Contractually Yours (The Lasker Brothers, #4)

by Nadia Lee

telling me in that condescending, paternalistic voice, “It’s for the best. For your own good, really. Women are to be protected and taken care of.”

Of course. I feel sooooo protected and taken care of right now, fuck you very much.

Thinking about the city reminds me of the girl I met eleven years ago. Most people don’t leave much of an impression, but she did.

However, he plays the part, escorting me like a gentleman through the restaurant as we exit, his hand at the small of my back. The warmth from the touch seeps through the thin silk of my dress. Little electric frissons rush down my spine. His presence wraps around me like a shield, like his coat did in Paris. I feel warm and protected for some inexplicable reason, even though it can’t be real.

There are men who believe women are best when they’re endlessly patient, sweet, kind and understanding. Not me. The best women are the ones who take no bullshit, know what they’re worth and fight for what they’re due.

He takes my hand from his head and threads his fingers through mine, his wedding band warm against my skin. He presses his cheek to the back of my hand and looks up at me like a man who has his prize in sight. “All’s fair in love and war. And this is love.”

“Yes. I’m so damn fucking sure.” It’s unnerving to say it out loud. “I’m worthy of everything. I’m worthy of love. I am enough. And I’m going to say that out loud every time you try to mess with me.”

I don’t have to be anything I don’t want. I don’t have to meet any expectations except my own.