The Arrangement (unenhanced Edition) by AnnaRCase (books to read now .txt) 📖

                “It still doesn’t change the heart of the matter though Grayson… But that does bring me to my final term. You will see a fucking therapist. I’m sure you can be creative and come up with ways around telling them about your disease, but you need therapy. You need help with your depression and your drinking problem. And apparently ways to cope with the enormous amount of stress you are under.”

                “I agree with Amber. You need to get some counseling. You have more to try and deal with than anyone should G-Man. I’m here for you, but this is bigger than either of us can handle.”

                “That is also a tricky and slippery slope Leo. I know there is supposed to be confidentiality and shit, but it’s not guaranteed. And more people than you’d expect would love to see our family fall from grace.”

                “Nothing in this life is guaranteed, but that doesn’t mean we should let it dictate our lives,” countered Leo.

Amberleigh was about to cross her legs though it was hard to do it discretely, “Well there you have my terms. No doubt you’ll want some time to think them over. And right now I have to fucking pee. So gentleman if you’ll excuse me.”

                She debated if she should risk making it to all the way to her own bathroom or just mosey right on into the master bath. She could use a shower as well, but food was second on her priority list at the moment. Thanks to the billionaire, she’d missed out on several meals and she was staring to get hangry. Fuck it, she was going to use his bathroom. She’d already cozied up to his toilet last night when she stuck her head in it to upchuck.

                She left the boys to talk things over. She was lucky to get her pants down and her ass on the seat in time as it was, she sighed in contentment. Sweet baby Jesus, the relief was amazing. After she washed her hands, she entertained the idea of retracting her previous statement and beg Leo to feed her. Then he could take a nap.

                When she emerged from the bathroom, both men were watching her whole approach across the room. Like not blinking or shit.  Well, kind of awkward, was her fly unzipped? Nope, a quick downward glance confirmed her barn door was shut.  Perhaps they’d come to a decision then. She tried to read their faces but they weren’t making it easy.

                “What?” she asked, “I really had to pee. I’m sure you talked about me while I was gone.”

                Leo broke into a grin first, “Only good things. Are you sure you don’t want me to make you something to eat? Crepes perhaps?”

                “Why must you tempt me Leonardo? And why the fuck do you both look so serious. Just out with it. No need to soften me up with promises of your culinary perfections first. I can handle it.”

                Leo chuckled, “That’s just G-Man’s face. He has a resting bitch face. But he’s still thinking over your generous proposal. Allow me to convince you to stay Amber…”

                Grayson had gone mute again, shoving his hands into his pants pockets.  But she knew his mind was far from quiet. He was an intelligent man. Some would even call him cold and calculating. But she the billionaire had a warm heart buried beneath that stone after all, it just took some chipping away to reach it. But Leo on the other hand, wore his heart right out on his fuckin sleeve.

                “You’re killing me here Leo. You know my weakness. But I’m sorry, I can’t be a part of this arrangement any longer unless Grayson agrees to my terms. The risk is too great otherwise.”

                “I understand Amber. And I don’t blame you,” said Leo, “But the least you can let me do is fix you something to eat. I was headed to the kitchen anyway-”

                “I agree to your terms Amber,” interrupted Grayson.

                “Shut the fuck up! Are you serious?” she asked.

                Leo looked fucking ecstatic, “Fuck yeah G-Man! That’s what I’m talking about!”

                But Grayson still looked serious as a heart attack, “You both assumed I was going to say no, didn’t you?”

                “Fuck yeah I did,” she admitted, “Why didn’t you?”

                “Because I don’t want you to leave, Amber.”

                The billionaire’s response was so simple, yet so complex at the same time. Leo stated it was cause for celebration as he’d already been looking for an excuse to cook something. He broke out into an off-key song on his way to the kitchen which had Amber laughing. But when she glanced back at Grayson, he was just watching her. Watching her like nothing else fucking mattered and she was all he saw.  And in that moment, nothing else did. Her heart skipped a beat or two and a blush crept into her cheeks. And it felt damn good to be looked at like that.

                Grayson didn’t seem to mind being caught staring.  A smile touched his lips. Leo smiled as easy as taking a breath, but Grayson’s smiles had to be earned it seemed. In a way, it almost made them more precious.  

                “I’m glad you decided to stay,” he said.

                “So am I. Just don’t make me fuckin' regret this decision.”

                “I wouldn’t dream of it. But if Leo keeps it up, I’m sure you’ll be regretting it alright.”

                She laughed, “Who’s going to tell him he shouldn’t quit his day job? Like really. He’s an excellent chef.”

                “Oh, I’ll leave that to you. You’re good at busting balls, Amber.”

                “Why Grayson, that has got to me one of the nicest things you’ve ever said to me.”

                The pretty boy laughed. Then he leaned in real close to her ear, “I just hope not everything is off the table now. I can think lots of fun things to do with you Amber that won’t make a baby.”