Mel POV
First it was the time that harry has actually called me Rose it was sweet and sexy. The way his tongue rolled as he pronounces my name sends an electric volt through my body.“Mel focus, as I tried to concentrated on the issue at hand dealing with Harry Styles.
“So why do I need to lived here?” I asked.
“I have social functions to attend, which means that you as my wife will be expected to attend and either way, you and I will be seen as a couple and there are expectations that a husband and wife will share a home together, not separately,” he said logically.
“You are marrying for the money. I am marrying under duress. So tell me how people would believe us.”Harry still don’t understand what I am trying to say we have never met and fall in love and what happens when we divorce and go our own ways and Gosh I am falling for this predatory man.
“Okay I would live here, but have two conditions,” she said.
“Okay let hear it, because compromise is the key to any good marriage,” he added with a half smile. “What are your conditions?”
“I get to keep my job and not be your trophy wife that seat around waiting for you,”
“Now I’m worried about your other condition,” harry said dryly.
“Was that a joke?” Mel asked, looking at him with suspicion.
“God no. I have no sense of humour. Or so I’m told.” That really sad for harry to say something that about himself. Narrowing her eyes at him doubtfully, she continued. “And my life.” He shrugged.
“I’d expect you to do that.” Mel saw him paused then as if he was reconsidering his last statement. “As long as your life doesn’t include a man,” he added, looking directly into her eyes.
“You’re a hard man,” she said softly.
He nodded once. “Yes”
“You know nothing about me but you are prepared to bring me into your home and to legally tie yourself too me for three,” she added. He shrugged. “You came here on your sister behalf. You show more love, concern and loyalty toward her than she showed toward you. But I’m getting a better deal with you than Lilli.”
So is harry expecting love and concern as she looked at him with disbelief. “And your family?” asked Mel.
“Most of them would be fine except my aunt Claire. She would think that you’re after my money.” Surely if she had a few moments to herself, she could think of ways out of this mess. She simply said. “I need to go but I want a copy of the contract.”
“Fair enough. I’ll see you on Friday. And if you don’t show up.....”As Mel cut into his conversation. “Harry I gave you my word and I would see you there.”
She tired one last appeal. “Look, you’re nice-looking guy. Surely you know some nice young woman who would love to marry you.” He shook his head firmly. “I want no string attached, Rose. I don’t want emotion involved. That’s why I did it this way.”
“Why no emotions?”
“That’s not your concern.”
Sighing, Mel tucked the file folder into her purse, and then turned back and looked up at harry. “I’m going to want my own contract,” she said to him.
“There’s no additional financial gain here, Rose”
“Screw you and your money. I just want safety nets that protect my properties and ME from you.”
“First, if you ever physically hurt me, the contract is null and void. Second, if you focus me to do anything I do not want to do, including forcing any physical advance on me, the contract is null and void.
“You have formed quite a high opinion of me haven’t you?”One eyebrow went up as he looked over at Mel. “Why in God’s name would I ever hurt you and do you honestly think that i would force myself on a woman?”
Actually many other women would accept this man made but not me.
“What else?” he asked in amusement.
She didn’t hesitate. “I want a prenup.”
“You’re an interesting woman, Rose Jameson. Ok. Draw it up and I’ll sign.”
“Good. One last thing, you cheat, I’m gone. I may not be interested in sleeping with you but if this was a real marriage you can’t be out sleeping with other women but I have a reputation to hold.”
“Very well, I agree. Draw up the necessary document. But if you cheat on me, it adds two more years to your commitment to me.”
“Why?”
“Because I can,” said harry.
“Good. Now that that’s all settled, we can make plan to move you in over the weekend.”
“I’m away on a business trip next week. I won’t have time to pack.
“Rose....”
Her voice almost shaking with tension, she said quietly, “Do not push me. This is not my doing, and it’s not anything I want.” Harry just nodded, seeming to understand that she was at the end of her rope. “I was going to say that next week is fine, Rose. I can help you pack up this weekend if you want.”
For the first time that evening, Mel smiled. “Good night, Mr Styles.”
“Harry,” he corrected. “I’ll walk you to the door.”