Semua Bab The Bargain : Bab 51 - Bab 60

“I already have a dress for the party.” Racheal said, looking at the large garment rack between her and the beauty team. “I don't need a dress, thank you.”“They are all paid for already, ma'am.” The leader of the team said.“What?” Racheal looked at them in disbelief. This was not how it worked. She should have been given the option to pick a dress from the bunch, and they would have returned the rest. Looking at the garment rack that held at least thirty fancy dresses, she wondered what the president wanted? Why was he suddenly being so generous?“I'd still like to wear my dress.” She said. The beauty team leader shrugged and pushed the hanger aside. Her maids began to transfer the dresses to her closet, as the team went to work. They buffed her nails and scrubbed her feet. Scrubbed her skin and masked up her face, trimmed her hair an inch so they could better style it. They were in her suite all day. By late noon they were finally satisfied that her skin was ready for makeup.

“I do not like how distant you and Spencer are. It almost seems like you are a single woman.” Spencer Sherrod said. Racheal looked at him, speechless.“I will have Steffan join you in this your new job, especially if the press would be there. He is a busy man, but he will clear his schedule if I ask him to.” Spencer Sherrod continued. Racheal could not find the words to say. She could not believe this was happening again. Her freedom was about to be squeezed even tighter. She enjoyed being on her own, not answerable to a husband she didn't even love.“You know I am not doing this to be wicked right? How can you give me grandchildren if you both are so far away.” Spencer Sherrod said.Racheal’s jaw dropped. “Yes. Our pact with Xen will be useless if you do not have children to make the country really one. And the coterie will start asking questions if you are not pregnant soon.” Spencer Sherrod said, stood up, and turned his back to her.That was it. He'd said what he wanted to and

Steffan stepped back. For a few seconds, the anger in his eyes was replaced by hurt. But it disappeared just as quickly as Racheal had seen it.“You really think I am such a monster.” He said flatly. It was not a question, and there was no emotion in his voice. He turned away, and continued undressing. Racheal stood and just stared at him, unsure of her next words. She had always known this day would come, since the day her father announced the wedding. But did she really want to share a bed with this man?Was she ready to start truly living as man and wife with this man? She suddenly missed the life she had the past few weeks. She had thought she was suffering, but she was left alone. Her time was hers alone, and she did not have to stare at Steffan’s face, inhaling his scent even though she was angry at him.She was still standing as he walked towards the bathroom. Their bathroom, that is what she thought it was now. He returned almost immediately, pinning her with his gaze. His

Steffan was looking at her in surprise. Although she was uncomfortable under his gaze, she did not look away. “What did you just say?” He asked, his voice low and emotionless. She could not tell if he was simply surprised or angry, or both. She wondered if she should just drop it. The last thing she wanted was to make Steffan mad to the point he left her. That will push his father to punish her.“Before I married you, I had to be examined by a doctor against my will, to make sure I had remained chaste. My father said the Sherrods insisted on a chaste bride.” If she was going to allow herself to be swayed by this man’s kindness again, she had to be certain he was truly a good person, to some extent at least.Steffan just stared at her like she had suddenly grown two heads. She shifted in her seat impatiently, waiting for him to respond. They were drawing close to the presidential villa now.“How did they do it?” “What?”“You said it was against your will, were you threatned or rest

Racheal took her hand out of Steffan's. The memory of her experience at the interrogation room made her eyes sting with tears. “What if YOU hurt me, who should I tell?” she asked, pressing her lips together to hold back her tears. She was unaware that the tears had broken free, till she felt Steffan’s warm fingers wiping her face. Damn! Why was she so quick to break down?“Come, I made a bath for you.” He said turning quickly. He grabbed her hand, and he led her out of the closet. The bubble bath smelled so good, and looked irresistibly inviting to her exhausted body. But did this man intend to bathe her?As if reading her thought, he said, “You can step in with your lingerie on.”“I would like to have a private bath.” She said in the most serious tone she could put on.“No.” He said. “You still have not eaten, what if you pass out again.” What he said made logical sense, and she would have her a pair of lingerie on. At the very least, the lingerie was still one layer between her