The Barmaid's Contract

7.

I saw Avery take the pleasure of his winnings as he sat back down. If I could bang him over the head, drag him to the woods and offer a sacrifice to any God so I can be left alone, I will in a heartbeat.

"I'm glad to see you coming to your senses."

"Oh no, they are long gone." I muttered out.

Avery ignored me as he pulled out the paperwork. "Simple really. You will have access to your money."

I went to chastise him about that, but I decided not to. It wasn't worth it.

"We will need to put in a public display every time we will be out."

I arched an eyebrow. "If you think I'm touching you, you better get a ten foot pole."

"We will need to make public appearances. The company hosts lots of events and you will be attending a handful of them."

"Oh, I'll attend. I'll leave a mark too."

Avery ignored me again as he continued on. "You will also be encouraged to attend some events without me. Also, you will be staying here, and I will have a driver assigned to you."

"A driver?" I sputtered. "I don't need a driver!"

"Can you drive?" Avery glared at me.

I went to say something and my mouth closed.

"He will be your driver and personal security."

"This is getting beyond a joke!" I snorted.

"You can be as selfish and self absorbed as you usually are too." Avery bit out.

"Sure, I'll bend my will to make you happy, that's so selfish of me." I rolled my eyes and looked away, my sour mood darkening.

"You won't need to work at all."

"Just get on with it!" I snapped out. "I wish to be out of here before the year is out."

"I'll hire a wedding planner. They will do everything. You just need to show up."

"When?"

"Next weekend."

My eyes flew to him, wide. "You aren't as smart as you think you are."

"Excuse me?"

"The media is looking for me. They know you are only temporarily on the seat. For me to marry you," I spat out, "and for them and your father to believe it to be real, next weekend is too soon."

"You're just prolonging it."

I shrugged. "Maybe. But I'm right."

"The media will only buzz around for a week if that, confirming what you are doing. Once they get an answer they will go away." Avery shrugged next. "Besides, couples that fall madly in love in a whirlwind romance want to get married as soon as possible and if I plan it for next weekend, there is a chance that my father won't be there."

My heart dropped. He has thought about that. "I'm not giving you sex." I snorted at him.

"If I want sex, I'll get it from wherever." Avery told me in a blunt manner.

"So you'll bring mistresses here?" I scrunched my nose up at him.

"No. Not if we want everyone to believe we can tolerate each other at least."

"Of course. Do it the dumbest way, because it's easier for your ego." I mumbled under my breathe.

"What are you saying? First it's a no then you're bitching about me having sex with anyone else."