Chapter 7 - Legally Bind

MAVERICK Jeez. We hadn’t been married for a day, and we were already fighting. He had already kicked me out of his room, which I thought was mine for 365 days. At that moment, I wanted to flee, but I signed a contract, and I had to endure how he treated me under this roof as long as he wouldn’t get physical, and that was my limit. I could play a good, loving wife before his family, friends, employees, and business partners, but that was it. I signed up for this, which was the price I must pay. I found the room that was supposed to be for me. It had a well-made queen-sized bed, a small walk-in closet, a door to the right that must be the bathroom, and a floor-to-ceiling window with white curtains drawn to the sides. Instead of dueling with what happened earlier, I went to shower quickly. Then I checked the closet to find something to wear. Surprisingly, I found dresses, jeans, pants, shirts, and tees folded in color-coordinated. Some suits, tweed jackets, skirts, shorts, and denim jeans were there. In the drawer were underwear and bras of my size. “What the hell?” How did he know my size? My phone vibrated. I grabbed some clothes and quickly put them on. I picked up the phone. It was a message from Genesis. I went to the vanity to brush my hair. There were sets of makeup, brushes, and some skincare products for the night and morning routine. I ignored those things, and I went to bed. I read Genesis’s message and replied. MAVERICK: I’m staying at a friend’s house tonight. GG: Anyone I know? MAVERICK: Nyt, G GG: 😅 Nyt I must have fallen asleep right away. I was always an early riser. I was already up before my alarm went off at five in the morning. I grabbed my book from my bag and went downstairs. I felt like a new person; I didn’t even recognize myself anymore. In the kitchen, there was a high-end, top-rated coffeemaker. While the coffee was brewing, I opened the book and began reading. I took some pointers on my phone because, in the afternoon, I had to attend classes. A few minutes later, I knew I wasn’t alone anymore. Since I was the guest and an employee in the penthouse, I swallowed my pride. “Morning.” “Morning.” Lake came in, and I could smell his cologne. “Studying?” “Yup. I took the liberty to use your nice coffee machine.” I smiled and looked at him. He almost caught me off guard. From the well-dressed big boss in a suit, the man before me looked younger and cordial in a t-shirt and sweatpants. He kept his carob mid-length waves and brown hair unkempt but looked hot nonetheless. His blue eyes looked tired, but he seemed to be smiling at me. “What’s mine in this penthouse is yours.” He opened a cupboard, grabbed two cups, and placed them on the marble countertop. “Let me help.” “Take a seat. I’ll take care of the coffee. Would you like some pastries?” “You have pastries?” I sounded surprised. Stupid, I know. He rewarded me with an arched perfect brow, nonetheless. “People living here gotta eat, Maverick.” His gaze landed on my hands. “I took them off before I went to bed. I’ll put them back before I go out. Don’t you people like always on a diet?” “Ouch. Is that how you see me? Only eat grass and drink exotic water?” I broke into a smile. “I didn’t say that. Let me guess, your pasties came from France.” “No, Maverick. There’s a good pastry shop downtown, but if you like French pastries, I can ask a friend to bring them for us.” He put two croissants into the microwave to heat up. “Your friend is in Paris right now?” “Yeah. He’ll be here tomorrow. Not a friend. My cousin.” “Striker?” “You know Strike?” His eyes squinted as he placed a cup of coffee and put a teaspoon of sugar and two creams into it. How did he know that? I rolled my eyes as I watched him place the pastries before me. “Who doesn’t know the only son of Moses Braddson, who is married to London Vanderford? I’m kinda a fan of London.” “You wanna meet her?” He went to take something from the ref. I shrugged and took a sip. “I don’t wanna fangirl and humiliate you.” Lake laughed out loud before he sipped his coffee. “I like her. She’s funny, passionate, sometimes childish. She’s driven, stubborn, and always fights with Striker, but she loves my cousin very much.” “It’s public knowledge that Striker is adopted. How did you feel when you first found out?” He put two forks into the bowl of sliced fruits. “I always wanted a sibling or a cousin to play with. I was shocked and happy when I found out he was my cousin. Strike is a good man. I love that guy to death.” “I’m sure he feels the same. I saw his post on his Ig. He was with some guys.” “They served in the military. They’re like brothers, and they saved each other’s asses back then. Glad Strike came back home alive.” “Yeah.” I grabbed the fork and stabbed a slice of kiwi. “I’m sorry.” “For what?” He came closer, so close I could see the flecks in his eyes. “About yesterday. I should be grateful.” “Hmm.” That was all he said before he went to sipping his coffee. “If the phone—” “Take it. Do however you want, but it’s a wedding gift.” “I’ll use it. I think it’s time for an upgrade.” I cleared my throat when I heard nothing from him. When I lifted my gaze, he stared back at me, almost making me squirm. “Um.” “Yeah?” “Sorry about last night. Owen gave me the wrong instruction.” “He did not. He thought we were sleeping in the same room.” “Oh. I should have knocked.” I pursed my lips. “It’s fine. And um.” He seemed to be finding it hard to find the right word or something. “I don’t—” “You don’t what? Apologize often to your employees. It’s fine.” “You’re not my employee, Maverick.” “A hired wife, then.” “We may have an agreement, but we are legally bound in marriage. You are my wife. What I was trying to say is that I don’t usually yell at someone or kick them out. I was just pissed off because no one has ever turned me down or declined my gifts. To be honest, I don’t often give gifts.” “Water under the bridge. We were both set off on the wrong foot yesterday.” “Yeah. I’m sorry.” “Apology accepted.” After our delightful breakfast, I went back to my room and continued reading. An hour later, I heard a soft knock on the door. “Come in.” The door swung open, and I stared at Lake in his dark gray suit. Damn, it should be illegal to be this handsome. “I said I’m going to work.” “Oh, yeah. Good luck.” I awkwardly waved my hand, my face flaming. He looked amused with my reaction. “See you later.” “Yup.” “What the hell is wrong with me?” When the door closed, I threw myself in bed and covered my face with the book. *** The classes bored me to death, and my mind went constantly with Lake. Thankfully, my last class ended five minutes ago. I should start bracing my heart or building the tallest and strongest walls around my feelings because I felt like I was having a crush on my husband. “Nice ring,” Cooper said, eyeing on my engagement ring. “When did you get married? Wait. With that guy, Heath?” “Hell, no.” I rolled my eyes as we walked to the parking lot. “We broke up weeks ago.” “Right. He’s with that blonde.” “Leah Fox.” Yeah, I checked her on Instagram. She had three million followers, while Heath unfollowed me the same day he kicked me out. “Yeah. I think you’re effortlessly more beautiful than her. Now tell me who stole Maverick Bates’s heart and put a ring on your finger.” “That would be me.”