Page 94 of The King Contract
“It’s the perfect love story,” she explains. “Fake-dating, to friends, to actual lovers. Be still my beating heart.”
“Oh, stop it.” But there’s a part of me that can’t help but cling to that idea.
“So, what happens at the end of next month?”
Unease settles in my gut. “I get paid, and we go our separate ways.”
Ellis looks at me disapprovingly. “Come on, Millie.”
“It doesn’t change the agreement,” I say flatly. “Noah needs a cleaner image and no distractions, and I need the money.”
“What does Noah say?”
I shrug. “I haven’t asked him.”
Ellis looks exasperated. “Why not?”
“Because!” I stand up, collecting the file in my hands. “I’m scared of the answer.”
“Oh, Millie.” Ellis’s face is pinched. “I wish you told me.”
“I know, but I couldn’t,” I reply. “I signed legal documents stating I wouldn’t tell a soul. Plus, if it gets out we’re in a fake relationship, the fall-out for Noah would be awful. He risks losing his place in the pros and I wouldn’t get paid. That’s what’smost important here.” I attempt a chuckle, but it gets caught in my throat.
Ellis places a hand on mine. “Are you falling for him?”
“No one’s falling for anyone,” I say adamantly. “It’s a little crush on my side. That’s it.”
We had the most incredible few days together and I want to stay in this bubble. Thinking about what happens in a month’s time makes me nauseous and the thought of Noah wanting to end it all? That makes me feel worse.
Ellis pats my hand. “There’s nothing in your contract about what happens if you develop crushes.”
“No, but I wish there was,” I grumble. “We didn’t exactly factor in what would happen if one of us developed feelings for the other. I’m sorry. Please don’t hate me for not telling you.”
She smiles. “You’ve always been a rule-follower. I would never expect you to break the obligations written out in a law-abiding contract. Although you signing it in the first place is surprising.”
“I don’t know what came over me,” I admit. “Common sense and logic go out the window when you need money. It seemed so stupid, I figured. What’s the worst that could happen?”
“Perhaps getting feelings for the hottie you agreed to play pretend with?” Ellis suggests.
“They’re not feelings,” I bite. “I’m just horny. I haven’t had sex in forever and he’s good with his mouth. And his hands. He’s good with everything.”
Ellis’ eyes flash with interest. “Is he now?”
I close my eyes. “You have no idea.”
I try not to think about how good he is with his everything.
37
MILLIE
Such a chicken
On New Year’s Eve,I head to Noah’s house for a low-key night in. Noah meant what he said about getting back into training after Christmas. Callum implemented a strict training regimen for him, and all four boys are off the booze out of solidarity. To avoid any temptations, Noah’s invited me for a night in where we can watch the fireworks from his deck.
“Are we boring for staying in?” Noah’s forehead creases with concern as he greets me at the door. He’s shirtless, unsurprisingly, and my gaze greedily drags across his tanned muscles, lingering at the ‘v’ shape dipping under his waistband.
“No, we’re not boring,” I reply, meeting his gaze. “This is my dream scenario. New Year’s Eve is overrated.”
