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Chapter 21

„It's not that hard," he started to explain. „Just say if you'd prefer not to do something, then we'll talk about it later. Same applies to quit, but we'll stop then. For good. When you sign the contract you commit to notify me immediately if you're not comfortable with something."

„That kinda kills the tension, doesn't it?"

„We don't have to talk about it right away. It's like 'private'. It is what it is and we can just keep going if it's okay for both sides. With something else, of course."

I nodded slowly. „That could work."

He turned a page and tapped the next section. „We're not going to your place." I nodded satisfied. „I've added a few more. The contract does not in any way oblige you and me to only interact with each other, we're free to have other partners, other intercourses without being committed to tell the other. Our private life stays private as long as it's no important information we need to know. The contract allows either of us to get out at any time, not just from one order, but from everything. But the money has to be paid back then."

I nodded. „Perfect."

„New rules can be added at any time after both parties have agreed." He flipped the last page and we were back at the beginning. „That's all. Does that sound acceptable for you?"

„Surprisingly more than I thought."

„See?" He stood up to get a pencil. I stayed sitting at the table in his kitchen and I checked the clock. It was almost midnight. „There's nothing we can't talk about. Do you want to read it over again on your own before you sign it?"

„I'm kind of in a hurry right now." My foot tapped nervously on the floor under the table. „It's almost twelve and I still have to... I mean, I need the money."

He signed the contract standing and handed it to me. „There's nothing in it that we haven't gone through."

And yet I still hesitated, staring at the letters without really reading them. I found myself chewing my fingernails. „Did we talk about the phone you gave me?"

He laughed a little. „Very detailed. You give it back to me as soon as you have a new one or I will bill you for it."

„Right, but... How much time do I have for this?"

„As long as you need."

I nodded again. I took a deep breath and then I signed it, stood up immediately. „I really have to transfer the money now..."

„One after the other. I'll transfer it to you right away."

„Wait, we haven't talked about sleeping."

He raised a brow while typing on the phone. „Details?"

„I mean, I'm not a fan of sleeping anywhere other than home, but I'm often tired afterwards. When I don't feel like going home..."

„Then we'll talk about it and, upon agreement, you can stay the night." He put his phone back in his pocket. „Done. Are you staying here today or not?"

„No," I said, taking out my own phone. „Not today. But... Hang on, I have to get this done quickly and I'll be gone." My fingers were shaking, I was scared I wouldn't make it in time.

„No rush." He ran to a counter and boiled water. „Take your time. Are you sure you don't want a tea?"

I was so stressed I didn't even bother to answer. I managed to transfer the money and sign us up a few minutes before twelve and I took a deep breath. „I really need something to change."

„You can pick something out of my closet. Bring it back to me next time."

I put my phone in the pocket of my parka, which I put on again earlier because I was too cold, even with the cardigan. „Why the hell is it so cold here?"

He poured himself some tea. „I prefer it cold."

I shuddered. „I hate the cold."

„I'll turn on the heater next time."

I ran into his room and felt weird opening his closet. But if he didn't mind... I could only see shirts and opened another closet door. Hoodies and sweaters. That was what I needed now. And a pair of pants. Surprisingly I found some that fitted me. And I wondered if it were his clothes.

„Aren't you going to sleep now?" I asked when I walked out, closed my jacket and took my motorcycle helmet.

„Night shift," he said, looked up from his phone for a moment. „Come home safely and have a good night."

„Yes whatever. See you."