“But—” Protests rise in my chest, getting caught in my throat. I want to scream at him, hammer my fists against his wide, strong chest. But I also want to throw my arms around him, stretch up on my tiptoes, and touch those gorgeous lips with mine.
I thought I’d never see him again.
“So, shall we sign?” he asks me with a cheeky grin.
How I used to love that grin.
It crinkles his eyes a little and turns up the edges of his mouth, making him look even cuter than usual. He’s practically glowing with amusement, and the urge to give in to it and laugh with him is almost overpowering.
No, Lexa! Remember what that humor is like when it’s turned on you.
I fold my arms across my chest and take a few steps back. He watches me, his cheeky smile still on his face, but the humor drains out of his gaze.
He’s not sure. Good. He damn well shouldn’t be!
“I don’t see how this can work,” I say. “You know exactly how things are between us. We can’t sign the contract.”
“I don’t think there’s another match for either of us,” Kit says with some concern. “Forgive me for saying so, Lexa, but you look a little rough. I’m more than happy to help. Why don’t we just sign on now, and if it doesn’t work out, we can get a divorce later.”
A harsh laugh croaks out of me. “That sounds like a complicated solution to a problem that doesn’t even need to happen.”
Kit shrugs. “And how does it compare to the problems that brought you here?”
My mouth snaps shut as I glare at him again.
I hate this, I hate this!
But… I really have no choice.
Painful memories grip my heart, choking the life out of me. My mother’s death, my father kidnapping me to haul me back to Grace’s Fall… and Kit dumping me.
Dumping me right after we made love. After he said I was all he wanted, and he’d take care of me forever.
A low growl rises in my throat, and I clench my fists to stop myself from slapping him.
“Lexa?”
“Shut up,” I mutter, so low that he probably can’t hear.
“I am happy to see you again,” Kit says almost in a whisper.
I jerk my eyes over to him, examining him closely for lies. All I can see is his wide, innocent eyes and an extremely kissable mouth. Even though part of me is recoiling in fear, another part of me is waking up with breathless, fevered passion.
“Okay,” I answer, my voice croaking as I force the words out. “Let’s sign. As much as I hate to admit it, I am low on options right now, and I need this deal. It doesn’t mean I’m sticking with it, though.”
“Of course,” Kit says, flicking his thumb across his phone screen. “I have no expectations. It is very good to see you, Lexa.”
I swipe to the last page of the contract, looking up at Kit as I leave my digital signature. He looks sincere, and my resolve weakens as I look into his big, beautiful eyes.
What the hell am I doing?
His phone vibrates and pings, then mine does, too. A text message appears, alerting us that the files have been submitted and stored.
“Congratulations!”Iris’s message appears immediately after.“I wish both of you the very best in this union. I’ll be in touch over the coming weeks, but I’m confident that this is a strong match that will meet both your needs! Good luck, you two.”
I stare at my phone, feeling angry enough to hurl it to the ground. Kit holds out a hand to me, and I glare at him.
“Ready to go?” he asks, wiggling his fingers.
