Ransom

•• Chapter 4 ••

"So you surrender the bet? Also. 4 times... so far."

Emmett finally hands me the wine and I glance at the crimson liquid lapping up the sides of the glass. Looking past the rim, up to his firmly set expression... I think while his gaze doesn't blink. Those blue and purple eyes wait, patiently, for me to slip. Simply more times for me to forget to call him Ransom.

The bet was easy enough. Both be naked, call him Ransom at every turn... and see if I could sway the conversation away from business, control and money etc etc.

There were no other rules. So, as I think this, I slowly extend my arm and tip the wine over the bar, straight into a small sink on the opposing side, "Ransom. You also haven't stripped... have you forfeit the bet as well?" I shake out each drop of wine from the glass and then I feel a bit cocky and I drop the glass in the sink to be a bit dramatic.

Um. Shit?

I watch the glass strike the bottom of the sink and the side shatters immediately.

My mouth pops open and I feel the energy from Emmett change.

I quickly glance back up at him and the radiation of heat from his fury at my idiot move, damaging yet more of his property, is more than intimidation at this point.

I slip from the stool and I quickly back up towards a fluffy rug before an unlit fire place.

Distraction. I had to pretend that didn't happen. I grab the edge of my shirt and I pull it out from my skirt. I clasp the material in my hands and I prepare to pull it up, but -

Nerves overtake me. I'm frozen.

I've never undressed for anyone and I barely know him.

Not to mention, I was basically forced here, then forced into a bet and at the same time, I was secretly, deep down, enjoying the scrutiny of a hot billionaire's gaze. I was so confused up in my head right now.

"Cherry."

Shit, did he know I was wet? I was so dumb. He had my phone. I broke his wine glass. What was going to happen if I actually lost the bet -?

"Cherry."

My nickname repeated so hard, has my gaze flicking up bravely.

I see Emmett stripping for me. Not in a rushed way. In a soft, slow way... encouraging me to do it with him. He unbuttons his shirt, one button at a time. Super slow. Waiting for me to understand.

His tie is already off. 

I reach up for my hair tie and I shake out my hair, feeling a bit more confident with my bleached hair hanging down. I could look nice with my natural black or as a fake blonde, I liked to change it up.

I fluff out my thick hair and I slowly take off my shirt, in time with Emmett.

I'm blushing all the way up my neck as I stay standing with my skirt and bra, stockings and polished work heels still on. 

I take in Emmett's abdominals and I almost loose my footing. Fuck... and now his fingers are going to his belt. As he clips it off and slowly slips it out, I see something sharp in his pockets.

Car keys.

Wait, also -

The swipe card.

I let out a shaky breath and look at my feet.

"I'm nervous, Ransom," I whisper it.

"You want my help with that skirt, Cherry?"

I nod.