Contract Marriage by Ashleh Queen (novels to read .TXT) 📗

"What's your first name, Mrs. Black?" Mr. Hukas asked me the moment Alex's friend was finished introducing us.

I looked at him not knowing what to do. He was leaning on his armchair, supporting his position with his right elbow and all turned towards me. But the moment Mason licked his lower lip I feel Alex's grip on my thigh getting tightened. I don't know why but I cared what Alex will think of me. I still remember how Paul used to be annoyed and angry when I used to catch unwanted attention.
And in that slightest of the moment, I knew what I was supposed to say.

"It's Mrs. Black for you." My voice was confident.

Mr. Hukas didn't waste a single second to catch my hand that was resting on the table holding my glass and give a peck on the back of my hand.

"It was nice knowing you Mrs. Black." I snatched my hand away before his sentence was even completed.

"Now it's officially awkward." The guy who first asked Alex to share me with him said under his breath.

"Tell me about it." Alex's friend whispered but all the person on the table could hear them.

I looked at Alex. His eyes were red. The vein over his temple was bulging. But I know he is restraining because Mr. Hukas is someone important. His grip on my thigh tightened more. It took everything in me to not to hiss. I could imagine that he will blame me once we are out of here. And a shiver ran through me thinking about how bad it could be.

Not knowing what to do I focused on my drink and try to finish the whole glass. I was still finishing my glass when Alex's friend tried to get everyone's attention saying.

"Let the game begin."

I try to give attention to Alex's friend like I am so interested. But I could still feel the stare at my face.

Everyone started telling their bets. 
Alex's friend called "One hundred thousand dollars." and looked at everyone to get their approval.

The guy who first passed the bad remark said that he agreed. The third guy right to Alex's friend agreed too.

Alex agreed too but then I heard Mason said still looking at me. "I don't play if it is not in millions. You people can excuse me and Mrs. Black and carry on." his voice was wrapped in desire and saying that he came a little closer like he wanted to have a conversation with me.

I was used to be a girl who never once was asked out in my whole school life. Even with Paul, it was so awkward as he came to know first about my crush over him. And now here I am sitting in a posh casino in L.A and Turkey's minister slash one of the richest men of Asia is flirting me in front of my so-called husband that is too a hunk if I ignore his not so forgive able misendeavours. I know what I am. So, I am totally gonna blame my makeup and this hot smoking revealing dress.

My brows were furrowed and my eyes were focused on Mr. Hukas' mouth who is going to sprout God knows what when Alex said. "Let's make it two million dollars."

The moment Alex said the words Mr. Hukas eyes turned to Alex for the first time. A smirk was plastered on his face when he said: "I am in."

The other three people on the table back off. Leaving only two players Alex and Mason

The moment the dealer started the game I sense a lot of people were gathering around our table. I noticed people coming to Mason and giving their greetings to him. I was a little relaxed when his gaze was finally not over me. The cards were dealt, my drink was finished and I lean a little to Alex as a gesture that I am not interested in Mr. Hukas.

But I still couldn't help worry about what Alex had to say once we will be out of here. Suddenly I felt someone's shoe over my feet and I jumped a little in shock. Everything happened in the moment of milliseconds. I looked at the floor where Mason was lying lifeless as his mouth was spouting blood. A lot of gasps followed. I too followed everyone and was now standing on my place. I could only recall a gist of wind when Alex jumped out of his chair and landed a punch right on his right cheek. Just one punch. That was indeed clean but he was a politician. We might get charged for it. These were my thoughts when I felt Alex's hand on my waist and he leads me out.

His hand was on my waist when we were passing the corridors. The grip was a little tight. I didn't need to look at him to sense the anger his body had when I found Alex made a phone call.

"Suzy! Prepare a car right in front of the Checker Casino. Now!" I heard him snap on the phone and that made me jump a little. I could sense the rage his aura had. And somehow I know it is gonna blast on me.