Anyone but Him

Bad memories

"Well? I'm listening." I saw my dad and Alexander glare at me and I rolled my eyes.

"Here's the thing. Yes this is a marriage proposal but this is all completely fake. Think of it as a business deal. The deal is that I don't care what you do with anyone. You can kiss them, fuck them, I don't care as long as you don't do it anywhere near me. If it is in your own room behind locked doors I don't care just please don't be obnoxious about it. You will make it look like you are married to the public eye. We will go on fake dates and you will not do anything with anyone where other people can see. You will always wear a ring. When we are in front of family you will also act like my loving wife. Ms. Haynes, my mother is dying and wants nothing more than for me to get married and I'd prefer it to be you than some fake gold digger like your sister."

"You got that damn right! Sorry Mr. Haynes but Lexi is a major bitch and has more surgeries than I have shoes in my closet." My dad just rolled his eyes at Anna.

"Thank you Anna for your input but she is still my daughter. Now, Aryanna, this marriage is all fake and there's one more rule that Mr. Ridgeway is forgetting." My dad glared at Alexander who just rolled his eyes.

"Look Aryanna, I've noticed you tense up anytime I try to touch you." Anyone could see the fear in my eyes at this moment, "The last rule is mostly for me. I am not allowed to touch you. The only exceptions to this are a few hugs here and there and maybe a kiss on the cheek. That's all."

"You better not fucking touch her. Listen here, she is my best friend and basically sister. I know you're rich and all that but I would personally castrate you if you go anywhere near her." He looked down at Anna and just smirked that cocky smirk that I wanted to slap off of his face but I was too frozen. There's no way he could know.

"I made my promises and those are my rules. This marriage is fake so you have nothing to worry about. You can still do whatever you were doing before you met me. You can still work at the coffee shop and volunteer and the animal shelter. The only difference is you'll be living with me and go on a few dates. That's all." I look at him and I can tell he's not lying. I look over at Anna who looks at me worriedly. She knows a little of what I went through but not all of it.

"You promise you won't touch me unless absolutely needed?" He stared into my eyes as he nodded, "And I can still work and volunteer?" He again nodded and I looked at Anna again. She sighed and nodded, "Fine I'll do it."

"Really?" I looked at my dad and just nodded then looked at Alexander who gave me another of those annoying ass smirks.

"Well then you have a week to pack up then you'll come live with me." I laughed at him and he just looked at me questioningly.

"Sorry but it would take me maybe 5 hours to pack up my stuff." He frowned but hid it quickly with a smile.

"Ok then. When would you like to leave?" I looked at my dad who gave me a sad smile.

"Tomorrow morning and can the pups come with? They've been getting better but when they're away from me they get worse. Also can Anna come and help me get settled in?" He looked at me and just nodded.

"Yeah it's fine. The pups are adorable and it's clear that they love you and as for Anna, well I don't think she'd have it any other way." Anna just smiled and nodded.

"Well then I guess it's settled. I'll see you tomorrow morning and one more thing, no more of this Mr. Ridgeway shit. It's either Alexander or Alex. Now say it." I looked at him in disbelief.

"Fine, Alex it's nice to see you again but please leave my house so I can pack and say my goodbyes." I gave him a fake sweet smile and stared into his eyes. I could see emtions flash through them I think they were lust and annoyance but there was one more that I couldn't quite place so I just ignored it until he walked up to me and leaned into my ear.