CHAPTER 3: THE PROPOSAL
964 Words
LEVI
I smirked, fate had its way of bringing her back to my door step. She froze, a flicker of fear crossing her eyes. She was bold earlier, why the sudden hesitation now?
"Look who crawled back to my doorstep." I teased as I left the door passage and walked back into the house. She came in slowly with the small parcel I had ordered.
She remained mute as she dropped the parcel on the table and began to leave.
"Hold on…” I called out, picking up my phone. “...my delivery was delayed and I won't accept that. I need to file a complaint with your agency.”
Her eyes widened and she lunged at me, trying to grab the phone.
"You caused my delay!" She yelled.
"Whatever, my delivery arrived late and I'm not satisfied." I retorted but she proved stubborn, still trying to snatch the phone from me. I held it above my head and since I was much taller than her, she began to jump trying to snatch it.
She lost her footing and as she almost fell, I swiftly wrapped my arms around her waist but it was too late. We crashed on a couch with me on top. Our faces were just an inch away from each other, so I could feel her warm breath.
Our eyes locked as I stared down at her in silence, watching the soft curls of her silky black hair, the subtle tension in her jaw then I smiled.
"Pervert!!" She spat, scrambling to fix her clothes. "Don't ever do that again!" She fumed.
"Ohh! I should have let you fall?" I teased, savoring her scowl.
"Yes. That would have been better than touching me with those filthy hands." She retorted
Just like my mom….she was tough, stubborn and impossible. I grinned at the familiar defiance.
"Did you say something?" She asked.
“Nothing.” I muttered.
"Whatever. Don't make complaints!!" She said simply.
"Is that an order, Ava Grayson??" I asked, raising my brows in amusement.
"How did you know my name?" She asked, seeming a bit surprised.
"I have my ways!" I said with a naughty smirk.
"You've committed a lot today.” I began, listing offences. “Ruined my car, took my money, delayed the delivery." Her eyes softened as she rolled them in surrender.
"Ok fine...but please don't leave a complaint." She pleaded and for a moment, I saw a glint of worry and fear in her eyes which got me wondering but I chose to ignore it, it might be a facade.
"You still need to pay for my car's damages." I said and she frowned hard.
"No way!!" She argued stubbornly.
"Then I guess I'll just have to lay a co...."
"Wait!!.." She cut in. "I can't risk loosing my job." She whisphered, a rare vulnerability creeping into her voice.
"I will do anything but please don't leave a complaint about me." She added.
I paused, studying her. One minute, she was stubborn, the next–humble and pleading. Fascinating.
"You said you will do anything right?" I asked with a smirk.
She nodded cautiously.
"How about a quick….session?" I asked, winking at her seductively.
Her eyes nearly popped out of its sockets.
"What the hell?" She yelled. "You must think I'm like those cheap whores who chase after you. I’m not! I'm different!" She barked, flaring up in anger.
“Relax… You're not my type at all! Too flat!" I said casually and I watched as her face squeezed into a contorted frown.
"Heyy, don't you dare insult me!" She spat, pointing a finger at me and I scoffed.
"Just stating facts." I muttered simply.
"Well you aren't right!" She said and I raised my brows questionly.
"I'm not diving into that again." She said, looking away.
I shook my head. "Do you want to know how you can pay me back?" I asked and she turned sharply with interest.
"I hope it isn't something naughty. If it is, count me out." She warned with a glare.
"I said you aren't my t...."
"Just say what you have to say." She cut in. I twisted my tongue in my mouth, staring interestingly at her. She was so different from other ladies I had met. There was something amusing about her and that's uniqueness.
"Marry me..." I blurted out and she scoffed.
"What more was I expecting from you?" She asked sarcastically. "Don't you have something useful to say?" She asked.
“I know it sounds crazy, but I need full ownership of my family business. You…pretend to be my wife. Get paid. That’s it. No sharing beds, no intimacy. Respect each other’s privacy,” I said, emphasizing each word.
Her eyes widened. “You must think I’m cheap,” she said. “I may not be rich, but that doesn’t give you the right to belittle me. Why the sudden change? You said I’m not your type…”
“I don’t care. Just act as my wife. That’s it,” I replied.
“And if I refuse?”
“You know what comes next,” I said with a smirk.
“What?! Blackmail?!” Her hand flew to her mouth in shock.
“Call it persuasion,” I countered. “So…do you accept the offer with the money, or risk what happens if you refuse?”
She froze, considering. Her eyes darted to mine, a mixture of fear, calculation, and something else I couldn’t quite name.
“I’ve thought about it… and I’ve decided to…” she paused, the air thick with tension.
I leaned forward slightly, my smirk widening, eager to hear her answer.
The room fell silent, her heartbeat almost audible over mine. Whatever she chooses next, nothing will ever be the same.
- Writer
