FavourEkele_1969

He grinned at her false bravado, her green eyes flickered and the golden shades of it were more intense, he saw determination, which he could use to his advantage.

"Unless you wish to buy it back, it's worth over a million dollars"

Keira hesitated, where was she going to find a million dollars? With Sam's college fund and their welfare, those were out of the question. Their trust fund obtained from their deceased parents had been kept for emergencies only, it wasn't even close to half a million.

His grey eyes mocked her with a sardonic smile that left her stomach in knots. This was the most inconvenient time to think about how overpowering his steely eyes were or the fact that he was a very gorgeous and fascinating specimen.

"I have a proposal for you, that could turn this around."

The CEO's Meticulous Bride

   She felt her heart beating faster, closing the door behind her. Marry him? She didn't even know who he was and the fact that he showed his true colors so quickly was impeccable.


Her eyes moved to Sam holding Darby's feet on the couch while they watched the PBS channel, he gurgled playing with a rattle, too distracted to even notice the puppets on the screen.


"I'm so sorry Keira" Sam apologized for not telling her sooner.


Even if she did, what would it change? It was nothing personal but invading her business, she wouldn't take.


He was trying to take advantage of her, working with him to play the couple to put on a show for his family was just absurd.


"I want no part of your family dilemma"


"I assure you, we're a decent folk, if you agree to do this, I'll turn the shop over to you...with interest"


"I don't want your money, I want you to leave us alone"


He heard what he thought was conviction but her tone was shaky and hoarse and he deduced it to just plain sentiment.


"You can't refuse" He waited for an answer, she expired cold air.


Keira sat back trying to get a grip on reality, recalling that Sam raised a question.


"Go for it" She said, Keira glowered at her.


"Have you lost your goddamn mind? I don't even know this scumbag"


"Open your eyes, you have to take risks to get what you want. Don't be such a pessimist "


Darcy cooed raising his hands, he lost balance and tumbled into her arms.


"I lost my shop, I'm not having a midlife crisis, this is me trying to fit in and lie to their faces whoever these people are."


The last thing she wanted to take were risks. 


Sam raised her hands in repudiation, Darby imitated her.


"It's up to you, I trust you to do the right thing"


Keira moaned, doubtful 'Thanks for having my back,' she thought to herself.


Making sure Darby ate and took his medicine, Sam promised to bathe him after spilling food on himself from trying to resist and tuck him in for an afternoon nap.


She freshened up and took the last piece of the leftover casserole from the fridge, reheating it in the oven. She plonked down on her bed eating. 


He said to meet him on at his home but wouldn't that mean she was agreeing to his terms? A contract marriage, she sneered.


In the den, he sat back musing. The den had a tall mahogany cupboard where he kept his tumblers, a wine fridge, huge TV, and a desk where he kept his feet up.


He picked up a tumbler, the ice cubes rattled when he tilted it to drink. He was counting on the fourth day, yet she hadn't arrived.


Chapter 11