Page 20 of The King Contract
“No.”
Noah goes through the rest of the contract like it’s the easiest thing in the world, from financial obligations and liabilities to the final page, which discusses the execution of the agreement.
“This agreement shall continue until one partner gives notice to the other of breaking up and, therefore, this agreement’s termination,” Noah recites. He glances at me. “You can bow out at any time. I’m not a demon. However, in the event of a breakup instigated by you, financial obligations will cease.”
“Seems fair,” I agree.
“The contract is complete when Party A, that’s me, has secured a sponsor or the date of twenty-second of January is reached, whichever comes first. That’s when I’ll leave for the Pipe Pro.” Noah looks up. “You good with that?”
The twenty-second of January is a little over three months away. Three months of lying, faking and pretending. Three months of being someone I’m not, for a guy I don’t like, to get some cash I desperately need.
I nod. “I’m good with that.”
Noah whips out his phone and makes a call to his lawyer, who updates the paperwork with our suggestions in a matter of minutes. When Noah returns with a fresh copy for us both to sign, I swallow my nerves.
“Each partner agrees they have read and understood this agreement in its entirety and have executed on the undersigned date,” Noah recites after going through the changes. He signs his name at the bottom and initials in places indicated by his lawyer. He turns the paperwork to me. “If you’re still in, sign here.”
Is this the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever been a part of? Yes.
Do I need the money? Absolutely.
“Give me that pen.”
8
NOAH
Your hand is sweaty
“Alright.”I drop the signed paperwork on the table and get to my feet. “Nothing like the present time to start.” I hold out a hand towards Millie.
Her gaze darts to it before landing back on my face. “What are you doing?”
“I think we should practice touching.”
“Now?”
Her terrified expression almost makes me laugh. “Yes, now. When would you suggest we start? When we’re in public and everyone’s looking at us?”
She stares at my hand, dragging her bottom lip into her mouth and biting down so hard it looks painful. Having a woman this resistant to touching me is a first.
“You know, I never took you for someone to go back on their word,” I say. “A goody-two-shoes. A nerd, yes. But never a liar. Never lacking integrity. Aflog.”
Millie’s mouth drops open.Got her.
“You’re not using that word correctly,” she grits out. “A flog is someone who is considered pretentious, conceited or foolish.”
“Would you not agree you’re foolish for putting yourself in this situation?”
She narrows her eyes. “I amnota flog.”
“Prove it.”
Millie shoots to her feet and slaps her hand into mine, squeezing it hard for good measure.
I squeeze it back. “That wasn’t so hard now, was it?”
“I hate you.” Her gaze darts to our conjoined hands. “This is weird.”
