Two Can Play (Celeste and Dominic) novel Chapter 282

Chapter 282

Her eyes were red-rimmed as though she’d been crying, and she looked at me the way a lamb looks at a wolf, small and trembling and trying very hard not to bolt.

Scarlett spoke to her in a low, urgent voice, and I watched her face go through the stages: shock first, then disbelief, then a fear so pure it looked like grief. Her eyes widened, her lips parted, and for a moment I thought she would tuni and run. But she did not. She stood there, her hands twisting together in front of her, and when Scarlett finished, she swallowed, nodded, and agreed, her voice small and trembling.

“If it means my sister and my friends live, I will do it,” she said.

I scoffed. “Then listen to my rules, and listen carefully, because I do not repeat myself. This one year marriage is a contract. It is for appearances only. At home, I do not have a wife. I have a tenant, and a tenant does not wander into my rooms or question my comings and goings. I like my personal space, and I hate being disobeyed. You will follow my directions at all times. Tasha, you are not allowed in my bedroom. Not ever. Is that clear?”

She nodded, her eyes fixed on the floor. “Yes, sir.”

“Scarlett.” I turned to her. “You will be my bed warmer for the duration of this arrangement. That means you will not get involved with any other man, you will not look at any man, you will not so much as smile at any man unless I tell you to. You will be at my beck and call, day and night, and you will do exactly what I ask, when I ask it, until the year is over. If either of you disobeys me, there will be punishment. Do you understand?”

Scarlett nodded. “I understand.”

“Good.” I turned back to Tasha. “And you?”

“Yes, sir,” she whispered.

“Then things have changed.” I looked back at Scarlett. “You will bring the other two girls tonight. The sooner we begin the treatment, the better. I will draft the contract, and you and Tasha will sign it before the night is out.”

I ended the call and turned to look at Tasha, still looking at me like I might eat her for dinner. I smiled. Now I could get the old hag off my back. She wanted a good girl for her grandson, someone pure. I would give her Tasha, the sweetest, most innocent thing this side of a convent.

“How good are your acting skills?” I asked.

She stuttered, her fingers twisting together. “L… I… I… can do my best.”

“Your best better be good enough.” I pointed at the bathroom door. “Now get up, wipe all that makeup off your face, and let us go get you a decent dress. We are having dinner with my grandmother.