest of the condo.
Out of the main living area is the kitchen. White cabinets on steel gray walls and granite countertops. I’m not a great cook, but I could seriously work some magic in this room. It feels like I’ve stepped inside a magazine or even a Pinterest board. I can’t believe this is a condo. It looks bigger than my entire home back in Almont. Opening the fridge, there’s nothing to cook. I’m guessing my temporary baby daddy isn’t much for home cooked meals.
Well that’s going to change if he’s not going to let me out much. Although I do start school soon, so he’s going to need to loosen up the reins. Maybe it’s because this is all new. I’m sure he didn’t have me picked out before we walked into the place, but we were both there for the same purpose—to make a baby.
Jealousy hits me square in the chest. If I hadn’t ran into him he would have picked someone else to take home.
I remember that I have a new phone for the girls to contact me on, so I shoot them another text with my new number.
