The Billionaire’s Bargain Bride

Leash

SADIE

“So, you’re looking into my things now, too?” I studied him across the table as we shared this lunch. I couldn’t call it lunch date, but we were kind of on a honeymoon, so maybe, it was. And the seafood was delicious. Thank God I didn’t have allergies.

“I can’t call it looking into your things. The screen just lit up while I was looking for a piece of paper.” He was unapologetic— that was his strong suit, the only thing my brother was right about Cenric. “I can’t call it snooping either. I mean, if you don’t have something to hide, right?” His eyes glinted. There was something he knew that I didn’t.

“You’re fishing for info, Mr. Wollf with double L?”

“Is there info that’s worth to fish?”

I dabbed my lips with the napkin. “I’m sure I have nothing to hide that you haven’t already known. How’s your trip to Rios?”

“Successful. To many, many more success.” He took his drinks.

“To many, many more success.” I sipped my white wine. The butter-poached lobster was to die for, and so as the Quenelles in crayfish sauce.

Once we returned to the States, I should get ready for the reality ahead of me. I felt like I was being pulled into La La Land. I knew this had an expiry date. He couldn’t be this nice. I knew there was something dark inside him. I just hoped he’d show me right here, right now. At the back of my head, I didn’t want it to be true. I liked the person right in front of me, without shielding me with his walls. He was decent, kind, and thoughtful. At the same time, I wanted to see him switch back to his dark and ruthless businessman persona.

“Where did you go for a minute?”

I blinked. “What?”

“You went somewhere. I hope you took me with you. Wine?”

I shook my head. “I’m a light drinker.” But last night was a little bit off. I fell asleep right away. Maybe exhaustion from the wedding, the flight, and wine wasn’t the best combo.

“So did I notice last night. I hope the massage helped.”

I gave him a dreamy look. “God, that was so good. I feel like tons had lifted off my body. Thank you.”

“Glad you enjoyed it.”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“So, what’s next? Do you have plans?”

“Of course.” He rose from his seat. “Boat ride. I hope you don’t get seasick easily.”

“I still won’t say no.” I grabbed the hand he offered. God, if hope we will be like this forever. I could live with this business deal way better than with my family. I wrapped my hand around his strong arm as we walked out of the restaurant. “Where to, cowboy?”

“Your friend calls me hot. You don’t mind it?”

I looked up to meet his gaze. “I don’t mind.” That was full of crap. “Legally, you are my husband, so they can call you anything they like, as long as you’re on my leash.”

“Now we’re talking. I’m on your leash, huh?”

“Technically and legally. Whether you agree with me or not.”

“If you say so.”

“What’s your kink?”

“In bed? Do you really wanna know, or should I just show you instead?”

That made me laugh. He didn’t even initiate last night, and I didn’t think it would happen sooner, even if I laid naked in his bed. I didn’t know exactly what his reasons were, and it frustrated me to think that I wasn’t attractive enough or I couldn’t give him a hard-on.

I recalled that he said I was attractive, yet, he didn’t even kiss me. Maybe I looked too innocent and naive for him. Maybe only models and women with big boobs he’d ever be interested in.

“Sadie, you’re silent again. You’re absolutely overthinking something.” He stopped and cupped my face. “What’s bothering you?”

I let go of a shuddering breath and looked at him in the eye. “Is this even real? Are you even real right now? Is this even the man my brother told me that I should fear about?”

His brows met together in confusion. “Is that what he fed you? To fear me? Maybe you should or maybe not. I’m a powerful person. I own a billion-dollar empire. I can ruin your family without touching them if I want to. I can hide you from them or the face of the earth without a trace.”

I stared at him as those dark eyes met mine, piercing me with his intense gaze. As he kept talking, it occurred to me that he could be that two people at the same time— the good husband and the monster boogeyman I feared when I was a kid.

“It’s up to you if you will believe him or not. But what you see here right now is your husband. But make no mistake, I don’t play games fairly if I’m interested in something. I make sure I will win and always get what I want. So, I’m warning you now, to never lie to me or betray me or play games with me because you know you won’t win.”

My mouth dried. My throat clogged. I bit my bottom lip as hard as I could to stop from trembling as I nodded in understanding.

I felt his lips press against my forehead before he pulled me into his arms. “Don’t be scared of me. I won’t hurt you. Ever. I’m not them.”

“I know.” My voice barely came out.

“Are you still up for a boat ride?” This time his voice was as soft as butter.

“Hell yeah.”

“Atta girl.”

When he mentioned a boat, I thought it was like dinghies, skiffs, or inflatable boats, not a freaking yacht.

I burst into laughter as I stared at the yacht on the dock.

“What? Don’t tell me you’re backing out?” He was amused. His grin amped up.

“Well, I thought when you told me a boat ride, I was expecting—” I waved off my hand. “Never mind. I should keep reminding myself that I married a freaking billionaire.”

We settled at the foremast. His gang accompanied us at the back. I didn’t care to ask where we headed. I was sure they knew what they were doing. I just enjoyed the ride, or rather, the sail while it lasted.

“You pack a bag for me, right?” I looked at my husband beside me.

“Don’t worry. You won’t be butt naked in front of those hungry assholes.”

I chuckled. “I always dreamed of lying butt naked in the sun, you know?”

“Really? In front of those assholes?”

“You mean friends? I think they would catch bullets for you, if ever, especially Beck and Gabe. How long have they been working for you?”

“They were in my team.”

“Wow! So they’re your brothers. You would die for them as well.”

“You sound so surprised.” He came behind me and wrapped his arms around me. “I would protect you with my life, too, Sadie. That’s unquestionable.”

“You don’t have to do that. I can protect myself.”

He chuckled and thought it was funny. “That’s one of my vows. So suck it up, woman.”

“That’s the first time you called me woman.”

“You are my wo— wait a second.” He suddenly realized something, and I felt the burning sensation on my cheeks. Crap. Please don’t ask.”Oh, boy.” He slapped his forehead.

“Disappointed much?” My heart sank. I held his arms as I tried to loosen them around me. Instead, he squeezed me into a sweet embrace.

“I’m—” He seemed to lose his words. “Remind me to thank your asshole brother. I can’t even imagine someone touching what’s mine.”

“Just so you know, I touched myself and used something. I’m twenty-one, and I have needs, as well.”

“Just wish I won’t see those things again, or I swear I will hang them on the Christmas tree.”

I laughed out loud. “Good luck with that.”

“How many exes I should kill?”

I turned around to face him. “Seriously, dude? They didn’t even get to the second base. And we were in high school.”

“Still, they kissed these lips.” He ran his thumb on my lips, his eyes darkening. His voice deepened.

I rolled my eyes. “For someone who didn’t want to meet me and didn’t even want to touch me, you’re damn so possessive.”

“That’s fucking true.” Those were the last words I heard before he slammed his mouth against mine in a possessive first raw kiss.