Terms and Conditions (Dreamland Billionaires, #2)

by Lauren Asher

“Special is the last word I would use to describe you.” It feels far too generic for someone like her.

“Kiss her again and I’ll enjoy ripping your tongue from your throat.”

Fake marriage or not, Iris is destined to be with one man and one man only. Me.

I stopped using words like that ages ago, after my mom passed. There wasn’t a point anymore when the only person who understood me that way died, leaving me behind with an empty heart and a brain filled with useless words.

“I can assure you that I will always have Iris’s best interests at heart.” Even if they jeopardize mine.

I promised myself ages ago that I would just to prove a point to myself that I don’t need him. I didn’t back then and I sure as hell don’t now.

I’m not sure I have ever seen Declan look at me like this, but it does something crazy to my heart rate.

I don’t understand how he can be so damn happy all the time. He reminds me of a golden retriever—all smiles and good times.

“If you try to leave me again, I’ll make you regret it.” The slight rasp in his voice does something catastrophic to my lower half. “Is that a threat?” “It’s a promise.”

“I’m enjoying the view.” She glances out the window. “Says the man who hasn’t even looked outside once.” “That’s not the view I’m talking about.”

“I’m not confused. Far from it, actually. I know exactly what I want.” “And what is that?” “You.”

“Marriage is like going on a road trip with the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, except you have no map or fancy GPS system to help you out. You might not always agree on what music to play or which direction you should go. I can guarantee there will be moments you want to rip your hair out—or each other’s. Just like there will be times that test you, where you think

that maybe things would be easier if you hitch a ride with someone else. The point is, life is going to throw a lot of things at you. Stuff like flat tires, dead ends, and mechanical issues. But you can either make the most of the journey with one another or cry about never getting to your destination. No one can make the right decision but you.”

I don’t release her hand as I lean in and whisper in her ear, “Keep making a show in front of everyone and I’ll make you regret it later.” A shudder runs through her, and I trace the goose bumps on her arm with a single finger. “That’s promising.”

“If you wanted to dance with me, all you had to do was ask. No need to use empty threats to coerce me.” “Your mistake was thinking they are empty.” I allow myself to smile.

Heat courses through my body as we both move to the music. Her ass grinds against my cock, and I groan into her ear. “Now you got it.” She laughs as she steps out of my embrace.

I smack her ass for that comment. “Did you just spank me?!” My hand burns to do it again if only to hear that little gasp she makes when my palm collides with her flesh. She returns the favor and smacks my ass hard. I almost drop her from the shock of it all, but I recover with a laugh.

“What are you doing?” “Helping my wife.” My throat bobs. “You’re growing a bit too comfortable with that nickname for my liking.” “I use it to remind you of your place.” “And what’s that?” “Mine.”

“You can get me to do many things, but driving this car isn’t one of them.”

“There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to keep you by my side.” “You don’t need to try too hard. I am your wife after all.” “Even if you weren’t, I won’t give you up.”

“Stop fighting and give me ten minutes.” “You don’t deserve ten seconds, let alone ten minutes of my time.” “How about ten words then?” I laugh. “I’d like to see you try.” “I am falling in love with you, Iris Elizabeth Kane.”

“Just because you make selfish choices doesn’t mean you’re a selfish person. At least not completely.”

“It’s cute you think you can outrun me, but I’ll give you a head start just to make things interesting.”

“I’ll give you anything you want—anything at all—so long as you give me a chance to make you as happy as you make me. A dog. A family. A home. I want it all. These are my terms and conditions, take it or leave it because I’m not open to negotiations.”

“Because there is nothing I want more than to turn a house into a home with you.”