Hostile Takeover (Blackwood Billions, #1)

by Christina C. Jones

Wealthy, smart, fine, ambitious, slick at the mouth, thighs bigger than my head and an ass to match? A fucking unicorn.

“Just because this marriage might be convenient, you need to understand something right now; it ain’t fake. I’m gonna parade you in public, fuck you in private, and otherwise ignore you, just like most wealthy marriages.”

“You’re insane if you think I’m spending your money,” I told him. “I won’t be put in a position to owe you more than I already do.” He shook his head, rolling up his sleeve to past his elbow. “You’ve got me all wrong, Nalani. I’m generous with mine. Which… you do realize that’s what you are now, right?” “I prefer to believe I belong to myself.” He smiled. “I’ll let you have that delusion. For now.” “You’re horrible.” “You’re beautiful,”

“If I ever see another man that close to you…we’re all going to have a horrible day.”

“Is this what you wanted?” I asked, smirking as I held his gaze. Instead of any undercurrent of annoyance or anger as I might have expected, he looked me dead in the eyes and shrugged. “It's yours now, Nala. Do whatever you feel.”

You’re my wife.” “Technically,” I reminded him, earning a scowl. “Legally.” He approached me again, looming over me in a way that made my breath catch in my throat. “And I believe at this point, our vows are a little too well-consummated for you to still be letting shit like that come out of your mouth.” “Anybody can have sex.” “Yes, but has anybody but me been in all three holes in your body just this morning?” He smirked. “Do you have to be so crude?” “Only when you’re pretending you’re not mine through and through.”

“A further reason for my hesitation is that… I’d prefer you not look as good as you do right now without me on your arm.” My mouth dropped open a little, but I quickly recovered. “Are you telling me how I can and can’t dress?” I asked, gesturing at the—admittedly sexy—form-fitting orange dress I’d chosen to wear out with my friends. “Not at all, you should be admired,” he answered. “I’d just like everybody to know who you belong to while they’re looking.” Challenge that, bitch.

I’m just… wondering now if he’s a good fit. Especially seeing you and Ri together.” My eyes went even wider. “Me?” I questioned. “And Orion? You remember that he blackmailed me—wait… bullied me? Forced me? Shook me down? Whatever he did, damn, the point is, I didn’t even want to marry his ass. I should not be your relationship goals, friend.”

“I was just going to say I was glad to see you looking well after all these years.” “I do look good as fuck, don’t I?”

Nothing about Nalani gives play in my face vibes.”