4 - Let's set some rules

Sly looked on, completely raged. The registrar was extra patient because he knew who Sly was but when fifteen minutes passed like a second, even he was annoyed. Sly combed his dark brown hair with his fingers in frustration. He couldn’t understand the woman sitting beside him. Maybe he hasn't made the effort to under her in the first place. To him, this was just a contract but for her, it meant a lot. When he couldn’t wait anymore, he yanked her by the arm after excusing himself from the registrar.

They walked around till Sly found a small empty room. He shoved Monica in with himself and locked the door. The click of the keys jolted her into reality. She was alone with Sly in a locked room. What could happen? She has never been in a situation like this. Sly didn’t know what to do. He has never been in a situation like this either. He could have any girl he wanted. Majority would have jumped at this offer and yet, Monica makes him feel like a monster.

“Can you explain what happened there?” He forced his voice to be calm, not wanting to anger her. His life depended on this and he sacrificed all his work to make it happen. Now he understood being a social phobia was a big deal to someone like him. Monica was silent, inducing rage in Sly. He couldn’t take it any longer and walked close to her, lifting her chin with his palm, his eyes piercing into hers. Monica struggled to lower her gaze but Sly held her firmly in his palm.

Apprehension would not allow her to look him in the eyes. When Sly forced her to, she shut her eyes. Sly was insane. He could handle a whole company and a whole range of girls yet, a shy one is the one making him boil.

His voice turned deep and low, making it sound seductive. “Look at me when I'm talking to you. You should know how rude it is to look elsewhere during a conversation right?” Monica's demeanor relaxed. Slowly, she opened her eyes, not comfortable with the closeness. Her back was now against the wall, Sly’s form shadowing her. Her light brown eyes locked on his green eyes for the first time. Tension turned to fear, dissolving in comfort. “I.. I’m sorry okay, everything seems to be in a rush. I’m just scared so what would you have me do?”

Sly’s anger dissipated with her calm words. She was right but he needed this and his selfish self would not let him back down. “If you think you are just going to waste twelve months of your life, then you are wrong. Trust me on this, please. You only have to pretend when we are out. As soon as we get home, I will not bother you.”

Monica could see the genuineness in his eyes; her gaze softened. “Well, we have to set some rules. You can’t keep taking me by surprise,” she muttered.

“Give me your rules and I will try to obey,” Sly pressed on, his breath fanning her face.

Monica wiggled uncomfortably, yet his grip was strong. He thought it was the only way to make her speak what was on her mind but her answer was least expected. “Well, I have to eat first. I can’t think straight when I’m hungry,” Monica pouted. Sly's face lit up, his lips curling into a smile.

“I’m sorry about that. I will take you somewhere good to eat when we leave here. So are you ready now? I promise I won't take advantage of you or inconvenience you in any way and, if you must know, I'm a man of my words,” he said genuinely.

“That’s a good start,” Monica heaved a sigh of relief just when Sly pulled away.

They went back to the registrar and Monica signed the papers, this time without hesitation. They exchanged rings and Sly kissed her lightly on the cheek. She stiffened at the feel of his soft lips on her skin. She couldn't understand why she felt the way she did. It was something she had never felt before.

“All done, now walk with your head up high," Sly smirked. If you want to avoid people’s gazes, look above them but don’t bow your head as if they are above you. Come to think of it, you are above them all.”

She listened vividly to what Sly said and tried to practice. Well, easier said than done. It wasn’t just their gazes but their presence too. Being with Sly is nothing she has ever experienced. How can she match up to a lion-like him? Fortunately, they made their way to the car. “Have a good place in mind we can go for brunch?” Sly’s lips twitched into a warm smile. His cold intimidating demeanor had instantly turned warm.

Well, they have to pretend so Monica will only know who he truly is when they get home but right now, food was the only thing on her mind. Not liking social places, she would eat at the canteen when at school and always eat at home. Not even her best friend Gertrude could convince her otherwise but now, she had to do what she had to do.

“No, I will just t-trust your judgment,” she stammered. Sly eyes turned dark.

“Monica, if you can’t pretend to be my wife, can you see me as a brother or friend? You have to be comfortable around me. We have to make this real,” Sly emphasized seriously.

Monica bit her lips. “I understand okay, we just met today. I need time to get used to your ways,” she explained sincerely. Something about her talking to Sly seemed to scratch something in him.

It flickered in his eyes, even when though he hid it quickly. “I know a perfect way,” he smirked.

Monica looked on with unhidden confusion. What could he have in mind? All she needs is a simple meal. Should it be so demanding? She could only blindly trust him. After all, they are going to be stuck together for a whole year. She looked on pretending to be unphased but deep down, she wanted to know him and of course, her multi-million question - why her?

She stole glances at Sly's serious expression as he steered the wheel, not expecting where they arrived at.