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  “This contract is hardly fair.” Garrick’s whine blasts through my morning fantasy.

  “Then don’t sign it,” I say with a calm I’m not entirely feeling.

  “If you would just give me another week or maybe a month, I could—”

  “Sign or get out. Those are your options.”

  Look at me, I order silently. Look at me and tell me that you’re ready to be mine.

  “Rose wants to keep her last name.”

  “Either sign the papers as they are written or get the fuck out of my office.” I don’t raise my voice. I don’t give any one of my words any special inflection. I could be ordering breakfast if you listened to my tone and not my words, but the threat is real. Rose shudders.

  Possessiveness courses through my veins. I will own this woman, heart, mind and soul. She will forget that she was ever a Vandermeer. I will fuck her until all she knows is my scent, my feel, my name.

  Chapter 4

  Rose

  Keep my last name? I have no idea what they are talking about but it clearly has something to do with me. Then it hits me as hard as Hunter’s dark gaze had narrowed in on me. Marriage. That is the only reason for me to change my last name. I was more right about being some kind of pretty prize than I’d known.

  “Garrick?” I give in and speak. It’s hard to think straight with the way Hunter is staring at me. I was silently taking pleasure in him correcting Garrick. It was short lived though. Hunter might heat something deep inside of me that I can’t explain but he acts as cold as my brother. I will be going from the devil I know to one that is unknown to me. I don’t know his rules or the lines in the sand he’ll draw.

  “You need to sign the papers, Rose.” Garrick reaches out, picking up the pen and signing his name. I see the small shake of his hand as he tries to hand me the pen next. I don’t have to do anything. I try to tell myself but still I reach over, taking the pen from his hand and doing as I’m told. I don’t know if it’s habit or fear. “Think of Aunt Nora,” he adds for good measure. I swallow, knowing Nora would tell me not to do it if she was here but she’s not. She can’t be here.

  I lift my head up to look at Hunter. His face gives nothing away but there is something there. A mask he has placed to cover his true feelings on the matter. I know all about those emotion-covering masks because I am an expert in wearing them. Based on the way Garrick is acting it’s crystal clear that Hunter has all the power in this arrangement.

  “I want something.” I drop the gold pen down onto the table. Hunter’s eyes flare for a moment in surprise but he quickly hides it. “And it’s not my last name.” I get that in there to throw a jab at my so-called brother. Although Hunter acts icy on the outside, he seems to want me. His intentions toward me aren’t clear yet but I somehow know deep inside me that he would never let anyone hurt me. That’s why I pick this opportunity to go against Garrick and test my boundaries with my soon-to-be husband.

  “Rose,” my brother warns.

  “Sign it,” Hunter demands again. This time I catch something in his tone. There is a reason he wants this. Why else would he be demanding my hand in marriage? The man already has money. We clearly didn’t have any to be had. My brother is all but baring his neck for this man. I both love and hate Hunter for it.

  “No.” The one word slips past my lips. For the first time I feel almost powerful. Both of these men want something from me. Well, I want something too.

  “Rose!” My brother shouts my name standing from his chair. In the blink of an eye Hunter is on him, pinning him to the wall.

  “You already signed the paper. She’s not yours anymore,” Hunter tells him. That mask he keeps trying to hold in place is slipping off. I’m enjoying watching it happen. I shouldn’t be thrilled about any of this but I don’t think I’ve had this much excitement in a long time. If ever. My heart is still racing in my chest from how fast Hunter moved.

  It is refreshing to see Garrick at the mercy of someone else, but I need not forget that I am too.

  “She hasn’t signed yet,” Garrick sputters out. I realize now Hunter has his forearm pressed against his throat.

  “I want something.” I repeat myself.

  Hunter turns his eyes, locking that gaze on me. He lets his hold of Garrick go. My brother bends down with his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath.

  “Get out,” Hunter tells him dismissively. There it is. He’s got himself back under control. Or at least he’s pretending to. “I won’t repeat myself.” He doesn’t look at Garrick as he says it. I do though.

  “Eyes on me.” Hunter steps in front of Garrick, his big frame blocking him from my view. I hear the door open and close, leaving me all alone with Hunter now. I am in over my head. Still, I have something he wants and he has something I want.

  “Spit it out.” Of course he doesn't ask. Men like him never do. They issue commands. I don’t know why I do it. I should know better but I can’t help myself.

  “I would like something to drink.” I glance away from Hunter to look out the window. I’m not as good with my mask as he is and I cannot believe I’ve just said that to him. Seconds tick by and I let them. I might not be good at hiding how I’m feeling but the waiting game I can play. I am the champion at that one. I can do it until the end of time. I am used to it.

  I fight a smile when I hear the sound of a glass hit the table. The sound is so loud in the silent room I’m surprised the glass isn’t shattered when I look at it.

  “Your Aunt Nora will be taken care of.” I jerk my eyes from the glass to him. How much does he know about me? Probably everything. I don’t dare reach for the glass knowing my hand will shake. I’d rather him think I’m rude for not taking the drink than scared. I’m not even sure what I’m feeling, to be honest.

  “I need more than your word.” I don’t trust him. His word means nothing to me. I would sign the contract if I knew giving myself over would forever protect my aunt. I need to know she’ll be safe. This is the only thing I’ll ask of him before I willingly give myself over to be his wife. I need the security of knowing that Nora can never be used against me again.

  “If you don’t sign she’ll have nothing. She’ll be cast out like the rest of you.” I could only be so lucky. Aunt Nora doesn't have the Vandermeer last name and I don't want it.

  “How do I know you won’t do that anyway?” I bite out. I’m not backing down from this. I look to the paper. There is nothing to the contract. Couldn’t I take him for all he’s worth in the end if I want? Being under Garrick’s thumb my entire life, I’ve had no leverage. He has controlled it all. Marrying Hunter makes it a whole new game. I could manipulate him with my looks to get my way. If everyone is going to treat me like a pretty object I might as well use it. I am a survivor and I am going to win this new game.

  “Sign the paper, Rose,” he demands again. “I won’t throw your sick aunt out. I’m not that much of a bastard.”

  A hiccup of a humorless laugh comes from me. Sure he is. I pick up the pen. “But you’d buy someone?” I sign the paper even as I ask the question, dropping the pen down as fast as I can.

  “You, Rose. I’d buy you.” His words roll across my skin like a caress.

  “There. You got what you wanted.” Men like him always do. He reaches for my wrist, pulling me to my feet. How does he keep moving so quickly? A man his size shouldn't be able to move that fast. My heel gets tangled in my dress and I fall into his chest.

  “I want a kiss, Rose.” I don’t think that’s all he wants. I can feel his erection dig into me. My whole body heats but not with anger as it should. No, it’s desire. Damn it. What is wrong with me? This man just bought me and I am getting turned on. My eyes go to his mouth. He leans down and I can feel his breath against my lips.

  “Have you ever been kissed? Has your brother made it so no man could get near you?”

  I lick my lips, my tongue brushing his bottom lip. “I’ve been kissed before.” Hunter’s nose flares. His jaw goes tight. “My
professor in my sophomore year.” The lie rolls off my tongue so easily. It looks like Hunter is as possessive as my brother could be. That was something he should have hidden better from me because I will use it. If Hunter wants to be a bastard two can play at that game.

  I think.

  Chapter 5

  Hunter

  “That’s too bad.” I press my intercom button. “Chris, please compile a list of the professors at St. Mary’s College in Heathton, New York, for the last four years.”

  “What do you want that for?” Rose yelps.

  I lean back in my chair and gaze at her over my steepled fingers. “I didn’t think you would tell me your professor’s name so I’m asking Chris to obtain it.”

  It’s interesting that she is suddenly showing a spine. Or maybe it’s not sudden. How else does she survive under the oppressive watch of her brother if she isn’t made of steel? Her next response only affirms my suspicions.

  “You’re right. I won’t,” she snaps.

  “That’s fine. You don’t need to. Ah, Chris, come in.” I motion my assistant inside.

  “Your list,” he says.

  “Chris, before you leave, the future Ms. Keal would like another refreshment.” Her water glass is empty.

  “Certainly, what can I get you?”

  She sends me a glare and then tips up her pert nose. “I’d like a skinny mocha frappucino with two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup and a sprinkle of Godiva chocolate shavings with one teaspoon of caramel drizzle.” She finishes with a triumphant smile as if she’s asked for something impossible that can’t possibly be delivered.

  Chris merely nods his head lightly and leaves. Rose’s face falls when she doesn’t get the response she anticipated.

  “Chris has an eidetic memory. It makes him an exemplary assistant.” One who makes more money than some executives in this town. “Rest assured that he will return with exactly what you ordered and should you desire this drink ten months from now, he’ll be able to deliver it without you doing more than raising a finger.”

  “That’s cute but I’m not going to be here ten months from now so he might as well use that brain power for something else.”

  What is cute is that she thinks she is getting away from me, but I’ll play the game with her…for now. “Where is it that you’ll be in ten months if not by my side?”

  “The papers I signed said that I’d agree to marry you, but I don’t have to live with you or sleep with you to fulfill my end of the bargain. I know that sex can’t be written into a contract.” She’s back to looking as if she pulled out a winning card.

  “It sounds as if you did research.”

  “I knew this day would come.” There’s a trace of bitterness there but not as much as I expected. She is more resigned, as if she came to terms with her brother’s greed a long time ago.

  I push to my feet. “You’re correct,” I say as I round the corner of my desk and approach. “Sex is not an enforceable term in a contract and therefore you are not obligated to do anything, as I am not obligated to save your aunt or any member of your family. I am not required to keep those factories open so that two thousand people can put bread and meat on their tables. We are merely two people agreeing to marriage with no other obligations or promises.”

  My words make her turn white. Her fingers curl tight around the edge of the chair as she fights for control over her temper.

  “You’re despicable,” she hisses.

  I place a hand on the armrest, caging her slender body in my loose embrace. I dip my head until my nose is resting against the hidden spot behind her ear. She wears a light, expensive fragrance, something like orchids and priceless roses. I inhale until her scent fills my lungs, until every breath I take is mixed with the smell of her.

  “Very,” I admit. “Also unscrupulous. I will use anything in my power to get what I want.” I drag my nose down, lightly tracing the delicate column of her neck until I reach the base where the evidence of her fear and her arousal thump madly against the surface of her skin. “At this moment, there is nothing that I want more than you.”

  She sucks in a harsh breath, unable to hide her reaction to me. She’s so sensitive, so responsive.

  “I’ll never want you back,” she lies.

  My fingers curl around the leather. I want so badly to reach between her thighs to test her wetness and her heat. I’d gamble my fortune that she’s dripping down there, that her panties are soaked and that her thighs are sticky with her honey. I can smell it.

  “You will beg me to fuck you,” I tell her, my voice hoarse with need. My cock throbs behind the zipper of my trousers. He wants out of his cage and into her juicy, steamy cunt. “You will be on your knees, pleading for me to allow you to suck my cock. And, because I am a benevolent, forgiving sort, I will part your swollen lips and allow you to choke on my cock until I come down your throat and fill your belly with my seed. Now, you will tell me the name of the professor you kissed or I will ruin every person on the list.”

  “Why would you do that?” she cries. “That’s inhuman.”

  “Because you’re mine, Rose.” My mouth moves along her skin as I speak. Goosebumps prickle in response. She may hate me, but her body doesn’t. It’s awakening from a long dormant state. She’s never kissed anyone, not even her own hand. Her pink cheeks and her wild, confused eyes give her away. She’s hot for me and she doesn’t understand it. Inside her head, part of her is screaming to get away while the other wants to tear my hand-made Italian trousers apart at the seams and suck on my cock like it’s the only sweet thing she’s ever been allowed to taste. If I reached my hand inside her blouse, her nipples would be aroused. Her panties are likely drenched. “You belong to me and any other person on this earth who has had the privilege of laying a finger on you can no longer exist. Do you understand me?”

  Chapter 6

  Rose

  I swallow and nod my head. He was right. My body does want him. I ache in places that I didn’t even know could. When he told me that there was nothing he wants more than me, I swear a mini orgasm rolled through my body. No one has ever wanted me in that way before. Not that I know of, at least. That feeling of power overwhelms me again. I wonder if Hunter knows he keeps showing me his cards. Maybe it is part of his game to allow me to think I have power over him when in reality I don’t.

  “I’ve never been kissed. Call off the hunt.” I give in. I don’t want anyone losing their job because I want to spar with Hunter. I think enough things are going to be lost today.

  I turn my head, my mouth brushing his. He’s so close. Every breath I take is filled with his scent. The smell makes me want to seal my lips to his. I remind myself that this man has basically purchased me and that helps me calm my body but only a little. I can tell he wants to touch me. It’s taking everything he has to restrain himself. The strain of his muscles gives him away. He is confident I’ll beg for him and maybe in the end I will. Today won’t be that day though. My belly flutters with the thought of getting Hunter to beg for me one day. Maybe he’s already doing it in his own way.

  I know how powerful men are. I’ve lived all my years under one's thumb. They are always strategizing to get what they want. If one tactic doesn’t work they switch to another until they reach their end goal. I was Hunter’s end goal but would he go as far as getting down on his knees to have me? How far is someone willing to go for something they want more than anything? I’ve sold myself to get away from my brother and to save my aunt. I guess this will be a battle of wills between us. In time we will see who has stronger control over their body. I’m not so confident in mine.

  Hunter has woken up something inside me. My body is suddenly coming alive for the first time. I’m not sure how to handle the throb between my legs that grows by the second. The fabric of my designer dress no longer feels like silk but sandpaper against my puckered nipples. My entire body is aching with arousal as I try to keep my face stoic. I need to get it together but instead I lean up, almost o
ffering him my mouth.

  The small vibration in my pocket pulls me back to reality. “Bathroom?” I breathe against his mouth. He sucks in a deep breath, jerking himself forcefully back from me.

  “There.” He points to a door that I know is a private bathroom. Damn it. I wanted more space. More time. I nod, getting up from my chair, not feeling so stable in my heels anymore. As gracefully as I can, I make my way to the bathroom, shutting the door behind me. I lean up against it, taking a long breath and trying to get it together before pulling out my cell phone to see all my missed texts from Cara.

  Cara: Is he as hot in person?

  Cara: Don’t leave a girl hanging here.

  Cara: Oh! What if he’s one of them that’s sniffing around to marry you. I bet you two would make some good babies.

  I’d laugh if her jokes didn’t hit so close to home. She’s teasing, not knowing the reality of what she’s saying is the truth.

  Me: Garrick handed me over to him like a pretty prize.

  Cara: I need more details than that!

  Cara’s response is instant.

  Me: Marriage.

  I type the one simple word. I knew the day would come when it would happen. I don’t know why I feel hurt over it now. I guess the reality is all too real. My phone starts to vibrate in my hand. I push off the door looking at it. It looks kind of thick. It might be able to muffle the sounds. Guess we’ll find out.

  “Hey,” I whisper, answering the call.

  “You’re getting married to Hunter Keal?” she yells into the phone, not picking up on the fact that I whisper-answered the call.

  “Cara!” I whisper-yell back at her. “I’m in his office bathroom hiding.”

  “Well.” She’s not asking if I’m really marrying him. She’s in the same boat pretty much. She’s waiting for her father to sell her off to the best suitor.