Contract Marriage with My CEO Boss

Chapter 5

Katrina stared at Kylan, her mind whirling at a rapid rate, and her hands becoming clammy in her lap. She noticed that Kylan was watching her carefully, but she couldn't fix the expression on her face, even if she wanted to. "I don't... What is this, Kylan?" you asked quietly.

Kylan rolled his eyes. "I thought the header would make it fairly obvious," he said, now sounding rather bored. "After you and Ryan cornered me yesterday, I began to think about the proposal. And then it seemed rather obvious to me, really."

He took a second and scanned her face again. "I don't have the time to find anyone to offer such a dumb set-up. Not only that, but I find most women to be rather... difficult to connect with," he continued on with a wave of his hand, "when we were at dinner with Keith last night, I was reminded of how easily you seem to connect with people. You're talented at making someone feel comfortable, and even I don't detest your presence, in small doses."

Katrina knew she should be offended by the way he spoke of her, but she was far too confused and even more shocked, for it to register to its full extent.

She had encouraged Kylan to marry someone, sure. She had even droned on about why it was a good, and even practical idea. But she hadn't intended that he would approach her to fill such a role. It was highly inappropriate, for several reasons.

"I met with Ryan late last night, and then Max early this morning. While it's technically a breach of company policy normally, Max is willing to make an exception. Everyone sees the stocks dropping, and we all want to fix it," Kylan spoke curtly now, and it was clear how annoyed he still was about the current situation the company was in.

"There will be rumors, no doubt. But dealing with those is part of your specialty, correct? We'll ensure to publicly state that we've only become my fiance for a few months and that you didn't climb to your position by sucking my cock, or anything like that," Kylan prattled on with a shrug.

Katrina's face flushed crimson at the casual mention of his freaking... sex organ. What the hell was this conversation? He couldn't possibly mean what he was suggesting.

"Kylan... You can't possibly be serious. I can't... I can't... marry you," she practically squeaked. Her imagination was running wild, and she was spiraling.

Kylan huffed and shook his head. "Don't be ridiculous, Katrina. This is all purely for show. I thought that much was also obvious." He indicated the contract with the tip of his pen. "It's quite simple. May I go over it with you?" he asked with a glance up at her. She swallowed hard, willing her heart and mind to calm down. "I... Sure," she finally relented as she breathed.

Kylan nodded and cleared his throat. "Right, as I said, it's simple. There are only a few rules, and there are several benefits involved for you." He pointed to a section appropriately titled "rules", and she leaned down to follow along apprehensively.

"First, the duration of the contract will be a year after the fake wedding, with the option to extend it, if necessary. We will hold the wedding as soon as Ryan and Max deem it okay for us to "settle down". Second, we need to go on at least one date a week, and it must be somewhere public. Having the paparazzi taking a few photos is imperative."

Kylan was looking at her to ensure she was paying attention, and she gave him a weak nod to indicate she was. Sort of, anyway. Her head felt light and airy.

"Third, you need to accompany me to any galas, business dinners, and trips during the whole period. You will maintain your duties as my assistant, but you'll have the additional responsibility of acting like my fiance, to the public anyway. Fourth, you need to be prepared to hold my hand, hug me, or kiss me, if the situation calls for it," Kylan spoke clinically, and it only added to her lightheadedness.

was incredibly surprised Ryan and Max had both cleared the idea already, but Katrina supposed she couldn't be all that confused if she thought about it enough. The

so far?" Kylan

laughed nervously. "May I speak candidly?"

in response, and

How

anything that might help her understand, but his usual stoic mask was firmly in

be near you. Also, you're an attractive woman, and I recognize that there are worse options out

was used to Kylan's callousness, whenever he spoke. But the way he was talking

other

that note, we are not permitted to sleep with each other, either," he explained to her. She was still struggling with

not to fall in love with me,"

his gaze slightly and took another deep breath. "That... I can't imagine why that would be an issue, Kylan.

to hear what you

her mind struggled to

pay off your student loans, if there is no breach of contract ever, that is. So, I'll do it in small increments. Five-thousand dollars here and there, that sort of thing. I will also cover any and all expenses for travel, dates, dinners, and dresses you may need. If there's

would be far too much. My loans are astronomical. I can't accept that." She was stumbling over her words, but Katrina got them out all the same. This was

with an annoyed click of his tongue. "Katrina, I don't enjoy speaking about money, but simply put... Fifty-thousand dollars is nothing to me. You shouldn't concern yourself with such things.

for a moment, seeming to consider saying

Never once have you questioned why, or wished for me to be different. What you say when I'm not around, is not my business. But to my face, you have been nothing but respectful, even when you disagree with me. You are, candidly put, the perfect person to pose as my fiance... or wife. You are the kind of image Ross Corp. needs to reflect. You can... You can help turn

Katrina was surprised he had been able to

be details to consider, and several bumps in the road, that would inevitably make her more than uncomfortable. But now she could also understand why he approached her in the

freaking insane, but it...

straighter in her chair. "I have a few addendums

face for a fraction of a second, before his usual deadpan expression

especially Litter. If this has any hope of being successful, you can't be getting into fights on the internet anymore. I need to control and fabricate your future posts," she told Kylan, her voice deadly serious. Kylan scowled at her. "I only get