Reborn for Revenge, Thirty Days

Erica's heart thumped in her chest as she followed him, trying desperately to catch up with his long strides. The rest of the table watched from the dining room until they were out of sight, then returned to their food.

As they reached the hallway, she noticed him slow down, but she still tried to keep up. Just as she took the last step, her foot got caught in the fabric of her joggers. She stumbled forward, but before she could hit the ground, strong hands grabbed her, and their eyes locked.

The tiny chain from his neck dangled in front of her, while his firm lips and cold gaze kept her in check. Her widened eyes, filled with shock, began to soften.

"He can't be shy for too long," she thought, a smirk curling on her lips.

"Ouch," Erica cried as her head and back landed heavily on the marble tiles. She clutched them in pain as it wracked through her body, threatening to draw tears.

"Why did you let go?" she cried, helping herself up—but the long sleeves and joggers made it almost impossible.

"You were getting comfortable," he shot back.

Erica paused, her eyes flickering open as she ignored the pain. He was standing right above her, watching as she writhed, while she'd thought he was long gone. Now, she chose to be a lot more reckless.

Her full lips pursed into a stubborn pout that only enhanced her allure.

Jamal was taken aback. The soft swell of her lower lip made her look irresistible, and he felt a flicker of sweat trail down his temple.

Erica smirked, taking a step closer to him.

She raised a brow before her lips curled again. "After doing all that dirty work while I was drunk, and now you're acting like this is our first meeting?"

Jamal's brows furrowed.

"What are you talking about? When did—"

"If not, why did you bring me here, huh? For another round? After not showing up at the wedding?"

He exhaled sharply.

"So that's what you're talking about, huh?"

His voice softened as he took a step closer. Erica planted her hands on her waist, trying to feign courage and confidence, but the intensity of his gaze burned them down.

She took a step backward, which he immediately covered, until her back was pressed against the wall and his lips curled into a smirk. He could hear the sound of her chest rising and falling like his head was placed right on it.

He bent further, close to her face—their eyes and noses just inches apart.

Her large almond eyes bore into his as she innocently anticipated his next move.

Moving just an inch closer, he stifled a laugh at her pouty lips waiting for a kiss. She shot her eyes open as she heard the sound, before a slow smile curved on his lips.

Erica bit her lower lip, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment. He held the hem of the sweatshirt as his face inched closer, but she tore her gaze away from him.

"This should be the last time you ever wear his clothes."

Erica felt a knot twist in her stomach. Her eyes met his—they were no longer soft. They were icy, which meant he meant every word. His gaze fell on her lips before he pulled away and was about to leave when she held him back.

"Why… why did you miss the wedding?"

"This is just a contract. No strings attached. If you had read the papers, you'd have seen it. It's an open marriage."

Erica's eyes widened.

Her shoulders sagged, arms falling to her sides.

"What… what do you mean? We're supposed to bear children."

"Your third day in the house and you're already horny?"

He scoffed.

The mockery in his voice was evident, but he turned, shocked to see a tear already rolling down her face.

"That's not..." she gulped. "That's not what I meant. I meant you're supposed to love me, not—"

"You should've read the contract like I advised."

More tears threatened to spill, but she held them back. As he turned to leave, she grabbed him again.

"Tell me. I'll do whatever you want—anything to make you love me. Just… please." Her voice rasped. "Tell me."

Jamal turned back. He could see the droplets of her tears staining her toes.

His chest tightened.

"Fine!" he said, pulling her hand off his clothes.

"You're going to be my secretary and follow my rules. Most importantly, you'll be in charge of business deals. If you can get us a contract with the Sinclairs and secure the Gromani land, I'll love you and be the husband you want, so—"

"Gromani?" she asked, and he nodded.

"I'm pretty sure you've never heard of them."

"No, I have. It's Mia's father and—"

Her chest tightened when she saw that he was already long gone. The only thing left of him was the smell of his cologne. Even his back view had disappeared, leaving her in the empty hallway.

"Are you okay?" a familiar voice echoed from behind.

"Knight," her mind echoed. She turned, plastering a fake smile on her face.

"Oh, yes. I'm just having a minor headache," she said, and he smirked.

"No, you're not," he replied, wiping off the tears that traced her cheekbones.

He leaned closer, till their faces were side by side.

"You look good," he whispered, his breath hot against her neck before walking away.

"She's not just a gold digger but also a slut," a voice sneered behind her. Erica didn't bother to turn. The voice was familiar enough.

She sniffed as every word from Jamal echoed in her head. Heaving a heavy sigh, she glanced back at where he had gone—only to find him at his doorstep, glaring at—

She traced his gaze.

"Knight."

Her breath hitched.