The Tie That Binds: A Marriage of Convenience Novel

I’m filled with anticipation and nerves as I walk into Devereaux Inc with a team of five in tow. Daniel’s stipulations mean that I have to check in personally at least once a week. I’d been so ready to move on with my life, and he’s made it impossible now.

Daniel is standing next to his secretary, her hand on his arm. My eyes automatically zero in on where she’s touching him, a feeling of unease overwhelming me. I shouldn’t care anymore. I turned him down when he asked for another date, so I don’t have the right to be upset now.

His eyes light up when he sees me, and he smiles fondly. “Hey, you’re here,” he says. He places his hand on the small of my back and leads me into his office while his secretary shows my team where they’ll be stationed.

I’m so paranoid and my heart is so unsettled. Every time I see him with another woman, I wonder if she’s the one he chose over me. There’s no way he and I could date. I don’t think there’s anything he could do or say that would take away the insecurity I’m feeling. We’re best off going our separate ways. Daniel looks at me with raised brows and I realise I’ve been lost in thought. I shake my head and nod at him politely.

“I apologise. My mind wandered,” I say, smiling apologetically. I push a copy of our proposed timeline towards him. “This is our schedule. The five consultants I brought with me will be stationed here permanently. You should be familiar with all of them. You’re welcome to reach out to me should you have any questions.”

Daniel bites down on his lip and looks at me worriedly as I continue. “I’ll go check up on the team and ensure everything is in place. I’ll ensure that there are no delays and that the quality of the work will be as high as you’re accustomed to.”

I rise and Daniel jumps out of his seat, a grave expression on his face. I smile at him politely again and turn to walk out, but he grabs my wrist and stops me. I turn to face him, a stern expression on my face.

“Let me go,” I whisper.

Daniel shakes his head and pulls me towards him, his free hand finding its way around my waist.

“No,” he murmurs. He leans in and bends his head towards me, his lips hovering over mine.

I sigh and let my eyes fall closed. “We can’t keep doing this, Daniel. You and I… we’re done. We need to try to move on. You’ve got to let me go.”

Daniel’s lips come crashing down on mine and he kisses me as though I’m the very air he needs to breathe. I kiss him back just as desperately. My brain tells me not to do it, but my body can’t help but give in. My heart pounds as his hands roam over my body. He deepens the kiss and lifts me into his arms. My legs automatically find their way around his hips and he carries me to his desk, setting me down on top of it.

“Never,” he whispers against my lips. “I will never let you go again, Alyssa.”

He kisses me as his hands roam over my body. I’m like putty in his hands, his touch searing hot. I moan when he strokes my inner thigh and he grins against my lips. He knows I can never deny him. He knows my body will betray me as soon as he touches me.

He slips a finger inside me and rubs his thumb over my clit and a small moan escapes my lips. I will never not want this man. Just one touch and I’m his. My hands fumble with his trousers, my movements eager and impatient. I smile in delight when I realise he’s just as hard as I am wet. Daniel pushes my underwear aside and I guide him inside of me. He looks into my eyes as he enters me, slowly and steadily. He stretches me out deliciously and I’m panting by the time he’s fully inside me.

He kisses me tenderly as he thrusts in and out, his hands on my hips. “We shouldn’t be doing this,” I whisper, clenching my muscles around him the way he likes it.

He moans loudly and leans in to bite down on my lip. “You vixen,” he whispers. I grin as he thrusts into me harder. He kisses me viciously and fucks me so good… there’s no way I’d ever get enough of this.

“Alyssa, baby… you better hear me when I say this,” he groans, thrusting into me harder. “I won’t ever let you go. I made that mistake once, and I’ll never do it again. I’m going to pursue you until you give in and agree to be mine again.”

Daniel pulls me closer and pulls my legs over his shoulders, fucking me even deeper. “You’re mine, Alyssa. You hear me, baby?”

He thrusts into me hard, hitting all the right spots. I can barely think straight and look up at him pleadingly. I’m so close. So fucking close.

He grins at me. “You want it, baby? You wanna come for me?” I nod coyly, desperate for release. He’s keeping me right on the edge and he knows it.

“Tell me you’ll go on a date with me and I’ll give you what you want.”

He slows down the pace, and I groan in despair. “No!” I whisper. “I’ll go, Dan. I’ll go on a date with you,” I say, falling for his trick. He smiles and gives me what I’m longing for. My muscles clench around him and he comes seconds after I do.

“Good girl,” he whispers, pulling me in for another kiss. “I’ll pick you up tonight.”