Contractually Yours: An Arranged Marriage Romance (The Lasker Brothers Book 4)

I’m absolutely exhausted by Thursday. The Hae Min Group’s lawyers sent a bunch of notes and questions, and our lawyers responded. But they also need me to review some of the main points to make sure I’m okay with the proposed changes.

I’m learning more about Korean luxury retail and wedding customs than I ever imagined. It’s fascinating, but tiring because everyone’s squabbling about every minute detail. What’s worse is that the Korean counterpart is very slow to respond. The contract was sent over eight weeks ago, and it didn’t come back to us until yesterday. It’s almost like this project isn’t really a priority for them.

Which is absurd. When I visited the Hae Min Group’s headquarters in Gangnam, Vice-Chairman Eugene Hae indicated he was very interested in the exclusive luxury custom designs Sebastian Peery can do for their ultra-ritzy department stores. They want something new to offer their clientele, and some of their top spenders are looking for unique high-ticket items as status symbols. He explained their top customers are in a special loyalty program, and they need to spend at least a million dollars a year at the Hae Min Group-owned department stores to qualify and maintain their status.

And yet…things are dragging…and sapping my energy.

Since I’m tired of coming home around midnight, I leave the office early enough that I can be home before ten. Not that I can go to bed anytime soon. There are still at least five more reports and documents to review.

The kitchen is empty—I told Matthias I was grabbing dinner at work—and Sebastian’s probably doing whatever he likes to do in the evening. I have no clue what he does after work because I haven’t been around enough. A sliver of guilt lodges in my gut. I told him I wanted us to make the best of the situation, and I’ve been a neglectful wife.

But there’s nothing to be done until things ease up a bit. If I’d known Sebastian would end up being my husband rather than Preston, I might’ve specified in the contract to request more involvement from Sebastian Jewelry for the collaboration. But given Preston’s lack of experience and ability, I made myself the person in charge for handling the Hae Min Group. Nothing can go wrong with this project because I have to prove myself to the board.

Once the distribution deal with the Hae Min Group is finalized, I’ll have some breathing room. Maybe Sebastian and I can find some hobbies to try together. Not just tennis, but maybe going out and doing things that he’d like, although…

Probably not. That Stalker’s back. So are his privacy-violating buddies. So far they haven’t been able to generate any embarrassing headlines, but that’s only because all I’ve done since they reappeared in my life is go back and forth to work.

Hopefully, they won’t bother Sebastian. I don’t understand why they’re so obsessed with me. I’m a minor celebrity of sorts due to my inheritance, but there are far more interesting and famous people in Los Angeles.

I go to my bedroom and kick off my shoes. My stilettos are generally comfortable, but nothing beats bare feet. I get out of my clothes, and let out a sigh as soon as my bra’s gone. So much better.

Next to come off is the jewelry, except for the Toi et Moi ring and wedding band. The island in the center of the walk-in closet has six huge compartments for my jewelry and accessories.

Sebastian’s watch sits among mine, so he must’ve gotten home and changed already. Although he could just keep all his things in his bedroom down the hall, he’s started to leave some of his stuff in my closet, like a guy who’s spending more and more time at his girlfriend’s place. It’s sort of cute.

I stick my hand into the home wear section of the closet and pull out the first thing I grab. A lacy silk nightie in amethyst purple. Bianca gave it to me when she learned I was engaged to Preston. Well, that cheater’s out of my life, but the gift is still nice. It’s pretty and has never been worn, so I’m going to pretend it has nothing to do with my asshole ex-fiancé and enjoy it.

I put it on. The fabric glides coolly over me, like a cloud against my bare skin. It hangs low, and the lace strategically covers my chest. But then, it’s supposed to be sexy and powerful. And I need to feel like that right now.

I wipe off my makeup in the bathroom. As the eye shadow, mascara and foundation vanish, my dark circles and fatigue become more obvious. The nightie is sexy, but the woman wearing it is just tired. And hungry.

What I told Matthias notwithstanding, I haven’t had anything since lunch. I sort of lost track of time, and Bianca, who would normally get me to eat something, had to leave early to pick up her aunt at the airport.

I’m going to grab a bowl of cereal, since I can’t cook and don’t want to bother Matthias. I take my bag and go downstairs so I can eat and review the docs at the same time. Marketing sent their revised campaign, and they’re waiting for my final approval.

But this time the kitchen isn’t empty. I smell the aroma of coffee filling the area and see Sebastian standing in front of the espresso machine. He’s in a white T-shirt and boxers, his feet bare. His hair is slightly mussed, like he’s run his fingers through it a few times. And, surprisingly, he’s wearing wire-rimmed glasses, which make him look like a hottie professor.

My hormones go shivery. I’m tired, but not dead.

He turns around and stops abruptly. His eyes are on my face, then they drop to my chest.

And my nipples get pointed like…tiny little hos with minds of their own.

Now I wish I hadn’t lost my bra so soon. But it’s too late.

He tears his eyes from my breasts and looks at me. But from the dark gleam in their depths, it’s obvious he thinks I dressed like this to seduce him.

Clearing my throat, I place the black leather bag stuffed with printed copies of the documents—and my laptop—on the counter. His eyebrows pinch.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, then sigh. It’s obvious what he’s doing. “What I mean is…I thought you were watching TV or something.”

“I had some stuff to look at. I thought you were working late again.”

“I still have things to go over, but I wanted to come home early.” I go to the pantry and grab a box of cereal. “Early being a relative term.”

Sebastian takes the milk out of the fridge for me.

“Thanks. Can you get me a bottle of water, too?”

He places it on the counter.

“Thanks.” I grab a bowl and dump the cereal and milk in it.

He stays out of my way—and the kitchen is large enough that we aren’t brushing against each other or anything—but my whole body is aware of where he is at all times.

Sebastian isn’t the type of man you can ignore, even if he gives you space. He’s like a lion lazing in the sun, watching gazelles in the field before him.

I should act like one of the gazelles and mind my own business. After parking myself on a stool by the kitchen island, I gulp everything down fast.

He takes the stool next to me. “Didn’t you have dinner?”

“No time. I need to wrap this up soon.”

“Want something more substantial?” He jerks his chin at my bowl.

“Don’t feel like ordering something and waiting, and I can’t cook.”

“I can’t, either,” he says, making a face. “For everyone’s health and safety.”

His mild irritation over the fact that he can do anything he sets his mind to—except cook—makes me laugh.

“When do you find the time to party and have fun if you’re working all the time?” he asks.

“I don’t. Contrary to what people think, I never partied much. Most of the events I was photographed at were work-related.” I try to keep my tone unironic. “Photographed” is a euphemism for paparazzi harassment, but that isn’t Sebastian’s fault. “Besides, I’m trying to lie low. I can’t seem to avoid scandals no matter what I do, and I don’t want anything to embarrass you or your family.”

“You don’t have to do anything on my behalf. Or my family’s.”

His terse tone makes it sound like he’s saying there’s a line between us and I shouldn’t cross it. And it annoys me after the weekend. “It’s the least I can do for your family,” I say, trying to not sound hostile. I don’t want to fight, but I don’t want him to be unfair, either.

“They aren’t worth it. You should do whatever makes you happy.”

I bite my lip. I totally misjudged him. I must be more tired than I thought. Usually, whatever men do just rolls off me. Some of my boyfriends got fed up with what they called my aloof and distant attitude and broke up with me. But it’s impossible to keep Sebastian at arm’s length. Everything he does and says elicits a visceral reaction.

“What are you working on?” Sebastian glances at my bag.

“The marketing campaign. And I need to look at some of the Sebastian Peery launch items. Probably sometime next month or the month after, we should be able to sign off on the deal. I want to move fast and aggressively.”

He takes a thoughtful sip of his coffee. “You continuously surprise me.”

“How so?”

“You just seem…so dedicated. Much more so than I imagined. I saw you work hard, but I didn’t expect you to put in this many hours.”

“It’s important. To be honest, I wasn’t super interested in Peery Diamonds when I was younger. It just seemed like something I shouldn’t care too much about, especially when my grandfather was so disappointed that I wasn’t a boy.”

“He was wrong.” Sebastian’s response is quiet and sympathetic, not pitying or judging. If I want to say more and maybe even lean on him, he’ll respect that. If I want to retreat into my shell, he’ll respect that just as much.

His consideration breaks another section of the dam inside me. “Well.” I shrug to hide the old pain—and the embarrassment that my grandfather held archaic, sexist beliefs. “He had a set way of looking at the world. And to him, girls were pretty and vulnerable things who required the protection of men. Too weak-willed and capricious to be in charge. So I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be deemed good enough for Peery Diamonds, and I didn’t want to get attached to it. And I was pretty successful at that.” I take a long swallow of my water.

“So how come you ended up in charge?”

I lower my glass. Is Sebastian going to remember if I tell him? Or is the event in Paris so inconsequential that he doesn’t remember any of it? Watching him closely, I start. “When I was fourteen, my family and I went to Paris. I was so upset, I thought about running away.”

“Did you?”

“For an hour or two, maybe?” It felt like an eternity on that snowy night in the City of Light, but I doubt I was gone for too long. “I don’t know what I was thinking, since I didn’t have money or a phone with me. I hadn’t thought things through. Then I met this guy, who told me I should fight for what was mine.” I turn so I’m facing Sebastian fully.

He’s nodding, but there’s no recognition in his eyes. So. He doesn’t remember.

Figures. I don’t know why it disappoints me. How many rich guys in their twenties would remember a gangly girl without the good sense to dress properly for the weather, who was nonetheless shameless enough to demand that he buy her hot chocolate?

I continue, “And he was right. Peery Diamonds is mine. I’m the only Peery left. Roderick and his two kids aren’t Peerys. If I’d walked away, Grandfather would’ve had no choice but to leave his fortune to them. Once I decided it was mine, I wanted not only to keep it, but to make it amazing. I want the company to flourish under my leadership. I want everyone in the world to know what Peery Diamonds is.”

Sebastian merely gives me a steady look. I can’t read his eyes behind the lenses. Suddenly, I wonder if I’ve spoken too grandly, and he’s thinking I’m delusional. Bianca didn’t think so, but she’s always on my side. Darren said the idea was “unrealistic”—another mark against him—and Roderick said I should focus on squeezing out as much profit as possible. Karl doesn’t care.

I start to reach for the water, trying to hide my discomfort. Maybe I’m just doomed to be with men who disappoint me in some way.

“I think that’s fabulous,” Sebastian says finally.

My hand stills in midair. “What?”

“You heard me.” A small smile curves his gorgeous lips. “Your vision’s perfect.”

“You think so?” I search his face, looking for signs that he’s just humoring me.

“Yes. An executive needs to have ambition for the company they’re leading.”

A large chunk of the bitterness dripping inside me dissolves. It’s incredible what this man can do with a few words. I grin, suddenly energized. “Thank you! I think so too.”

“Want me to take a look at some of the launch plans for Sebastian Peery with you?” he asks.

“I thought you had something to do…”

“I don’t mind. And it’s supposed to be a collaboration between us, anyway.”

I beam at him. “I’d love that.”

* * *

Sebastian

I’m glad Luce took my offer to be more involved with such easy grace. Some people might have argued or rejected the idea, thinking I was trying to stick my nose where it didn’t belong or take over the project altogether.

I looked into the details of the collaboration after our marriage. It wasn’t part of the original offer she sent my family. She’d been working on a deal with the Hae Min Group for a while before she targeted the Comtois to get herself a husband. But my grandfather saw a chance to carve himself a slice of the Korean wedding jewelry business—Sebastian Jewelry isn’t strong in Asia—and Luce gave in.

She must’ve really wanted a husband. Desperately, in fact, to marry someone as shitty as Preston. I wouldn’t wish him on anyone, except maybe that horrible Vonnie.

I go over the documents she brought and make notes in the margins. Luce is studying something on her computer, her eyebrows pulled together in concentration. She hasn’t fidgeted or shown any indication she’s tired or bored. She works like she’s waging a war—life or death. I’ve never felt that way about my work, but it’s oddly endearing that she takes her job so seriously.

Finally, when she closes her laptop, I put down the documents. “What’s the rush, by the way?” I ask, curious about the timeline she specified in the collaboration chart.

“I want a big chunk of it done before the next shareholders’ meeting. They weren’t too thrilled about the launch in Korea, especially after Roderick told them how fickle the Asian market is.” Her mouth purses, annoyance and determination rolling through her flashing eyes. “With him no longer able to vote as my proxy, I need to show the shareholders and the board that I have what it takes to be the CEO on my own.”

“Don’t they already feel that way about you to keep you as the CEO?”

“Half the board are men from Nesovia, and they have sexist ideas about where women belong. They only tolerated me because they thought Roderick was ‘controlling’ me.” She makes a disgusted sound. “And he had a vested interest in keeping me as the head of the company because he needed the money I could bring in.”

I shake my head. “Your family picked the wrong country to found the company. They’re going to lose all the female talent with that attitude.”

“Which is why I’m moving the company to the U.S.”

“The shareholders agreed to it already?”

“It’s in our governance charter to allow us to move to a country with a better human rights record, so long as there isn’t an increase in tax liability. And it would be difficult to argue that America is somehow more sexist than Nesovia.” She places her fists on the counter. “I don’t want to treat our female employees differently, or have them feel discouraged that they may not be able to climb the corporate ladder like the men. And pulling the company away from a country that doesn’t respect women is a good starting point.”

Her chin juts out stubbornly; her shoulders are tense. She’s a warrior fighting a good battle she believes in. It’s admirable.

I get up and go over, then rub her tight neck and shoulders. She melts into the touch. “Let me know how I can help.”

She tilts her head. “Thank you.”

The smile she gives me makes me feel a hundred feet tall. And I have an inexplicable desire to never disappoint her.