Marriage of convenience
“You know,” she started, a mischievous smile playing on her lips, “we could make use of this private spot, too.”
Jayden’s eyes glinted playfully as he looked forward to it. “Is that so?” he said, his voice low and husky.
Nina leaned in and met his lips with eager enthusiasm. Their breaths mingled, creating a symphony of shared desire. Her lips were soft, and he could even taste the dessert she had eaten for breakfast. He took charge and deepened the kiss. Their tongues danced in sync, exploring the depths and every corner of their mouths.
Nina slid her hand from his neck, down to his waist, reaching for his zipper, and pulling the latch down. She slowly crouched down and knelt in front of his muscular and long legs. She maintained her calm facade despite her thundering heart.
Jayden felt his breath tighten and his throat rolled with intent. He looked at his woman kneeling in front of him and grabbed the crook of her neck. He stuck his tongue out, licking the dry parts on his lips, and swallowed.
Her amber eyes were intoxicating, enticing him to be cruel to her, yet he could not bring himself to be rough with her.
The air around them immediately turned indescribably ambiguous.
Nina unzipped his pants, and once his enormous shaft popped out of its confinement, her delicate hand wrapped around it. She placed a kiss on his long shaft.
Feeling the softness of her lips on his hot skin, Jayden’s Adam’s apple bopped up and down.
She licked his swollen head with the tip of her tongue, trailing it all over his d***k, and stuffed it into her mouth.
Jayden grabbed the back of her head and pushed him deeper into her throat. He closed his eyes as he found himself lost in the desire.
—
Nina lay on the bed, wrapped in the grey silk sheets, feeling the aftermath of their night of passion coursing through her veins. Her body still hummed with pleasure as she watched Jayden move around the room.
Her beautiful amber eyes trailed over his muscular back as he buttoned his crisp white shirt with long, slender fingers that fondled her not too long ago.
But as Jayden turned around, his expression had already turned frigid. It was as if the fiery passion they had shared just moments ago meant nothing to him now.
He walked across the bed to grab his cell phone when Nina yanked his tie, pulling him closer.
“Don’t go so soon, baby,” she purred, running her fingers through his hair.
Jayden shrugged her off and straightened his tie. “I have more important things to do, Nina,” he replied in a cold voice.
“Really? What’s so important that needs your attention in the middle of the night?”
“You’re in no position to ask me that.”
“I am your wife.”
“Only on papers.” He said matter-of-factly before continuing. “And in bed.”
They had been married for some time, and this is how it has been. She was frustrated with how he treated her.
Jayden took in her change in demeanor, and a mocking smile played on his lips. With his one knee pressed against the soft mattress, he leaned forward and cupped her cheeks.
“Don’t give me that look, babe. I’ve warned you a thousand times if not a million. Do not expect anything from me. This marriage is solely for convenience. Or perhaps…” His eyes narrowed dangerously as he continued. “Have you fallen in love with me?
An unknown emotion flashed across Nina’s eyes before she turned her face away and snorted. “You wish.”
Jayden nodded and got off the bed. “Better. Though you can try if you’re not afraid of hurting yourself.”
As she watched him leave, a wave of loneliness washed over her. She was aware that, no matter how intimate they were, Jayden would always remain an enigma to her.
At times, he treated her exceptionally well, as if she was the only one he loved. Other times, he acted as if she were a mere passerby in his life.
He was simply too unfathomable. It was impossible to figure out what went on in his mind.
One thing he was right about, though.
They were only a couple on paper.
A contract deal, as he had called it. Nothing more.
Once the time was up, they would eventually go their separate ways.
As the door clicked shut behind him, Nina sighed and rolled onto her back, staring up at the ceiling.
“Damn it,” she muttered to herself, “Damn it, damn it!”
—
Jayden was engrossed in his work, going through piles of documents in his office. The room was filled with the sound of rustling papers and the occasional clicking of his pen as he reviewed them.
His phone buzzed on the desk, and he glanced at the screen. His brows furrowed when he saw who it was.
He debated whether to answer the call or let it go to voicemail. But, picked it up since it had no intention of stopping.
“Hello, Father,” Jayden answered indifferently.
A furious voice roared from the other end. “Rascal, why did it take you so long to pick up?”
“I was busy. What’s up?” Jayden leaned back in his chair.
Conversations with his family were seldom casual, often loaded with hidden agendas.
“I wanted to invite you and your new wife for dinner at the family estate this weekend. It has been a while since we all gathered together, and I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to introduce her to the rest of the family.”
“I appreciate your kindness, Father. But I’m very busy during the weekend. I don’t think we can make it.” Jayden replied, keeping his tone neutral.
“Jayden, you’ve been married for over a year and we haven’t met your wife yet. It’s important to introduce her to the Luxton family. What would people think if word got out? You have hidden her so well that even a fly can’t hover around her. Do you think I’m oblivious to your thoughts?”
“If you are aware, then why insist, Father? You know well that my mother does not approve of my marriage. You’re not happy about it either. Are you calling us back so that you can scare my wife away?”
William’s tone turned stern; his voice laced with an underlying threat. “I don’t care what you think. If you refuse to bring Nina, I’ll make sure she receives a personal invitation from me. And trust me, that won’t be pleasant for either of you.”
The call ended with a beep, and Jayden let out a deep sigh.
—
The soft glow of the evening sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm hue across the room where Nina sat on the bean bag reading a fashion magazine.
When he entered their shared space, that was how he found her.
“Get ready. We’re going to my parent’s house for dinner.” He announced.
Startled by his sudden arrival and the news, Nina stood up abruptly. “What? Why? I mean, didn’t you say I don’t have to bother about your family affairs since you’re not close to them?”
Jayden nodded, his gaze dropping for a moment before meeting hers again. “I’ve never been close to them, that’s true. But my father insisted. I don’t want them to make things difficult for you, hence I agreed. Don’t worry, we’ll leave after having dinner.”Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
“That’s not what I mean. I… don’t think I’m not ready to meet them yet. Is there anything I need to prepare?”
Jayden looked into Nina’s eyes; his voice laced with reassurance. “Nina, you just have to accompany me. Let me handle the rest. If you feel uncomfortable or if things become too overwhelming for you, we leave immediately, all right?”
Although it wasn’t enough to calm her down, she nodded, a mixture of emotions swirling within her.
“I’ll get ready.” Saying, she turned around and left.
Jayden stared at her back, his dark black eyes shrouded in deep thoughts. The night was going to be long.
After an hour, Nina emerged from their bedroom looking stunning in a romantic pink, A-line dress with flare sleeves.
Remembering the occasion, she decided to dress simply.
The Luxton Manor.
The couple stepped out of the car and Jayden instructed the butler to retrieve the gifts Ms. Eva had prepared.
Jayden tightened his grip around Nina’s hand as they walked inside.
Just then, Lilian Luxton, Jayden’s stepmother, came downstairs.
Lilian Luxton was over fifty years old but had taken great care of herself. Her skin was wrinkleless, and she wore an elegant light blue chiffon dress.
On the other hand, William, who was in his sixties, entered the living room with the help of the butler.
William and Lilian were bound by a political marriage set by their families and had no love between them.
During his sovereignty, William was a prodigy in the business world. He was a Casanova in the eyes of the women in Spring City. A playboy who had countless illegitimate children out there.
It was only after he was ridden with a serious illness that he stepped down and Jayden took over the Luxton empire.