Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 22903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 115(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 115(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
“Nice?” I echo in a small voice.
He nods, blue eyes flashing.
“Very nice,” he emphasizes. “In fact, I’m so intrigued by what I saw that I’ll go ahead and cut to the chase. I’d like to offer you a deal.”
I have trouble swallowing for a moment. A deal? Is this good or bad? Does he want me to pay a fine? Does he want me to take on extra shifts as a hotel maid? It’s not what I would want, but I’d be willing to do it if it means keeping my job.
“Um, okay, sure, but what deal?” I manage to stammer. “I don’t have much to offer.”
The handsome man grins wolfishly then, and my heart jumps. I literally feel a little light-headed, as if I might faint, and I wonder if my blood pressure somehow just took a dip. But I manage to stay upright as Mr. Thompson speaks even if I have to hold myself still.
“Well, it’s quite simple actually,” he says in a smooth tone. “I’d like to start a relationship with you, Tanya.”
I stare at him.
“A relationship?” I echo like an idiot. “Really?”
He nods, a smirk coming onto that handsome face.
“Yes, a relationship, but not the kind you’re thinking. There won’t be any flowers or champagne, or any dates for that matter. This is a relationship based on physical pleasure. One in which I get to enjoy your delectable body,” he clarifies.
I stare at him some more.
“Are you kidding me?” I ask in a slow tone. “It’s not funny, if you are.”
He merely shrugs, not at all perturbed.
“No, I’m serious. You’re a very beautiful woman, Tanya, and I liked what I saw last night. So yes, I want to begin a physical relationship with you where those curves are are mine to enjoy anytime I like.”
I stare at him, heart pounding.
“No way. This is not real.”
Mr. Thompson merely shrugs again.
“Think about it. It could be fun, Miss Grimes. I promise I’m a very generous lover, and multiple women have walked away exceedingly satisfied after leaving my bed. Not to mention, I’ll make it worth your while.”
My mouth twists at the balls of this guy. Really, so he’s a Casanova hmm? But I shake my head again.
“No, it’s not going to work,” I state in a firm voice. “I’m not into stuff like that. Despite what you saw last night, I’m not a whore.”
Mr. Thompson shrugs easily.
“I never said you were a whore. Like I said, I’m looking for a relationship, not a paid prostitute.”
I stare at him.
“But if you’re going to make it ‘worth my while,’ like you said, then I kind of am getting paid, right?”
He grins wolfishly again, those blue eyes flashing.
“I never said you were getting paid. You’re getting to be not fired.”
The insanity hits me then like a blow to the chest.
“But that’s not fair!” I stammer, hardly able to find my voice. "You can’t—That isn’t legal—"
The man merely laughs. During one of the worst points of my life, this guy has the temerity to laugh, and it pisses me off. Even worse, he looks like he genuinely finds this funny, like we’re in the audience at a comedy show.
“No, I’m just kidding,” he says once his chuckles die down a bit. “Not about the relationship part, but don’t worry, I’m not going to fire you. You don’t have to worry about that. The actual deal is that I get to enjoy your beautiful body and in return, I’ll throw in some benefits. For example, where do you live now? I’m sure it’s somewhere small and ratty, right? Well, fortunately, I own a hotel so I’ll set you up with a luxury suite right here at the Corinthian, and I’m happy to double your salary too. What do you think?”
I stare at him, my mouth opening and closing without making any sounds. Is this guy insane? Yet somehow, I know that despite the smirks, chuckles, and smarmy attitude, that Stone Thompson is totally serious. This is a man who gets what he wants, and right now, he has his sights set on my curves.
But unfortunately, there are forces at play that he can’t see.
“I can’t,” I say in a quiet but firm voice. “I’m sorry, but it’s not possible.”
The billionaire doesn’t seem surprised in the least by my answer. “No worries. I realize that this is coming as a surprise, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy your new accommodations—”
“No,” I slowly shake my head, interrupting him. After a few moments, I take a deep breath and meet his eyes. “I can’t because I’m religious, so I can’t go there.”
“Religious?” Stone asks, sounding surprised for the first time during this conversation. “What does that have to do with anything?”
“Everything,” I say in a low voice. “You see, Mr. Thompson, I made a promise to God long ago that I would save myself for my husband. In particular, I’ve promised the Lord that until I take part in the sacrament of holy matrimony, that I won’t have sex. Look,” I murmur, holding up my left hand to show him a thin gold band on my ring finger. “I already have a wedding band.”