Claimed by My Husband’s Ruthless Uncles

Chapters 6: The Contract

Josie's pov

He hadn't laughed or hesitated, he simply pressed a button on the intercom and said "Send Grayson up! Now.

Grayson arrived within minutes, he was tall, silver haired wearing the kind of suit that cost more than most people's cars.

He carried a leather portfolio thick enough to stop a bullet and didn't bother with pleasantries, he laid the documents on the desk between us like.

"This is the Standard Hart family prenuptial framework, Grayson said voice a flat tune. Adjusted per Mr Hart's instructions.

I scanned the first page, Public marriage, Full corporate and political alliance.

Joint control of Hart voting shares, Irrevocable trust for Lily funded from liquidated Julian assets.

Loyalty clause broad enough to cover everything from infidelity to actions detrimental to the family's interests.

I looked up at Alexander, his dark eyes hadn't left my face since I'd walked through the door.

Flip the page, Alexander commanded.

There was a second document clipped behind the main contract private terms notarized separately, I read.

Josephine Hart shall reside permanently at the primary residence of Alexander Hart, commencing immediately upon execution of this agreement.

Josephine Hart agrees to present herself publicly and privately as the wife of Alexander Hart in every capacity expected of such a role. In every sense, this shall include physical emotional and exclusive fidelity.

Breach of exclusivity shall constitute immediate forfeiture of all trust benefits for Lily Hart and trigger dissolution proceedings at Mr Hart's sole discretion, my pulse struck my throat.

I forced my voice steady, you want me in your bed? I want you in my life, he corrected leaning forward.

All of you. with no half measures, separate wings or polite distance... You asked for my name on every piece of paper that protects you, I'm asking for yours on every night that follows.

Grayson cleared his throat... "It's enforceable but... aggressive - Most couples soften this language.

Alexander didn't look at him, "We're not most couples."

This wasn't romance, this was ownership dressed in legalese and yet the memory of Julian's cold indifference, Sarah's knife and Lily's swollen red eyes burned hotter than any fear.

I picked up the pen, before I could sign Alexander reached across the desk and held my waist firm enough that I felt the heat of his palm straight through my skin.

Last chance to walk away Josephin, he muttered.

I met his gaze, I stopped walking away the moment I poured boiling water on a corpse that wasn't dead.

He gripped my waist more intensely and possessively before releasing, I signed.

Grayson witnessed, stamped and left without another word, the door clicked shut behind him.

Silence stretched between us, Alexander turned slowly stopping inches from me but I didn't step back.

He lifted my chin with two fingers forcing my eyes to his. You are mine ! In every sense, he added.

Then he leaned his face towards my face his lip pierced into mine... it wasn't gentle but claiming, I tried to move but his hands gripped my waist tightly pulling me against him.

I tasted smoke and expensive whiskey mixed with something darker something I couldn't explain.

My hands came up instinctively gripping his lapels not to push away but to hold on.

When he finally lifted his mouth my lips felt bruised and my breathing ragged, pack what you need, he said against my jaw.

The movers will handle the rest.

You and Lily are moving in tonight, I panicked.

But Martha won't like that, I added.

Martha no longer as a vote in this house, he concluded.

He released me already reaching for his phone. "I'll have the security meet you at the estate, be ready in two hours.

I left his office with the taste of him still on my tongue and the weight of all the promises in my chest, by the time I reached the old Hart estate Martha was waiting in the foyer like a storm cloud. Her face was filled with rage and ready to attack.

"You think you can just... install yourself in Alexander's life?" she hissed as I walked past with Lily's small overnight bag in one hand and my daughter's fingers laced tightly in the other.

"You think you can take everything.... my son's legacy my house my position?

I stopped, Turning slowly.

"Your son faked his death and left me to rot, I said calmly.

Your position was built on lies and this house.... I looked around at the cold marble, the empty portrait hooks where Julian's paintings used to hang.

"It's already half empty Just like you! Martha lunged forward whether to slap me or grab Lily I never found out because Alexander's voice cracked through the foyer like a whip.

ENOUGH!!

He stood in the open doorway, his coat still on as his expression darkened. Two black-suited security men flanked him.

Martha froze.

Alexander stepped inside eyes never leaving Martha. "You have one hour to collect your personal belongings the security will escort you to the townhouse on 5th After that your access to any Hart property ends."

Her mouth opened wide, you can't. I can, and I have. He glanced at me softening for half a second, Josie and Lily are moving to the penthouse and tonight.

Martha's gaze darted between us realization dawning like slow poison, you're marrying her. Alexander didn't answer.

She let out a broken bitter laugh, it's not a surprise you've wanted her for years everyone knew, Even Julian knew and now you're finally getting your prize.

Alexander's voice dropped lethal, "Leave!! Before I stop being polite..

Martha stared at him a long moment then turned and stormed toward the stairs, I exhaled.

Alexander crossed to me brushed a strand of hair from my face, you all right? I nodded once, looking up at him, "Thank you." Don't thank me yet he murmured, this is only the beginning.

The drive to the penthouse was quiet, Lily fell asleep against my side exhausted from the whirlwind day.

I stared out at the city lights blurring past as the new contract pierced through my chest.

When we arrived the elevator opened directly into Alexander's private floor.

I carried Lily to the bedroom suite prepared for her, stuffed animals already waiting with nightlights shaped like stars.

I tucked her in, smoothed the blanket over her small shoulders and kissed her forehead. We're safe now sweetie," I whispered.

As turned I caught a movement outside the floor-to-ceiling window, a shadow stood motionless on the rooftop terrace across the street binoculars.

My heart slammed against my ribs, I stepped closer to the glass and the shadow was gone.