Chapter 6: The Kiss That Wasn’t In The Contract
256 Words
The gala was a nightmare in heels and diamonds.
“Smile,” Aiden whispered in my ear, his hand on the small of my back.
“We’re the perfect couple, remember?”
Perfect. Right. The couple that signed papers instead of vows.
Flash after flash went off. Reporters shouting: “Mr. Cross! Is this your new wife?”
Aiden’s arm tightened around me. “Yes. My wife.”
The word hit me in the chest.
Halfway through the night, his business rival cornered us.
“So this is her? The poor girl?” The man smirked. “How much did you pay her, Cross?”
Aiden went still. Dangerous.
“Watch your mouth.”
“Or what? You’ll sue me?”
Before I could think, Aiden pulled me flush against him.
And kissed me.
It wasn’t soft. It wasn’t sweet.
It was possessive. Claiming. Like he was proving a point to everyone watching.
But then... his hand came up to cup my cheek. And for 3 seconds, it felt real.
When he pulled back, the room was silent.
“Any other questions?” Aiden said, voice low.
We left 5 minutes later.
In the car, neither of us spoke.
Finally I whispered, “That wasn’t in the contract.”
Aiden stared out the window. Jaw tight.
“No,” he said. “It wasn’t.”
A pause.
“Don’t read into it.”
“Wasn’t planning to,” I lied.
But my lips were still tingling.
And his hand... his hand was still on my knee.
- Writer
