Page 18 of The King Contract
“I got that part.”
“Furthermore, this agreement is solely meant to establish rules and boundaries for a loving and fulfilling relationship?—”
“This isn’t a real relationship,” I cut in, panic lacing my tone. “Let’s take that out.”
“Agreed.” Noah snatches a pen from the table and scribbles on the paper. “Exclusivity. The Couple agrees to be faithful sexually and emotionally for all intents and purposes as outlined in the contract. No other partners are allowed.” Noah peers at me over his papers and I shift under his gaze. “I can’t have you snapped sleeping around behind my back. But given the way you reacted to my comments about your lack of sexual activity, I’m guessing that won’t be a problem.”
I plaster on a fake smile. “You’re hilarious.”
Noah’s rakish grin sends an unexpected shiver through my body. “Personal needs. The Couple agrees to hang out?—”
“Fivetimes per week?” I cry, running my gaze over the detailed paper. “Three of those in public and, or around other people.”
“I need people to believe we’re obsessed,” Noah says, plopping down opposite me and kicking his feet up onto the table. “That means we have to spend lots of time together in a small amount of time. And at some point, overnight. On the non-public days, we can stay in separate rooms here.”
“Not all of us have this much spare time,” I argue. “I’m in the café nearly every day and I’d like to have a life outside of that.”
“Your new life is with me.”
My breath catches for a split-second, before I clear my throat. “How aboutfourtimes per week?”
“Fine.” Noah makes a mark on his copy. “Romantic activity and physical touch.”
I close my eyes. “This is insane.”
“And yet, here you are.” I snap my eyes open as Noah lowers the file. “Millie, this contract is to protectbothof us. I want to make sure you help me out, and you want to make sure you get paid. This is so we’re both on the same page.Literally. That no one crosses a line they shouldn’t and you’re comfortable with everything. Say the word, and we’ll can it.”
I hate that he’s right. This entire scenario is insane, but I agreed to the idea. I came to his house. I’m going through the paperwork. I need the payment at the end of this.
“Keep going,” I sigh.
“We’ve got to go through what we’re both comfortable with ensuring neither of us feels violated or at risk,” Noah explains.
I scan the page in front of me. “Handholding? What does that mean?”
Noah’s mouth lifts. “Sometimes, when people care about each other, they hold hands.”
I’m shaking my head before he’s even finished his sentence, and he lets out an exasperated grunt. “Jesus, if I can’t even hold your hand, we’re going to be in strife.”
I exhale a slow, deliberate breath.You can cope with handholding, Millie.“Handholding is acceptable.”
“Embracing. Can I hug you? Touch your body on your lower back, around your shoulders, etcetera?” The fact Noah looks sincere, waiting patiently for my response, is unsettling.
I bite in the inside of my cheek. “I guess so?”
“I guess so isn’t an option.” Noah flicks his curls out of his eyes. “Yes, or no? Bear in mind, we’re meant to be a couple obsessed with each other.”
“Yes,” I agree reluctantly. “Try to give me a heads up before you do it.”
Noah nods, ticking the box on his paper. “Kissing.”
“No way.”
“You mean, no tongue?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I mean, no kissing my mouth at all.”
Noah’s smile is about to break his face. “What about on the cheek? On the head?”
