Sydney



I was suddenly exhausted and I just wanted to sleep. My entire life was crashing around me and I could do nothing. I needed to talk to someone, I wished Mike was here. He would understand, and help me out. I had never felt this helpless in my life. And I was glad I didn't buy those cufflinks after all. Maybe all this was a bad dream. I would wake up and all this would just go away?

Aiden had painted such a bleak picture of my fate, I was in despair. Did I have no choice, other than marrying him and being Mrs Reiner for a year, would it be so bad? He said it would be like working for him, right? What exactly did it imply? I had to become a trophy wife and follow him around? Then came the most important thing...sex. Aiden had been very open about his intentions. He wanted me. Would he force me to sleep with him? That thought was somehow arousing, and I could feel the heat creeping up my face. Was he expecting me to have his baby as well? That wasn't going to happen. I had to tell him that I could never get pregnant.

This business deal was far from straightforward. When I looked at the clock on the wall, I knew I only had 15 minutes to make a decision.
My head ached, and I stroked my temples to relieve the discomfort. This offer was simply too good to be true. It was only for a year, after which I would be financially independent. I had nothing to lose but my dignity, right? What about my heart ? That was never going to happen. I had no intention of falling in love with him. It was unthinkable. I ultimately came to the conclusion that Aiden and I needed to talk.



I got to my feet and headed over to the other door. I knocked on the door with a pounding heart. Dawson grinned as he opened the door and invited me to take a seat.
Aiden sat in his chair, behind a table, his back to a large glass windowpane with a beautiful view of San Francisco. His face was unreadable, a hint of a smile playing on his sensuous lips. Wait did I just say sensuous?
Neither man spoke, probably they were waiting for my answer.

"Mr Reiner," I said. "I've made my decision, but first, let's talk," I said, trying to prevent my voice from quivering.

"Sure, what would you like to discuss?" With a wry grin, he said.



I cast a peek towards Dawson.

"Please, in private."

Aiden nodded at Mr Dawson who quickly exited the room, silently closing the door behind him. Aiden sprung to his feet and stalked towards me, as I sat on the edge of the sofa, tittering. He took a seat next to me.



He questioned me, "Is the alimony sum not agreeable?"



"No, it's more than generous, it's not about money, it's about my duties as Mrs Reiner. Are you expecting me to sleep with you ?" I blurted out, turning red.

His look was so piercing that it felt like it was burning me. He seemed to take pleasure in making me squirm.

"Which part of 'I want you Sydney, did you not understand?"

With a wry grin, he inquired. I was stunned; how could he be so casual about it?

"When I say marriage, it entails everything which exists in a marriage. Is that clear?"

I tried not to blush, "it's clear." I replied.

"What if......what if I don't want to?" I said softly.


I was anticipating his outburst. The seconds ticked by. He didn't respond. He slowly got out of his chair and walked behind my chair. He knelt and spoke quietly.



"I will make you mine, and you will like it, nothing is more erotic than a screaming woman in the throes of pleasure." He traced a finger down me as he spoke, and a shiver coursed through me.

"You're going to....rape me?" I was shivering.



"It is only rape if you are unwilling," he countered softly. "And I promise, you will not be unwilling."

His tone has dropped a quaver or two down. "Do you want to back out ?" His voice was almost a whisper.


I tried to turn around to look at him from behind, but he grabbed my shoulders and stopped me. Despite the layers of fabric between us, I sensed his touch was incredibly warm on my flesh. I shuddered slightly, and I was sure he did as well.

"Do you?" he inquired once more.

"No! Certainly not! However, it is preferable to have every little detail worked out in order to avoid any future complications!" I replied a little vehemently.



He left my shoulders as I heard his throaty laugh.



"So far, everything has gone well. Right! Let's get this over with as soon as possible." He returned to his workstation.

"I have one more question." I blurted.

He returned the question with a puzzled expression.



"Do I...do I have to bear you a child?"



For a brief moment, his face remained expressionless, as if he hadn't considered that possibility.



"A child? No, you are to be my wife, not a breeding mare. I am not expecting you to bear me a child. I'll be careful. However, if you happen to get pregnant......."

"I cant be pregnant," I said, interrupting him.


He looked at me blankly.

"That's exactly what I am saying. You don't have to."

"No, you didn't understand...I can't...I can't get pregnant. At least not until I get a surgery. I have a scar tissues problem. My gynaecologist has told me there is a negligible chances of conceiving and carrying a baby to full term." I explained everything my doctor had told me about scar tissue and surgery and how that affected my ability to get pregnant.


I observed genuine worry and sympathy in his expression as he listened closely. I despised it.

"I am sorry you had to go through that. I would make sure you get checked by the best specialists."

"It's fine; I'm not in a hurry to start a family anyway. I'd love to have them in the future....but not right now... Why were we discussing this?"



He rushed up to me and engulfed me in a hug.

"Don't worry, everything will be OK."

I'd never been more confused in my life; one moment he was hell bent on seducing me, the next he was consoling me. Aiden was an enigma. He broke the hug when I wiggled. For a while, we sat silently. Finally, I was able to break the stillness.



"My answer is yes. I am ready to be your wife for a year Mr Reiner." I said.



He smiled and there was a triumphant look on his face.

"I am looking forward to it, and please call me Aiden."




"Would you like something else to drink?" He inquired.

I gave a nod.



On his desk, he pressed the intercom button. "Martha, could you please send Mr Dawson in?"



David Dawson strolled in a split second later, clutching a professionally bound file, followed by Martha, a well-dressed lady.



"Please read, Mr Reiner, Miss Rosbak, and sign on the dotted lines," Dawson added.



I stood there watching Aiden sign the paperwork. I felt like I was selling my soul to the devil, but was there any other option? Mr Dawson read the contract after what seemed like a lifetime.



"It's all done, Mr Reiner, and Miss Rosbak, you're now legally bound, starting today."



Aiden raised a toast with a flourish, I'm not sure when he shoved a glass of whisky in my hand.



"To our marriage." He grinned.


I hesitantly raised my hand, feeling as though I had been sentenced to death.