Desirable Lies

Even If It's Wrong, It's Right

~Katy~

I watch John sitting across from me. His breathing remains deep and steady while my own heart thumps like a hammer, causing my chest to heave.

The truth is I have no idea what I'm doing here, why I've agreed to come. If I'm honest it's because this man has some magnetic pull over me. I'm totally and completely unable to give him up, despite my intentions to stay away. And for some strange reason, I feel the slightest bit guilty that I'd walked out on our agreement before fulfilling my obligation. He never got what he paid for and that little detail is something I cannot easily forget.

He pulls a deep breath into his lungs and leans in slightly toward me. I know if he pulled me into his arms and kissed me, I'd be unable to resist and I find my gaze fluttering between his lips and his eyes as I wait for him to speak. Finally, he does.

"I recall you saying that you liked having something of your own, living away from home and being independent for the first time," John says.

I remember the conversation well. It was one of the first times we sat down to a dinner prepared by his chef in the quiet dining room. I spoke too freely, bared too much of myself. But something in me likes that he remembers it with such detail.

"And I think you know that I liked having you here," he admits.

I nod in silent acknowledgement. What is he saying? We can't possibly continue dating, if that's even what we were doing. He's married. And he lied to me about it. Can I even trust him?

"And I know Kylie would love for you to come back to work with her."

"John?" I ask, finally, my brows pinching together.

"There's no reason we can't remain friends."

"Friends?" My voice comes out too high as the shock of his suggestion whips through me.

His eyes roam over my face and he gives a slight nod, his mouth only hinting at a smile.

I have no idea what game he's playing at, but friends? Is that even possible for two people so attracted to each other?

As if reading my thoughts, John continues. "There's no reason this needs to come to an end, Katy. I enjoy your company, and I think you feel the same. You can continue living here, we can take things between us slowly while I sort out my past and see where this goes."

"And our arrangement?" I ask.

His little grin lights up his entire face. "Friends, as in no sex. Our agreement is off."

My stomach twists as I realize I am no longer a hired sex slave, and an unwelcome sense of disappointment startles me. "I'm returning the money then."

"The money is yours. I never wanted to pay for sex, Katy. I just didn't want that asshole bidding on you at the auction to go home with you. You were too good, too beautiful to belong to him." His admission takes my breath away. I feel helpless and out of control and I want to cry.

"I've spent a good chunk of the money on Angela, and I have no way to repay you, but the rest I could return to you," I stammer.

"First off, I would never accept repayment. Had I known Angela before all this started, I would have gladly paid anyway. And I'd never expect you to return the money."

"I don't feel right keeping the remainder of the money."

"It's yours to do with what you wish."

This conversation is spinning in circles and my brain feels fuzzy. "So how would this work?" I ask, shocked to see I'm actually considering it.

"You agreed to give me six months," he reminds me.