The Arrangement

Chapter Eight

Dropping the pen down onto the table I exhale a long breath that I hadn't even known I was holding and stare down at my signature scribbled on the dotted line.

I can't believe I've actually agreed to this. If I think too long about the decision, I know there's no doubt I'm going to end up running for the hills so instead I spin round to face the others.

They've all been unnervingly quiet whilst I reread the contract and checked everything again like Carter wanted or well insisted.

It doesn't take a genius to figure out he's the alpha daddy in this whole scenario, needing everything to be in its place. Someone like that would usually irritate me but for some reason with him it's incredibly attractive.

I don't know it's it because of the confidence he exudes or what, but it causes my skin to tingle in a way I can imagine will become all too addictive.

All their eyes are on me as I turn to face them, and it takes everything I have to keep my big girl panties on in more ways than one.

Having them all look at me this way is beyond intimidating but also invigorating in a way that just scrambles my brain. Maybe it's the promise of what's to come or my hormones taking over, but either way I'm definitely going to have to figure out a way to not melt into a puddle anytime they look at me.

"So... err what happens now?" I ask.

I bite down on my bottom lip as a devilish smile spreads across Henley's face and he looks directly to Lennox giving him a wink.

"Now the fun begins" he says, his voice like butter.

Carter shoots him an unimpressed glare and sighs. Stepping forward, he takes centre stage commanding the room.

"First things first, I gather you'll want to go home and your things together. Take a couple of-" he says, and I already know where he's going with this, so I jump in quickly.

"I kind of don't need to" I say with a shrug, "well obviously I need to get some things, but I don't need to take any time" I explain.

He raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised by my response. "You're sure?" he asks, his tone a mix of curiosity and concern. "It's a big change, and you'll want to make sure you're prepared."

I nod, trying to project confidence even though a flutter of uncertainty stirs in my stomach. "Yeah, I mean, I've already got most of what I need packed in my mind. It's just... clothes, essentials, and a few personal things. I can grab them. I don't need to turn this into a whole production."

Henley leans back against the wall, arms crossed, still wearing that mischievous grin. "You've got spirit, I'll give you that," he says, his voice smooth and teasing. "But let's be honest, you're diving into the unknown here. You sure you're ready for what's next?"

I meet his gaze, that little flutter of uncertainty morphing into a full-on wave. "Not at all." I admit. "But isn't that all part of the excitement?"

"Guess we better tie you up and fuck you then" he says, his tone deadly serious as he pushes off the wall and makes to come towards me.

All my confidence goes straight out the window as I shuffle back quickly, my ass hitting the table. "What? Now? I... I err" I stumble over my words losing all capability to speak effectively as I realise, I'm way out of my depth.