"Don't play with me, Steele." He growled dangerously, and Merry giggled.

"Well...." She said. "I prefer the name 'Steele' without that 'Missy' word backing it up."

The elevator dinged open. His office unfolded-floor-to-ceiling windows, sharp lines, cold colors, some flower vases and perfect order.

A perfect view of the bustling californian city.

It was beyond luxury and elegance.

She sat before he ordered her to.

Merry's eyes drifted-not to him, but to the desk.

Her fingers reached out without thinking, brushing a slim metal pill case near his blotter, cool under her touch.

Damon's gaze followed the movement instantly.

"Don't touch that," he said, too quick, too sharp-for something that small.

She stopped, then withdrew her hand as if she'd touched something private.

"Damon," she said plainly, "we both know this is a sweet opportunity. And we both know I'd do a fucking good job with everything you described yesterday. Don't drag this. I've got a handful of things to deal with."

"Don't swear around here. This is...."

He avoided her eyes.

She stood, walked around the desk, and stopped right in front of him.

His jaw tightened.

"We're wasting time," she murmured.

She lifted her leg and pressed her heel right at the crease between his torso and thighs one tiny inch from the masculine bulge beneath his suit pants.

He flinched, shocked she'd dare.

"What are you doing, Merry?"

"Showing you what you've been missing for months. And what I could take away again."

He tried to stay composed. He failed.

Her foot moved only lightly and his hip jerked. Their eyes locked. She smiled.

Then she stepped back.

Damon grabbed her waist instantly-reflex, instinct, maybe memory.

"Don't touch me, Damon. The job hasn't been taken yet. And until it is, you don't get access."

She guided his hands off her body.

He was silent. His jaw tight. His eyes dark. His hip stiff.

She cupped the back of his head, massaging slowly. "Relax. Can't believe you still want me that bad."

His voice rasped, "Steele. Just sex. Forget what you're thinking. I just want your body."

"Damon," Merry said evenly, "we both know why I'm here. You need control. Appearances. Someone who fits the picture and won't bore you to death."

She sat and leaned back, crossing her legs. "And I'm good at my job."

His jaw tightened. "This isn't a game."

"No," she said softly. "It's an arrangement. A family problem, I guess."

She stood and walked slowly to the glass desk, slow enough to make him aware of every step.

"We're wasting time. Aren't you excited about being my fiancé?" she murmured.

Damon didn't move. Didn't look at her. But the tension in him gave him away.

"Just sex," he said at last, like a warning. "No complications."

Merry laughed quietly. "What else did you think it'd be about."

Then, she went to sit again, smirking back into his watchful blue eyes.

"Give me the fucking contract papers, Damon Blackwell. I'll need a good lawyer."

Damon was suddenly in front of her. He slipped his hand into her hair.

"What....?"

Damon only smirked softly and stepped back.

****

****

As Merry walked out of the lawyer's office, she smiled softly.

Three missed calls.

All from Samantha.

Merry smiled faintly and didn't return them yet.

When the elevator opened into the lobby, Damon was already there.

Waiting.

Not pacing. Not watching the doors. Just standing, hands in his pockets, coat on, expression neutral.

"You don't linger," he said, walking beside her without looking.

"I like efficiency." He pushed open the glass doors. "Your contract's digital copy will be emailed within the hour. NDA included. Violation penalties are... severe."

She stepped into the afternoon light. Cameras across the street shifted, curiously.

Merry noticed. Damon didn't need to.

He stopped just short of the curb. Cars rolled past. The city pretended not to care.

"You cook," Damon said. "You attend what I attend. You don't speak to the press unless approved. You don't improvise."

She turned to face him, eyes bright. "You just hired me to improvise your life."

A pause.

Then, Damon spoke: "You don't fall in love with me."

Merry tilted her head, teasing. "Too late to make that rule."

Then, she huffed, irritated.

"WHAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU'RE EVEN WORTH LOVING?"

His jaw flexed. "You don't use the past also."

"Then don't make me talk about it," she said simply.

Another pause. Longer.

Finally, he nodded once. Not agreement. Acceptance.

"My driver will pick you up at seven," he said. "You're moving into the penthouse tonight."

"Not tonight, Damon. I have my kitchen staffs to deal with first. Tomorrow."

"I want efficiency."

She smiled, slow and knowing. "You're already breaking my own rules, Damon. You'll have to manage me."

He met her gaze then. Really met it.

"This is temporary," he said. "You leave at year-end."

Merry stepped back, the noise of the city rushing in between them.

She walked away before he could answer.

Across the street, a phone lifted. A photo snapped.

Damon watched her go, something tight settling behind his chest.

****

****

Morning came too bright.

Damon was already awake when the glass walls of the penthouse began to shine with sunlight.

He stood at the window, shirt half-buttoned, coffee untouched on the counter behind him. His reflection stared back, eyes rimmed dark, hair tousled, jaw set too tight, like sleep had been a personal insult.

He hadn't looked at the bed since he rose.

Merry was going to be there soon. Curled on her side. Breathing. Sleeping.

That was the problem.

He turned away before the thought finished forming.

His phone buzzed.

A message from his father.

"Board meeting moved forward. PREPARE. Your image matters more than ever. Don't embarrass me. Have you gotten that fiancée?"

Damon locked the screen without replying.

The elevator ride up to his office was silent and brutal.

By the time he reached the executive floor, the mask was back in place.

Cold, precise, impenetrable.

The moment he stepped out, everything irritated him.

"Good morning, sir," his assistant said too brightly.

He didn't answer.

A junior analyst trailed him with a tablet, voice eager. "Few minutes ago, the board rescheduled the meeting to eleven-"

"I said nine," Damon snapped without breaking stride.

"Yes, sir, but Martin's office called-"

Damon stopped so abruptly the analyst nearly collided with him.

"I don't care what Martin's office wants," he said quietly.

The quiet was worse than shouting.

The analyst swallowed. "Understood, sir."

They moved again. Faster.

A catered breakfast sat untouched. Someone had chosen pastries with powdered sugar. Damon stared at them like they were an offense.

"Who ordered this?" he asked.

A staffer raised her hand hesitantly. "You usually-"

"Get it out," he said. "Now."

She scrambled.

His assistant tried again, cautiously. "Sir, if you'd like to postpone-"

"No. Call them in now."

The word landed hard.

A steel case slipped from someone's hand. Damon flinched at the sound before he could stop himself.

The room noticed.

His fingers curled slowly at his side.

Unacceptable.

"Why are you all standing there?" he snapped coldly. "If you don't have something useful to add, leave."

They left.

Too fast.

Too obedient.

When the door shut, Damon gripped the edge of the table, knuckles whitening. He stared at the polished surface until his reflection blurred.

Control. He needed control.

His hand went where it always did-automatic, unthinking.

Nothing.

He paused.

He checked the blotter. The pen. The edge of the desk.

His hand moved again, slower this time. He shifted a folder. Checked the corner. Ran his fingers along the smooth surface like the answer might be hiding in plain sight.

The pill case was gone.

The reaction was immediate and sharp. Not panic but worse.

He straightened, jaw tightening, breath measured. He stood very still, counting once. Twice.

He never misplaced anything.

He slipped his hand into his coat pocket.

His fingers closed around something that did not belong to him.

****

****

At lunchtime, Merry ate with him publicly.

Dressed. Calm. Watching him like she already knew.

"You yelled at three people," she said mildly, setting a mug down on the table. "One of them almost cried."

"I pay them well," he replied. "They'll recover."

She didn't argue. Didn't smile.

"That wasn't about them. You're acting and I think I'll enjoy some parts of your show. Not all, though."

He froze just for a fraction of a second.

"What do you mean, Steele?"

"You're in trouble somehow," she said. Not a question.

Silence thickened.

He poured himself coffee he wouldn't drink. "You don't get to diagnose me."

"No," she agreed easily. "But I get to notice patterns. You get cruel when you're scared of things."

His jaw tightened.

"You were shaking," she said softly. "Your hands. You didn't even notice."

That hit.

He set the cup down too hard. Coffee sloshed over the rim.

"This arrangement," he said coldly, "does not include emotional analysis."

Merry held his gaze, unflinching.

"Then stop making me see your weaknesses," she said. "Be extra-cold."

Damon looked like he would strangle her.

Merry, Samantha and Nicki sat with Mr George Steele, Merry's crippled father. She told him about her job's nature minus the sexual side of it and he smiled, hugged her and wished her well.

He told her-happily-that it was a good thing that Damon Blackwell found her because he believed in her and she said it was because it was just business.

Later, Samantha, her bestfriend, was with her in her room, ears pricked up for informations.

"So, what was he like? How hot has he become?"

"Sam! You need to calm down!"

"Come on, girl. We always talk about guys worse than this. Don't be scared. It's just Damon Blackwell."

"Well...." Merry shrugged. "He's hot."

Samantha stared, inquisitive.

"Very hot." Merry added and Samantha's eyes widened.

"Jeezzz. Merry, you'll never regret your decision. You're also gonna be enjoying his dick. DAMON BLACK-WELL'S DICK!!!"

"Sam!"

"Girl. Relax. We're best friends. He's a contract boyfriend, remember? We can harass him.... Except you don't wanna...."

"Yes. He's a contract boyfriend."

"Jesus! I'm jealous of you. You're having that handsome, gorgeous man to yourself. For free."

Merry giggled.

"It's a job. We are enemies also. Let's be discreet and not let anyone hear."

"Sure. This is getting interesting."

"You're always interested, Samantha."

"Hey, don't act like you don't ask for every detail about my weekends with Caleb."

They laughed.

Samantha studied her for a moment. "And you're not doing this because you miss chaos, right? You can't...."

Merry's smile faded just a little. "I'm not letting the past repeat itself."

"Good," Samantha said quietly. Then, lighter, "Cas' I'm not running your kitchen forever."

Merry nudged her. "I'll pay you."

"You will not."

"I can afford it."

Samantha shook her head, smiling. "You're still terrible at letting people help you."

They sat in comfortable silence for a beat.

Then Samantha smirked again. "Still though... contract boyfriend?"

Merry groaned. "Don't."

"I mean," Samantha continued, unapologetic, "it's a sudden, ridiculous setup. You pretending to be engaged to one of the most powerful men in California. A memory."

"It's temporary."

"Everything dangerous is," Samantha said. Then she winked. "Just don't forget why you're there."

Merry nodded. "I won't."

Samantha stood and stretched. "Alright. Go tame your billionaire."

Merry laughed, shaking her head. "You're unbelievable."

They laughed and talked about "how crazy men were", the restaurant and money all through the night.

****

****

Merry arrived at Damon's penthouse in the morning.

She looked serious sitting opposite Damon Blackwell at his regal dining room.

Damon looked unbothered and deep in work on his laptop at first while Merry stared at his facial details, bored.

Then, he looked up.

Their eyes met. Merry didn't back down and smirked when he snapped.

"What?"

"I need your help." Merry replied and he instantly looked interested. Calm. Eyes warning.

"The contract says I'm very important in your life right now and I'll love to use it against you. You'll help me with that." She said and was satisfied when he looked confused and disbelieving.

"What?" He asked.

"I mean I will walk away if you say NO. You'll do the dishes. Now."

She got to her feet and Damon first stared with shock....

Then anger.

"That's your fucking job, Merry Steele!" He growled and got to his feet.

"You're too dramatic, Damon Blackwell. You have a dishwasher."

"So?"

"I'm too important."

He hit the table and leaned closer, his eyes intimidating but Merry stared him down, hands on waist.

"You're irritating me and...." Damon began but he shook with anger, lost for a better threat.

Merry nonchalantly turned and catwalked to the kitchen.

"I won't wait five minutes, Blackwell."

She went straight to making breakfast.

It took some time but Damon grudgingly arrived and went straight to the dishwasher.

Silence.

"Get me sugar, Damon."

He acted like he didn't hear.

She walked up to him, not minding his dangerous glare or how big and dominant he looked over her smaller figure. She poked his rib twice.

"I need sugar. Right now."

He narrowed his eyes and watched as she went back to the frying eggs and vegetables.

"You have to bring the sugar because I can't leave this frying egg for a second."

"Don't fucking talk to me. Do your job. I'm busy with the dishes!" Damon snapped, frustrated. He didn't move.

"If I leave the eggs, it'll explode." Merry said, not looking Damon's way. He didn't mind her but she knew he was threatened.

"It'll burn your kitchen. And both of us."

Instantly, he moved. Fast.

Merry tried not to laugh as he ravaged in the cupboard for sugar.

"Make it snappy."

He walked back to her, his eyes still very angry.

They held eye contact as their fingers brushed lightly.

Merry was angry at herself when her heart kicked. She quickly smirked and put the sugar down.

She realized Damon wasn't going back to the dishwasher but he was watching her intently. She licked her lips, turned off the fire and went back to their staring contest, ready for him.

"You're not done with the dishes."

"Stop smiling like that. We're not having fun." He warned, dangerously.

Merry folded her arms.

"The contract never said you have the right to tell your most important chef...." She ran a lazy hand through her hair. ".... to stop smiling. A contented worker has to smile. And also, Damon. I'm not smiling at you. You-don't-fucking-deserve-it!"

He two deep breaths and went back to work.

****

****

When Merry finished cooking, she sat with Damon who was back to making calls at the table. She was first to eat.

Same time, Damon turned off his laptop.

Suddenly, Merry retched, bile rising in her throat. She nearly vomited on the table and had to spit the food out back.

Silence.

She was vibrating. Anger. Lethal anger. She looked up at Damon who stared, interested.

"What did you do?!" She asked, voice low.

Damon only stared, a little touch of a wicked smile reaching his face. He didn't know what was wrong but he felt pleased that it wasn't good.

"Damon, I asked for sugar!!! Sugar. Not salt. Can't you tell the difference? Now, you've destroyed breakfast. What the fuck is wrong with you?"

Damon leaned back, watching her with abnormal calm.

"You should be more careful who you challenge, Merry Steele. And yes, I can't tell the difference. So, now, you'll do your job without me. Don't come up to my room if you're not done with cooking."

"You're trying to prove you can control everything, huh?!"

"I control everything. That's what I'm made off. Don't play with me."

Merry tried to calm down as his words settled in her head.

She wanted to shout. She wanted to cry. She was annoyed but Damon was saying the truth.

Now, she had to get back to working again. She had to wash the dishes and cook on her own now.

But she couldn't let him feel superior with her. Determined, she narrowed her eyes at his departing form.

****

****

In the evening time, Merry finished her online meeting with Samantha, Nicki and some of her kitchen staffs.

When she looked up, she jumped, squealing and startled at seeing Damon sitting there quietly, watching her.

Waiting for her?

She was chilled then irritated.

Their eyes met again for the umpteenth time in one day.

"How long have you been there?"

"Longer than you can tell. Follow me." Damon simply said and began to go upstairs to his room.

Merry grudgingly kept her things and hurried after him, heels clacking on fine marbles.

From behind him, she silently stared at his broad shoulders and compact buttocks.

Damon Blackwell....

She remembered him so well. Even from how he walked, hip slightly swaying, posture sure and proud, large-sized muscles well toned through his grey shirt.

She was still trying to get used to the fact that he was from a multi billion dollar family and she'd never known in the past.

He was a pretender....

A liar....

A handsome devil.

He'd gotten bigger now. After five years.

But he was colder. In a bad way. Very bad way.

They got in his large, finely made bedroom and he walked to the closet while she sat on the bed, watching him get a handful of mall bags.

He walked back toward her and roughly tumbled out the many clothing they contained.

Merry stared, eyebrows quirked.

Red, black, pink, cream and wine colors were dominant and Merry realized he'd offloaded sexy thongs, lingeries, brazziers, see-through nightgowns and so many sexy silks and satins that even turned her on.

"How did you guess my size?"

Damon pulled her up to her feet, watching her intently. Gently, he wrapped his hands around her buttocks and then ran his hands sensually around her hips, savoring the feel of her sexy curves.

"You're very.... sizable by sight, Merry Steele." He rasped, staring at the intimate curve of her soft, full lips.

"Hm." She hummed. "Put some respect to a woman's body."

"I've given too much of a compliment already."

"You want control all the time."

"I always have it. Accept that."

Merry looked at the clothes, mouth watering, body aching to get in them and watch Damon Blackwell gape.

"Don't think about sex, Steele. I have my own preferences. Go to bed early."

****

****

In the evening, Merry was surprised at her tiredness and hit the bed immediately she had her bath and brushed her teeth.

Her white silk nightgown was see-through and clung to her bare breasts. She wore no thong, no panties. Just as Damon asked.

In his bed, there was something too intimate about it. Something too cozy.

She hated it but she imagined his hard, big body pressed against hers, his arms holding her. She wondered how heart wrenching his sleeping face would look like beside her.

Everyone's voice poured into her head.

Especially SAMANTHA'S.

"He's just a contract boyfriend."

"Just a cold contract boyfriend who used me and I left him." Merry said aloud.

Samantha's message interrupted her thoughts.

"Hey, girl. Me and Caleb are out for a date night."

Merry replied.

"Oh my God, girl. Finally back together again. I'm so happy."

"Thanks. Also wanted to tell you to stay strong and not fucking bother about BLACKWELL. You're a strong girl."

"Yup. Thanks. Enjoy your date night. SEE YA."

Merry giggled, sleep gripping her instantly as she typed.

Then, Samantha sent the image of a hot guy. Caleb.

Merry smiled, loving what she was seeing and fell asleep, phone still unlocked.

****

****

Damon walked in the room and stared at Merry's sleeping form, forehead creased with stress and interest.

He then went for a bath, brushed and hurried through some more things before glancing at the bedside clock.

12:07am.

He sighed, unbuttoned the top button of his black pajamas and walked towards the bed.

He stopped.

He couldn't understand why it was so interesting to watch Merry Steele sleep. He looked at the sexy swell of her plump breasts against the nightgown. From the deep arch of her waist to the outer curve of her hip.

Or was it the way her long, rich hair spilled all over the pillow to expose her slender neck?

Damon softly breathed through the warm pool of heat in his chest and reduced the air conditioning with the controller before slipping under the covers beside her.

He didn't want to wake her.

The scent of roses hit him and he shut his eyes as it clouded his common sense.

Memories of her wanted to come in but he fought them off knowing it'd only make him bitter and spoil the mood.

Damon was surprised at himself but being the daredevil he was, he scooted closer.

Then, closer.

This was just too comfortable. He needed to leave but his body was still.

Finally, he pressed against her and slipped an arm around her waist.

It was so cozy that he shivered and fell asleep fast.

****

****

Merry woke four hours later and was confused when she felt the heavy warmth around her other than the duvet.

She shifted and then smelled him.

She gasped.

Damon-fucking-Blackwell was cuddling with her!!!

Heavens, it felt so good. So warm to feel his heart thudding peacefully against her back.

"Merry...." Her strict mind suddenly interrupted. "This is Damon Blackwell. There's a mistake somewhere. Think straight!"

Immediately, Merry shut her eyes and began to move away but Damon's arm tightened and he jumped, voice was extra-deepened by sleep.

"Wha.... Merry?"

She turned to stare at his sleepy face. His hair was tousled and his blue eyes were sharp in the dim lamplight. He looked so.... innocent.

"What?" He asked.

Merry blinked.

"Damon...."

Pause.

"This is too intimate. We.... We shouldn't be cuddling."

"It's not written on the contract, is it?"

Silence. Merry needed to say NO.

"You can pretend, Merrilyn Steele. I don't bite." Damon cajoled.

"Just tonight." Merry heard herself say.

And her heart swelled with emotions she wished she didn't feel as Damon sleepily beckoned for her to scoot back into his waiting arms.

"Stay."

When her head hit his shoulder, it felt so secure.

Every meaning of his masculinity and comfortably hard, warm body made her just want to press her face into his body.

"Merry, you're so careless." Her mind cried.

"SHUT UP!" She thought in her head.

SHE MISSED THIS. SHE MISSED THE FEEL OF HIS BIG, STRONG ARMS CLOSING AROUND HER SMALLER FORM.

And it was so annoying.

Even more shockingly, Damon reached a hand to the back of her head and stroked gently.

She sighed. He sighed.

And they just lay there in the silence.

Merry in warmth and disbelief. Damon, very sleepy.

****

****

Merry woke first, the californian morning sun hitting her face.

Today was the 1st of December and she tried to remember the last episode on her life story.

Damon.

She blinked and became fully conscious of their last night and his warmth still pressed to her.

She picked up her phone to see the time.

7:18am.

She unlocked her phone and behold....

The image of a handsome guy.

A hot guy, to be exact.

She stared at it, wondering how she had the picture.

Damon moved from behind her and got out of bed.

He went and had his bath, came out smelling fresh and dressed corporately.

Merry knew he looked hot but she was overwhelmed with anger at herself and him. Because he was back to being cold now and she'd tried to warn herself.

He turned to her and said.

"You'll go to the salon today. I'm sending you 850 bucks for use. Have fun. Mr Valasco will drive you."

"Breakfast?"

"No."

"Laundry?"

"Mariana will be here soon."

He left and Merry heard the ding of a credit alert.

****

****

Merry had a quiet drive and was surprised to receive stares and silent gossips at the salon she frequented.

She wanted a bob and had her hair cut.

Her hairdresser, the chubby dark skinned lady, spoke first.

"Merrilyn, you're Mr Blackwell's wife-to-be, right?"

Merry was surprised.

"How.... How did you know, Kate?"

"It's all around town, y'know. I'm so happy for you."

Everyone was smiling at Merry now and she smiled back. Stiffly.

"Yeah. Uhm, thanks."

Then, Kate talked about how she wanted to make Merry look so hot that Mr Blackwell would faint.

Like he'd ever dare faint. Control freak, Merry thought.

****

****

Merry quickly stopped at her kitchen and was shocked to see a crowd.

For the first time in many months, tables had to be set outside.

Families, Workers, Alumni....

Everyone seemed to have gathered around and she was scared of coming out of the car.

But being who she was, she took the dare and got out of the expensive vehicle.

Same thing, stares, smiles-both genuine and fake-came her way.

She strutted with pride and on her way into the restaurant she came slamming into a guy who was in a hurry, talking in his phone.

Their eyes met and oh, Merry wanted to swoon.

He was blond. He was hot! Too fresh and handsome.

"Uhm...." Merry began, smiling. "So sorry."

He smiled back and patted her shoulder that Merry thought she felt a spark.

"It's okay, ma'am. Are you okay?"

"Yes. Sure."

"Yeah?"

Merry nodded and went in while he disappeared.

Samantha and Nicki were so happy to see Merry and wished there was time for some gossip. She told Mr Valasco to go have his own time and she stayed in the kitchen, cooking, extremely happy about the sudden changes. There were customers everywhere.

She had a lot of change from Damon and had saved it in her Kitchen budget.

This was getting interesting.

****

****

Few hours later, Damon called.

"I need lunch. Bring it down in 1 hour."