CHAPTER FIVE

Rio

I have finally lost it.

Marriage, really, marriage. That was definitely not what I had in mind when I geared myself up to see her today. Apparently, I’m not the only one thinking I have lost it.

“Are you kidding me?”  Mel was staring at me in shock. “Marry you?”

Since I have gotten myself here, I thought, might as well play with it.

“It’s for a set period of time. Six months like I said and you will get paid.”

“I get money, right?” She asked, walking towards the open window in the room.

“Yes, five hundred thousand dollars, wired to any account of your choosing” I answered.

 Mel turned towards me, staring at me quite intensely. “What do you gain from our arrangement?”

 Silence hangs in the air as we stare at each other.

 I remember the first time I saw her two years ago. Not a memory I’m really fond, but still I had searched until I saw her again, six months ago in that tiny little bar. I have basically stalked her since then. So, when that dumbass Jack mentioned she was his sister and offered her for his debt, I didn’t really have an idea on what do with her other than I wanted her for myself.

I stood, suddenly having the urge to touch her. As I closed the distance between us, she backed away from me. I stroked my fingers down her arm and could feel her shiver. I felt like a predator staking his prey, but I couldn’t resist. The object of my fantasies was mine for the taking. I lowered my head to place a kiss on her neck.

“I won’t be your sex toy.” She breathed.

 That stopped me in my tracks and I stepped back from her. “Sex toy?”

“I’m not dumb.” She suddenly sounded angry. “I’m sure you are used to paying ladies for sex. I’m not some hooker you can just pay to fuck whenever you get the whim.”

In my 28 years on this earth, I have never had to pay for sex nor has anyone ever rejected me. Ladies tend to come easily, well, until Mel. I was intrigued.

“I don’t recall calling you a hooker.”

“I’m not interested in you.” She sounded like she was trying to convince herself.  

 “That’s not how you felt last night.” I teased.

“I don’t want you thinking I’m easy”. She responded. “That was just a drunken mistake, besides nothing happened”.

I raise my brows in question. Her cumming on my hands was not exactly nothing. So, she wanted to play hard to get, I smile to myself. Well, Rio Rafe never backed away from a challenge.

“I know I hurt your pride yesternight”. A snort response from her made me pause. “I apologize. But I do have a reason why I need to get married.” My mind scrambled for the easiest explanation I could think of. “My family wants me to get married, so I can deal with my acclaimed playboy persona and finally take over the legitimate side of business.” I lied. “You my dear, would be a good solution to my little problem.”

There was some truth to my lie though. Since the return of my elder brother, Dante, from prison two years, he had decided to stay on the low, dealing only with the mafia side of business, leaving me to control our clean front. It’s been a smooth ride, especially since I was still under my father, but lately, he has been dropping hints on retiring and some stakeholders didn’t think I was mature enough to handle the company.

I rolled a piece of paper on the table in a ring form. Seeing no reason why I couldn’t enjoy myself, I went down on one knee and took her hands.

 “So, my darling, will you marry me?” I said smiling at her.

Mel stood as if shocked until I winked at her. She then blushed and tugged her hands from mine.

Hmm, so my Mel was the shy type, I thought, this should be fun.

“Before I agree to anything, I want a written-out contract.” She said.

“Done.”

 “Also, we should set some rules.”

 I took her hands again, I couldn’t stop touching her. “Like?”

“No sex.”  She said firmly.

 “You sure seem to be obsessed with this sex stuff.” I say jokily.

“I’m not.” She whined.

“You have already stated you weren’t interested in me, my darling, why bring it up again?” I ask, eyeing her.

“Just making sure.” She insisted.

“Yeah, sure.” I kiss her hands. For someone not interested in me, she sure wasn’t complaining. “Is that all?”

“No extravagant wedding.”

“It can be simple sure, but a lot people have to be invited or it would be a sign of war among the mafia. I don’t need that.” I explained. “Moreover, I’m sure your brother has other debtors. When I publicly announce you as my wife, it will steer them away from you and keep you safe.”

“Speaking of my excuse of a brother, what’s going to happen there?”

“That’s simple, my darling.” I walk to the table to pour myself a bottle of scotch. All these talking was making my throat burn. I had sincerely expected her to jump into my arms and beg me to take her. I mean, they all did. But not Mel, I guess. “Your brother and I hadn’t finalized anything yet. Also, he lied about you agreeing to this, so I can end our deal easily.”

She sighed as if relieved and sat back on the chair with her head on her hands.” You said I can walk out, without any harm, even if I don’t agree to your deal.”

I hated the surge of panic I felt. “Yes, you can. You won’t face any harm from me or mine. I give you my word”. I stare at her, trying my best to not let her see I was scared of her saying no. “You don’t have to give me an answer immediately.” I added quickly. “You can go home and think about…”

“Yes.” She said

“Yes?” I ask.

 “Let’s fuck Jack up and get fake married.” She said, smiling.

I don’t think I have seen a more beautiful sight. Let’s the games begin, my darling Mel.    

“I will send someone to your home to pick up the essential things you may need, then we can leave.”

“I had a bag with me when your goons took me. All my essentials are in there. I don’t need anything else”

“Just one bag, really?” I questioned her

“I’m not vain, unlike others.” She said, mocking me. “Wait, why do we need my belongings though?”

“Cause you, my darling, are moving in with me today.” I announced.