The Delicious Bargain

Gemma

Gigi looked at me and sighed for the umpteenth time.

“Gemma… do you really want to do this?”

I rolled my eyes as I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

The midnight-blue dress hugged my body perfectly, the silky fabric clinging to my curves without looking overly desperate. My dark wavy hair flowed over my shoulders, framing my lightly tanned skin beautifully. The silver earrings dangling from my ears caught the light every time I moved.

Simple. Elegant. Classic.

Exactly the look I was going for tonight.

“Gemma…”

It was my turn to sigh this time.

“Stop worrying like a mother hen, Gigi. It’s not like I’m going out to murder someone.”

Gigi crossed her arms, clearly unconvinced.

“With you, I honestly can’t tell anymore.”

I laughed softly and turned back toward the mirror, applying the final touch of lipstick to my lips.

Perfect.

Without looking back, I stretched my hand toward Gigi. She stared at it for a few seconds before shaking her head.

“You’re seriously impossible.”

Reluctantly, she reached into her purse and pulled out the invitation card before placing it into my waiting hand.

God bless sweet Gigi.

“Don’t worry. I’m going to execute this plan perfectly and give Fucktard Richard the best pre-wedding gift ever.”

I turned toward the door, but Gigi’s voice stopped me before I could leave.

“Gemma.”

Something in her tone made me pause.

“Are you really okay?”

The concern in her eyes softened something inside me for a brief moment.

Gigi had been one of the very few friends who stayed by my side after I found out about Richard and Angela’s affair. Most of our so-called friends had shamelessly sided with Angela, acting like I was somehow the bitter ex-wife standing in the way of true love, but Gigi never left.

She stayed through every breakdown, every sleepless night, every rage-filled rant, and every humiliating headline.

And honestly? I would rather have one genuine friend than a thousand fake ones.

I walked toward her slowly and squeezed her hand gently.

“I’ll be fine. And don’t worry, I promise I’m not going to do anything extreme. And if the plan fails… then I’ll let it go.”

Gigi studied my face carefully like she was trying to determine whether I was lying or not. Finally, she sighed in relief and nodded with a small smile.

“Fine. But if you blow things up tonight, I’m unfriending you ASAP.”

I smirked.

“Fair enough.”

About forty-five minutes later, my Audi pulled into the grand entrance of the Imperial Crest Executive Summit Hall, one of the most exclusive business venues in the city.

As I was about to step inside, two security men immediately stopped me at the entrance.

“Invitation card, ma’am.”

I handed it over smoothly.

Again, bless Gigi.

The security men scanned the card briefly before stepping aside respectfully.

“Welcome, ma’am.”

I walked inside calmly as the luxurious atmosphere surrounded me. Men dressed in expensive suits stood in groups discussing business over champagne while elegantly dressed women laughed beside them. The air smelled faintly of perfume, alcohol, and old money.

My eyes scanned the crowd carefully until they finally landed on him.

Julian Ferguson.

The CEO of Ferguson International Holdings. Richard’s boss.

I straightened my shoulders and walked toward him confidently.

Julian stood beside two other businessmen, casually sipping champagne while discussing something that made all three of them laugh quietly.

Even from afar, his presence was impossible to ignore. He was the kind of man who naturally commanded attention without even trying.

I stopped a few feet away and smiled gracefully.

“Mr. Ferguson.”

The conversation immediately paused.

Julian turned toward me, and for one dangerous second, I forgot how to breathe.

Looking at him up close, his eyes were the most striking shade of blue I had ever seen—cold yet strangely mesmerizing, like the deep ocean before a storm. Honestly, he was one of the most attractive men I had ever seen in my life. He looked far more handsome than in the pictures.

Focus, Gemma.

I quickly regained my composure and extended my hand politely.

“Good evening. I’m—”

“Mrs. Gemma Black,” he interrupted smoothly. “The wife of one of my junior associates, Mr. Richard Black.”

I blinked in surprise. Julian Ferguson actually knew who I was?

Interesting.

“Actually, it’s now Ms. Gemma Tates. Richard and I are no longer together.”

“Oh, I’m sorry about that.”

His voice was calm and deep. Then quietly, almost too low for me to hear, he added, “His loss, not yours.”

My heart skipped annoyingly.

I cleared my throat quickly before my brain could start acting stupid.

“I was wondering if you could spare me a few minutes of your time. I promise I won’t keep you long.”

Julian glanced at me for a second before excusing himself from the other men.

“Come with me.”

He led me away from the crowded hall toward a quieter private section hidden behind tinted glass doors. I hadn’t even known this part of the building existed.

The noise from the ballroom faded immediately once we entered. Julian gestured toward one of the seats, and we both sat across from each other.

This was it… my chance.

“Mr. Ferguson—”

“Julian,” he corrected politely.

“Julian. I actually came with a business proposition. It may sound unusual, but it would benefit you greatly if you agree to it.”

Julian leaned back slightly in his chair, silently waiting for me to continue.

“I know Ferguson International has been trying to acquire the Emerald Ridge Coastal Estate project for nearly three months now.”

He didn’t say a word.

“The problem,” I continued calmly, “is that the actual land ownership has been tied up through multiple private channels and hidden legal representatives.”

Still silent.

God, this man was impossible to read.

“I happen to know the Marion brothers personally. They’re the real handlers overseeing the estate acquisition. They don’t trust corporations easily, which is why every negotiation attempt has failed. But I can connect you directly to them. Legitimately. With complete legal documentation and access to the original land rights.”

Silence again.

At this point, I genuinely had no idea whether I was impressing him or embarrassing myself.

Finally, he spoke.

“And what do you want in return?”

I met his eyes directly and didn’t hesitate.

“I want my ex-husband to lose his promotion.”

For the first time, something flickered faintly in his eyes.

Good.

At least I had his attention now.

“That’s all?”

“Yes. Richard Black should lose the promotion, and in exchange, I’ll give you the Marion brothers’ contact and arrange the meeting personally. Oh, I don’t mind you telling him I’m the reason he lost the promotion.”

I could already picture Richard’s face, red and flushed with anger when he realized I was responsible for the loss of his promotion. It would be one of the happiest days of my life.

Julian stared at me for several long seconds before finally nodding.

“Consider it done.”

My heart nearly burst with excitement.

Holy shit. It actually worked!

I was just about to do a happy dance in my head when Julian added,

“However, I’m not interested in the Marion brothers’ contact.”

My smile faltered.

“…What?”

He leaned forward slightly, his blue eyes locking onto mine.

“I want something else instead.”

A strange feeling crept up my spine.

“What exactly do you want?”

Julian held my gaze. Then, without the slightest hesitation, he answered,

“One night with you.”

My breath caught. I stared at him blankly for a second, genuinely confused.

Did I hear correctly?

Julian Ferguson wanted me?

This man could probably have any woman he wanted. Models, actresses, socialites—women far more polished than me.

So why me?

Julian leaned closer, his deep voice sending heat curling through my stomach.

“I’m willing to grant your request, Gemma. Are you willing to grant mine?”

God.

Those eyes.

I couldn’t stop staring at them.

My gaze drifted downward before I could stop myself, tracing the strong line of his neck, the broadness of his chest beneath the suit, then lower. Everything about him radiated power, confidence, and an almost dangerous masculine charm that made it hard to look away.

And then, traitorously, my mind began painting vivid images.

His hands gripping my waist.

His mouth against my skin.

That deep, sinful voice in my ear while he pinned me beneath him—or better yet, while I rode him senseless until neither of us could breathe properly.

Heat instantly pooled between my thighs.

Damn. Fuck it.

It was only one night, and I was no saint either.

So why not enjoy the gorgeous man standing right in front of me?

“I accept.”