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Chapter 31
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Contracted Husband Chapter 32
You were late," Nathan remarks. I glance back at their direction and find her sitting comfortably on his lap with her arms coiled around his neck. She leans in, body pressing intimately close to his as her eyes meet mine. Slowly, it dawns on me - she is trying to stake her claim. "I had a lot of shopping to take care of yesterday. The important thing is I'm here now," she chimes in. "Alright, please take your seat. We’re about to take off," he says. "Sure," she says. I watch as she leans down and kisses him squarely on his lips once more before sitting beside him. It’s hard to overlook how she still has her arm wrapped around my Nathan .Damn it, he’s not yours,I try to remind myself. "Mildred, meet Natalia he introduces. An unspoken exchange occurs between them, and then he continues, "Miss Natalia Ford meet Mildred." "His girlfriend," Mildred adds before throwing me a fake smile. I can already tell this trip will be a long one. Who brings a girlfriend along on an important busi
Contracted Husband Chapter 33
Mildred, kindly stay out of this. This is my business,” he says as he turns to face her. He returns his attention to me.“Give me a second; I need to talk to my uncle,” I mutter before turning away from him. I quickly dig out my phone and dial his number. It rings for the first time, but he doesn’t answer. I glance behind me and find Mildred entering the first car while Nathan stands in place with his hands shoved inside his pockets. I remove my eyes from him when our gazes clash.“Please, pick up,” I mutter as I dial his number again. Staying under the same roof with Nathan is a big no, given how much he despises me. Besides that, it’s not ideal considering our past.“Natalia ” I breathe a sigh of relief when my uncle finally answers the call.“Uncle Tyler, thank goodness, I’ve been trying to reach you.”“Oh dear, I’m sorry, I stepped out of my office for a while. Are you in Miami already?” He asks.“Yes, Uncle.”“Oh, that’s wonderful; I trust your flight was good,” he says.“Yes, it
Contracted Husband Chapter 34
I square my shoulders, determined not to give him the satisfaction of winning this. I walk up to him and stop in front of him. He says nothing, and it makes it harder that I can’t read his expression. All I know is that he is staring at me.“My uncle has explained the situation.”“Good. I hope I won’t have to deal with you running to your uncle every time on this project when we face difficulties,” he says with a deadly calm voice. His subtle insult hits me, and I glare at him in annoyance.“I don’t run to him. I needed clarification only he could provide, and that’s what I asked him for. I didn’t think you would have a problem with that,” I state while folding my arms and watching him.“Good. Tyler said you were capable of handling this. I don’t want to believe otherwise,” he says. I clench my fists as I try hard to hold on to my control. I want to call him out for being unnecessarily insulting, but I restrained myself. Of course, I knew this is all part of his distaste for me. I won
Contracted Husband Chapter 35
"No, you didn't, Aunt Maryann," I assure her."Yes, I did. Please, when you're back, just talk to me," she pleads. I release a sigh knowing this is unavoidable."Okay, we will talk.""Oh, thank you," she says, and I give her a sad smile "How are you? How is Miami? Tyler said you are working with Nathan . That's a good reunion if you ask me. ""There is no reunion, Aunt Maryann. ""Nonsense," she says."Take this advice from me; enjoy your trip the best way you can," she says."It's a business trip," I correct her with a smile."Whatever. I can't wait to see you again." I chuckle."Me neither. Take care of yourself, okay?" I tell her."Will do," she replies before I drop my phone. I quickly get out of bed and take a shower. After getting dressed, I leave the room and take moment to admire the beautiful house. Surprisingly the living room is empty, and I feel relieved that Nathan hasn’t woken up yet. I assume the trip has tired him out or he is busy with Mildred. The latter thought doe
Contracted Husband Chapter 36
“Please, go in while I go get your food,” Mrs. Brown says, stopping in front of a door. I raise an eyebrow at her. “This is the dining room; that’s the kitchen,” she points to the last door in the hallway. “Oh, I’ll just grab my breakfast and bring it here,” I suggest. “No, you don’t need to do that. As Nathan s guest, it’s my responsibility to take care of you,” she says with a cute Frown “Grabbing my food is nothing. Plus, it’s unreasonable for you to go through the stress when I can easily grab it and bring it here,” I tell her. “Please, let’s just go together,” I suggest, and she smiles. “If you insist,” she replies. “Thank you,” I respond with a smile. I’m taken aback when we enter the kitchen and finds a younger lady in the same uniform as Mrs. Brown. “Good morning,” the lady greets me with a bright smile. I relax and return the gesture. “Matilda, this is Natalia , Nathan ’s guest,” Mrs. Brown introduces. It starts making sense that this is the person Nathan mentioned
Contracted Husband Chapter 37
Curious, I frown and ask, “What do you mean by that?”“Oh, it’s nothing. It’s not like it’s any of my business. It’s just that a kind man like Nathan deserves someone better than Miss Russell,” Matilda adds. My brows raise in surprise.“Well, I suppose if Nathan believes she brings him happiness, then there is no harm in supporting their love,” I respond half-heartedly.“You’re right. As I said, the important thing is that Nathan is happy,” Mrs. Brown concludes, and I offer a smile.“Sure,” I respond.“Back to your breakfast; let me set your tray so you can be on your way,” Mrs. Brown says, and I smile in response.“Thank you. I appreciate that,” I respond.I watch as Mrs. Brown sets the tray. It doesn’t take her more than a few minutes before she hands it over to me.“Thank you,” I say, taking the tray and preparing to leave. But when Mildred walks in, I freeze. She gives me a piercing look as her eyes land on me.“Good morning.”If looks could kill, I’d be six feet under. I can’t he
Contracted Husband Chapter 38
NATALIA I can’t believe a week has already passed since I arrived here. By now, I’m used to the routine; every morning, Nathan and I inspect the houses together. That’s as far as our interactions go. He acts as though I’m invisible, and I do my best to pretend that it doesn’t bother me. The only things that brighten my day are my calls to Goerge , Bekah and Aunt Maryann. They are the only ones who help me distract myself from everything.As I head to the living room after breakfast, I hear voice. I roll my eyes, imagining Mildred and Jeffrey arguing once again. Mildred has been using every opportunity to prove to me she has Nathan , even though it’s clear that I have no connection with him. Her insecurities are obvious and it’s annoying. I mentally prepare myself for a show, but I’m surprised to find Nathan alone with his phone pressed to his ears.“You told me you were going to cancel,” he says to whoever is on the other end.“Oh, so now I’m being selfish,” he adds. I glance around,
Contracted Husband Chapter 39
“I didn’t think I’d have to talk to you about this but, Natalia , this is something serious. I’m asking you to go on a dinner date with me.”“We need to act as the perfect couple to the press and convince Mr. Lucas to agree to expand the charity to more nations,” he explains. I gape at him, wondering what is going on.“Are you serious right now? You want me to pretend to be your fiancé? Have you forgotten how much you despise me?” I retort.“You think I hate you? I wish I could,” he scoffs, leaving me frozen and confused.“Listen, this is very important to me. I wouldn’t have asked you if it wasn’t,” he says, his eyes brimming with sincerity.“I’m not sure about this, Nathan ; I’m terrible at pretending.” I admit.“I know that which is why you’re perfect for this. I’m ready to pay any amount for your help,” he says, and I gape at him in shock.“Are you kidding me? You want to pay me?” I ask, anger flashing in my eyes, as I gape at him.“I’m sorry if my words offended you. I just assum
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“You’re here!” I say, heading toward it but stop when it’s Katy who appears.“You!” she hisses. “I knew something was off. He didn’t kill you!”Before I can answer, she’s on me like a rabid cat. She claws at me, slapping every part of me she can make contact with.Startled, I raise my hands protectively over my face, afraid to hit her back and severely hurt her. As it is, Nathan already hates me for any part I might have played in the death of his father.The woman may be older and weaker, but her strikes are impactful. She shoves against me, slapping her palms against my shoulders and chest, driving me toward the rear of the deck. It all happens so fast that I don’t realize I’m so close to the glass rail until it hits my lower back.“You have to calm down!” I plead.“Why did he have to want you? You look nothing like me! But Leo always liked them younger. Tell me, did you like how he fucked you?”“What? You think I slept with your husb—” Another whack, this time right across the chin
Contracted Husband Chapter 159
But he saved my life. He risked himself to keep me alive. And fuck it all, I love him! I can’t just sit back and let him die.A chair is pushed and the sound of footsteps come my way. Before they reach the doors, I bolt out the entrance and am already across the street when I hear, “Natalia !”But I don’t stop. Don’t look back. My mission now is to save Nathan Natalia Irun like the Devil is at my heels, not bothering to glance back over my shoulder, because even that simple action could cost me precious seconds.For blocks, I maintain that speed, my lungs burning and the stitch on my side threatening to bring me down.When I’m far enough that I feel anyone following would have lost sight of me, I tuck myself into an alley and wait. After several minutes, I tug my cell phone out and dial Nathan , but it goes straight to voicemail.“Pick up, dammit!” I dial again, but like before, it goes to his mail.“Nathan . You have to leave your house. A man named Steven Kroos is coming. He’s bri
Contracted Husband Chapter 158
“The hell it is. Do you have any idea the worry you put me through? No calls or texts the last couple of—” His eyes bulge from his skull as he takes in the blood on my shirt. “You’re hurt.” “No, Dad. It’s not my blood. I’m not hurt.” He digs his fingertips into the corners of his eyes as if he’s trying to keep from crying. “I thought I would lose my mind when I found out exactly who you were with. His name isn’t Nathan Manguire . It’s Nathan Carlos .” I rear back in shock that he knows. “What?” “My gut was right, Em. He’s a fucking criminal. The worst kind.” “How do you know that?” From the study, the handsome man who visited the gallery to meet with Dad steps out. Steven Kroos . His icy-blue stare roves over me, and he smiles. “I’m glad to see you’re home safe. Especially after being in the Robertson den.” “Mr. Kroos is the one who tracked down information on Carlos . Nathan is their new godfather.” His eyes narrow on me. “But you already knew that, didn’t you?” Looking betwee
Contracted Husband Chapter 157
He tilts his head, his eyes raking over my face, searching. “What makes you think that?” “It was in the way he looked at me,” I say. “It’s the same wayyoulook at me. I know you said he loved your stepmother, but I swear it’s true.” “I saidsheloved him. I never said he loved her back.” He glances out the windshield, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. “Is that why you killed him? You didn’t appreciate his attentions?” “He came to the house when my father wasn’t there. I’m not even sure how he got in. But he followed me from room to room and begged me to give him a chance. I asked him to leave, told him that he was scaring me. He decided to grab me and try to kiss me. “I got out of his hold and ran to the desk drawer my father keeps his Glock in and threatened him. He still refused to leave. The moment he took a step toward me, I shot. It was meant to scare him, nothing more. I could never kill anyone. The bullet grazed his arm, but he was alive.” “You didn’t follow him out?
Contracted Husband Chapter 156
“You cut yourself,” I say. “It wouldn’t have been believable otherwise.” “Why did you do it, Nathan ? Why did you spare my life?” He pulls over several blocks from my house. We sit there in silence for what seems like forever, the only sound the pitter-patter of scattered rain against the windshield. “Why did you save me?” I repeat the question that’s been burning in my mind. “Your mother wants me dead, but you saved me.” Without turning to me, he replies, “Iwanted you dead.” His response is another blow to my already battered heart. But he deserves the truth. “I didn’t kill your father, Nathan . It wasn’t me.” Now he does turn to me and I almost wish he hadn’t. The shadows I’ve wondered about from the start have emerged and they’re darker and more terrifying than I could have imagined. They’re blackened with Nathan ’s fury, hate, grief, and confusion. They tear at my chest, splaying it open. Raw pain fills me at the sight of those beautiful golden eyes looking so tortured, spa
Contracted Husband Chapter 155
My gaze flicks from her to the elevator and to the rooftop access door, wondering if I could somehow reach either of them. And if I did, are they unlocked? As if from out of thin air, Nathan produces a piece of rope. When he tries to take one of my wrists, I make to get up again, but I’m slammed into the damned chair again. It doesn’t matter how much I fight, he easily pulls my hands behind me and ties them. “You wanted her, there she is,” he says to her, and I notice with at least a bit of satisfaction that he’s panting. I guess I wasn’t that easy to subdue. Nathan ’s stepmother comes toward me, her hips swaying. She sips her wine as she studies me. “You killed my husband.” I don’t bother to respond to her comment. She doesn’t care what I have to say. If she did, she would have asked me if I did it. And if so, why. All she cares about is revenge. The who, what, and why of it doesn’t matter to her. Turning to Nathan , I realize he’s not once asked me either. They’re the same. Part
Contracted Husband Chapter 154
“Mmm. Is it that or that you have Natalia Kane in your bed?”I stiffen, feeling my heart leap into my throat. She knows my name?“Who I have in my bed is none of your concern,” Nathan says.“It is when that whore killed your father! That’s right,” she adds, “I know it was her.”My heart isn’t just in my throat anymore. It seems to have stopped. Suddenly, my blood pressure drops and every pore in my body releases sweat.“John ” I hear Nathan murmur just as I pull away.There’s walking, the sound of heels clacking against the wood floors. “John was loyal to Gustavo and Leo . Of course he would be loyal to me as well.”“Then he’s useless to me,” he says.“You’ve known it was her for days and have done nothing about it!” she shouts.“It is at my discretion to decide what and when I will do something, Katy .”“The godfather only has power so long as the men respect him. How do you think they will react when they find out that instead of killing her, you’ve been fucking her?”My mind racin
Contracted Husband Chapter 153
Or maybe I’ll just fuck you until we both die.” Her eyes fly open, and for a moment, there are no walls between us. The pain, betrayal, and lust are bared fully. “Then fuck me,” she finally says. “And maybe we’ll die together.” My mouth is on hers then. I slide my fingers from her cunt and we both work savagely at getting rid of my clothes. All the while, we kiss with a passion that only the dying know. The instant I’m naked, I’m inside her, thrusting, burying my dick all the way to the balls, pulling back out, and slamming home again. Natalia is wrapped around me, arms and legs holding me tightly against her as she lifts her hips up, meeting each of my thrusts. We fuck like we’re drowning and these are our last gasping breaths. Deep and desperate. She fits me like a fucking glove, her pussy tight around my dick, her body molding to mine perfectly. The way she tastes, smells, feels… It all fits me like no one else ever has, and for the briefest of moments, I almost wish I’d neve
Contracted Husband Chapter 152
I flip it open and freeze, focused intensely on the drawing of a pair of eyes.Myeyes. Only, they’re not the way I’m accustomed to seeing them. They have the same shape, same dark spots on the irises. There’s a deep crease between them. But in the drawing, they’re slightly upturned and crinkled at the edges, and there’s a slight gleam to them, as if I’m smiling.Because I was.Several times, she called my name, grinning so widely when I looked at her that I couldn’t help but smile. She captured those moments.Does light penetrate shadows, or do the shadows drown out the light?I asked that question not long ago. The answer is both. She’s managed to light up my eyes while I’ve filled hers with darkness.Blowing out a breath full of exhaustion, I set the sketch aside. Tired, I shut my lids and must drift off instantly, because a bolt of lightning that rumbles even through the sound barriers I’ve erected around the loft wakes me. Instantly, I glance at the door.Though she has access to w
