The Contract

chapter 38 - lies

Montana's POV

I set up a press interview first thing Friday morning. I've decided how this day is going to go with or without Zeus's approval.

After an hour long phone call from my mother this morning I'm clearing the air. I can't let people think I've done anything. Not only did she ask me and tell me she didn't approve she said I looked thrown away and needed to take better care of myself. Little does she know I've been going through it these last few weeks.

Zeus didn't sleep with me last night. I'm sure he heard me cry myself to sleep from his bedroom but he never came to bed. He ignored me and I cried even harder.

I've contacted Zeus's press agent and I'm scheduled to go on air in ten minutes. Sitting on the balcony over the city early in the morning, I'm still hurting. The camera crew that Charles let it has cameras ready to go. I know I look beyond awful. My eyes are so swollen I can't even see. And I'm wearing a hoodie with my curled hair and no makeup at all.

The world needs to see what it's done to me. Reduced me to. I expect to go on alone since Zeus hasn't spoken to me all morning. But I'm surprised when he walks out in a suit and comes over to me.

"We'll talk after this okay?" He asks as I nod. He leans down and wipes my face as I lean into his palm. "I love you so much," I mumble as I look up at him. He leans down and softly kisses me and I pull away when I realize that the camera is rolling.

"Oh it looks like a very good morning in the Montgomery household! We're here with the beautiful couple this morning! Montana and Mr. Montgomery!" The news anchor begins on one screen as we roll. Zeus simply sits in the chair beside me and grabs my hand in front of the camera as I look at it.

"Good morning. How are you doing Sherri?" He asks as she smiles. "Wonderful! We're so surprised to see you two together after those photos that surfaced yesterday. Is that what you wanted to speak on?" She asks immediately as I nod.

"Yes. The man pictured grabbed my hand to explain what he was speaking about. It wasn't meant to be romantic or sexual or anything else the media or press wants to make it out to be. I didn't have any ill intentions on my end at all. Zeus and I are exclusive and happy. That photo was taken without my consent and wasn't taken with the correct context." I explain to her.

"Of course. You seem visually upset about this Montana." She tells me as I simply nod. "That's not the word for it. Zeus warned me about the media but I didn't believe him before. Now I do. I'm sorry that they took it out of context and made it seem like such." I tell her as she nods.

"Of course. I'm glad you've came to clear things up. As for you two, any news or big plans you'd like to share with everyone?" She asks as Zeus takes over.

"Don't worry the press will find out if we do." He tells her jokingly as she laughs. "If that isn't the truth. You two love birds take care!" She smiles as we wave and the video ends. All that prep for a whole two minutes worth of a conversation.

"Feel better?" Zeus asks as I nod. The camera crew starts packing up as I take his hand and pull him with me into the spare bedroom.

"Wait" he starts as I cut him off. "I've scheduled myself a lie detector test for twelve. I want you to be here. I'm having our therapist come do it. I don't care if you believe me or not I'm proving I didn't do anything." I tell him. He stays silent and then laughs under his breath the next second.

"I trust you Montana." He tells me as I sigh and nod. "I know. I'm doing it so I feel better." I tell him as he nods and silently stands there.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" I ask him softly holding my composure. He looks at me softly in a way. He just stares.