Chapter 01: When Love And Lust Collides.

Bree.

I stared at the portrait longer than I should. Something wasn't right.

A month ago, I had gotten an offer to become a billionaire's surrogate mother, and was told to take my time before giving any answer.

Now, I'm standing right here, hoping to be served a hot plate of Fries and chicken accompanied with a chill bubbly juice.

"Hello ma'am, My boss would love to see you now." The voice of the man who had driven me to this weird place, whispered.

I nodded calmly, trying so hard to hide the panic growing inside of me. I walked casually to the doorway, and sighed heavily before twisting the door knob when a female voice stopped me.

I turned, raising a perfect brow. "Is everything okay?" I asked, already frustrated with the whole appointment.

She shook her head, and brought out a mask. "I'm sorry but masks are required here, please wear one."

I stared at the mask she was holding for a while, before grabbing it.

This is bullshit.

Total bullshit.

I am going to walk into the office and cancel my surrogacy contract. I can't afford to birth in a place where rules are given out like free sandwiches.

With a heavy sigh, I pushed the door open and walked in. My mouth fell open when I saw the Man sitting so comfortably on the armless chair.

He wasn't just a regular CEO.

No, he wasn't.

He was dressed in this casual T-shirt, the sleeves wrapped tightly around his arms causing me to gulp in. I couldn't see his face, but I can tell he would definitely acquire the features of a Mafia ruthless boss in the books I read.

"Sit down." His sexy, deep voice commanded.

I could swear I heard 'Sit on my face' because I was ready to give out my body if there was an opportunity.

But something wasn't right.

I thought the mask fetish ended with his workers, but he was also wearing one. Although he looked so sexy on it but I felt unease knowing it feels risky and I shouldn't partake in such.

"Hello. Are you going to take a seat, or would you like to leave? Either way, make your choice quickly." He leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers impatiently.

Was that statement for me?

Was I not hot and sexy enough for him to go speechless.

I hesitated, feeling a chill creep down my spine as I slowly pulled the chair close to me and sat down.

"G-good Morning, uh.. No, I meant Good day..." I stuttered.

He quickly raised his hands, urging me to save myself the stress. I stared at him, wondering how I still find him so hot knowing fully well he's an asshole.

"Why's everyone wearing a mask?" I asked, wondering where I purchased my audacity.

He didn't answer.

He didn't flinch.

He just stared at me like I was a child trying to face my lifetime bully in school.

He cleared his throat. "Do you need me to answer that?".

I blinked profusely, trying to understand if he was really asking me such silly question.

Then, he smiled.

Not the type of smile that appears when a person is a full time embarrassment.

No. This was a type that happens when a child lays a complaint at your table but you laugh knowing fully well you had a hand in it.

"What's funny?" I rolled my eyes, irritated.

He leaned back and pushed a paper to me. "Read the terms and condition regarding the surrogacy contract."

I swallowed hard, and grabbed my bag. "I'm sorry but I do not think I wish to carry on with the whole contract stuff."

I could tell he felt uncomfortable hearing that. He quickly grabbed the bottle water that was kept on his table and gulped it like his life depended on it.

"And why so?" He finally summoned the courage to ask.

I called it courage because a Man like him should find it ego-bruising to ask such question.

"I'm sorry but I do not like the idea of being taken to a random place with masks everywhere." I said, biting my lips.

Then, he laughed.

He laughed so hard that I almost felt he has a mental illness that gets triggered by rejection. I swallowed hard in fear, watching him laugh and bang his hands on the table.

"Is everything okay, Sir? " I asked, concerned.

He stopping laughing as his eyes bore into mine, daring me to walk out of the office.

I stood up quickly, grabbed my bags and was about leaving when I accidentally knocked my wrist on the edge of the table.

"Fuck. Fuck!" I winced at the sharp sting.

"Watch yourself!" His voice was rough, but his eyes... They softened in a way I hadn't seen them before.

Before I could move, he was there, gripping my wrist gently, his gaze locked on mine. My heart skipped.

For a long moment, we didn't speak. Just stared, masks hiding our mouths, but every unspoken thought burning in our eyes.

"Your nails..they pulled off." He whispered, without letting his eyes off me.

This was temptation, and the only reason we haven't locked lips was the masks separating us.

I quickly cleared my throat and pulled my hands off his. "Don't worry, I'll be fine."

I grabbed my bags and walked to the door when his authoritative voice filled the air.

"Listen, I had an uncle who hired a surrogate but after birth, she refused letting go and he had to push her out, and paid her a big sum so she can leave and never return..." he paused for a while and continued, "After three years, she came back and located my uncle to blackmail him into giving her money or she would indulge the court."

I turned to him, confused. "Why are you telling me this? If you are so scared of the surrogacy world and it's negativity—then why are you making appointments for it?"

"Because I need an heir!" he voiced out, like I had provoked his feelings.

I rolled my eyes. "Then, get married."

He chuckled, and walked back to his chair. "I am married but she can not bring forth a child."

I bent my head in regrets, wondering how hurt I made him feel. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't aware."

He nodded. "Sit. I think I've got something I could apply on that sour."

I hesitated. "No, it's fine... I can manage."

"Sit! it was never an option." He ordered, searching his table for the supposed medication.

Slowly, I walked up to him and sat down.

He leaned closer and held my wrist tenderly. "Due to my uncle's dilemma, I thought to myself that getting a mask to hide everyone's identity and biography would help alot."

I widened my eyes in realization. It was a very smart idea and I support it greatly because there's no way I would want a child to claim me in three to four years time. Never!

I remain a bad bitch. Forever.

I forced a smile when his eyes met mine. "Thanks a lot for the clarification and yeah-we can carry on with the contract and I...."

I paused immediately when his hand brushed against my chest... a touch so unexpected it stole the air from my lungs.

"Take off your mask!" He whispered, lustfully.