“Doesn’t matter,” he shook his head.
“Yes, it does,” I nodded. “And what’s your proposal?”
“It’s simple.Marriage.”
My eyes grew wide for a second as I blinked at him profusely.Marri—what!?
“Marriage?” I almost laughed and he nodded. “Elaborate,sweetheart,” I pulled my legs onto the couch.
“If we get married I can guarantee you money and protection.”
“Yeah? And what’s in it for you?” I asked, popping a grape into my mouth.Sure, I’ll entertain this horrid idea.
“Don’t worry about me.”
“Nope,” I shook my head, popping the ‘p’. “You’re telling me or I won’t even consider it.”
He heavily sighed, looking around then back at me. “If I can’t find a wife of myliking,my family will suggest an arranged marriage.”
I paused, nodding my head. Slowly, a grin formed. “So youlikeme,” I smiled.
“Itolerateyou. There’s a difference.”
“Well…” I rolled my eyes. “I’ll have you know I’m very likable.”
“I’m sure,” he deadpanned.
“Is this some kind of joke?” I asked but he only raised a brow at me. “Because I could’ve sworn you walked in with a date.”
“She was my business partner; she wasn’t my date.”
“Right, because you bring all yourbusiness partnersto strip clubs.”
He seemed conflicted, and reluctant. “The business aspect of it iscomplicated.”
I faked a playful gasp. “Oh, likesexual?” I leaned in to whisper and slowly enunciated the word. “Scandalous,” I teased but he didn’t seem to be in the mood for jokes.But what the hell, when was he ever?“Are you trying to start some polygamous thing because I’ll have you know, I’m not into that,” I shook my head. “Plus, the women in your life, that I’ve met, arefartoo basic to call my sister wives.”
“I’m not married.”
“Yeah. I’m sure you say that to get the women to agree and then bam! Sister wives,” I said and watched the muscle in his jaw tick.
“I’m not starting anything polygamous, Nirah. You’ll be myonlywife,” he calmly said and I pressed my lips into a thin line. “What do you think?”
“Ithinkyou’re extremely annoyed with me right now.”
His question held a sarcastic edge. “Really?”
“Yeah. I’m good at reading people. Your face says it all.”
He proceeded to play my little game. “What exactly am I thinking?”
“That you would love nothing more than to hit this bowl of grapes out of my hand and smack some trust into me.”
“I don’t hit women.”
“Oh, how I’ve heard that before,” I dramatically rolled my eyes.Yeah, right.
“What?”
