“One million.” He steps closer to me. “Name your price, Laurie.”
Realizing he’s playing with me, a scowl quickly forms on my face. “Seriously? My life is already shitty enough. Why do people like you enjoy kicking others while they’re down?”
Looking completely unfazed by my words, he says, “I’ll transfer half now, and half once you’ve signed the contract. How much will it be?”
Out of pure curiosity, I fold my arms. “Okay. I’ll play along.” I glance around at all the luxury as I think of a ridiculous amount he won’t be able to afford, then lifting my chin, I demand, “Ten million.”
Not even a flicker of emotion crosses Adriano’s face. Instead, he types something on his phone, and once he’s done, he walks to the liquor table and asks, “Would you like a drink while we wait for the transfer to go through? I think it will help settle your emotions.”
Huh?
Pins and needles spread over my body, but still very skeptical, I dig my phone out of my handbag.
“Laurie,” Adriano says to get my attention. When my eyes dart to his, he asks, “Bourbon?”
I shake my head and glance around the suite. Spotting a fridge, I walk closer and help myself to a bottle of water.
Setting my handbag down on a counter in the small kitchen, I twist the cap off and drink until my thirst is quenched.
Then my phone beeps and vibrates, and I instantly begin to tremble as I turn it so I can see the screen.
Five million dollars.
My chest begins to rise and fall faster and faster. I find it very difficult to process my bank balance and the fact that Adriano must be so absurdly rich he can afford this crazy amount.
Oh. My. God.
I hear his steady footsteps as he comes closer, and when he takes hold of my chin and nudges my face up so I’ll look at him, his intense dark gaze imprisons mine.
The pad of his thumb brushes over my bottom lip, and a possessive expression tightens his features.
“No more fighting.” I’m still in so much shock, all I can do is breathe and blink as he leans in to me, everything about himpredatory. “No trying to run. I have paid for every second of your time. You now belong to me.”
Twenty thousand dollars was one thing, but five million is a whole different beast.
What wouldn’t I do for that kind of money?
Probably anything, except committing murder.
Well, that depends. If I were Heather, Amanda, or Austin, I might consider it.
My thoughts run away from me, but Adriano grips me at the back of my neck, and it makes me focus on him.
“Do you agree, Laurie?”
I take in every inch of his stupidly handsome face, the ruthless expression in his dark brown eyes, and the feel of his much stronger body pressing against mine.
Can I even handle this man?
Nope. Not by a long shot.
My tongue swipes over my bottom lip before I say, “No hurting me.”
“Of course,” he agrees without missing a beat.
How can I trust a word he says? I don’t know him from a bar of soap.
Adriano’s features soften, then he pulls me into a hug. As his arms pin me to his body, he exhales a heavy sigh. “I just want you, Laurie. I promise I won’t hurt you or expect the impossible from you, and the contract will state all of that.”