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."

"Okay."

He went off and Merry had to hurry off the kitchen, kissing her sister and bestfriend goodbye.

When she got to BlackByte Cyber Systems and Technology, the reception was different than her first day there.

Everyone smiled at her.

Ah, she needed to check the news again.

The secretaries smiled directly at her. Some tried not to look jealous and typed furiously, checking her out.

The smiling secretary handed Merry over to an older, dark skinned, neatly dressed and fresh lady who gave a curt curtsy.

"Hello, ma'am. I am Sadeola Harvey. Call me Sade, please. I am ordered by Mr Damon Blackwell to lead you to Floor 70 where he resides. Follow me."

Merry smiled and followed Sadeola and when they got to the wide white corridor outside Damon's office, it took some time for Damon to authenticate their entrance.

Merry's heart was beating that she believed Sadeola would hear it.

Soon, Damon's office door slid open and Sadeola gave Merry one polite smile before Merry courageously went in and silently uncovered his lunch.

Merry carefully arranged what she brought and tried not to look at Damon who kept glancing at her face and typing codes.

She managed to look up and she met Damon's emotionless eyes.

He was checking her out.

"You eat before it gets cold." Merry said, stiffly and went to sit, immediately turning on her phone and watching a movie.

Damon obeyed her.

The news flew in again.

Her. At her restaurant.

She had never been this exposed in her life but she'd signed up for it.

"Damon, how did everyone know?"

He bit into a pancake and closed his eyes, savoring the taste. Merry frowned.

Was that how CEOs appreciated their cooks? She thought sarcastically.

He looked at her and their eyes met again.

"Do you want some?" He asked and Merry cursed softly, looking away.

"No. I want to know how things got out."

"We try to keep things secret but somehow, they just get out. That reminds me, you'll meet my.... THE BLACKWELLS tomorrow."

Merry noticed what he called HIS FAMILY.

"Of course, I'll love to see them. Afterall, they have a son in my care."

Damon looked at her, displeased somehow.

"Don't look at me like that. You need my help...."

"Don't say all that to me." He snapped.

"Don't snap at me. Accept it. You-need-help...."

He seethed, furiously.

"....And you need to relax and eat up or I'll pack up and leave."

His grip tightened around his fork. Merry was pleased to see him angry.

"Be quiet." He warned.

Merry rose and went to seat opposite him.

"What happened, Damon? Or.... What's happening?"

Silence.

"Damon, I apologize for making you uncomfortable but.... I'm curious."

"You're making me feel uncomfortable."

She reached to touch his arm and he moved back.

Merry's forehead creased.

"I don't know anything. You're annoying, yes. I hate you, sure. But.... I can't just get paid and you lose the.... DARE. We're on the same team. No matter.... the past thing. The contract expects you to be of a good conduct and meet certain conditions on the 25th of December. It believes I can help you.... You picked me. But, how can I help if I don't know what I'm dealing with?"

He licked his lip and relaxed a little bit.

"It's clear to see." He began, angry. "I hate people. So much. Maybe you can make me look.... kind-hearted."

"Oh...."

Silence.

He spoke, calmly now. Dangerously.

"And don't you ever mention the past to me. Ever again. I hate everything about it."

"I wouldn't want to because I hate you back.... Too much...."

"And you burrowed in my arms last night, moaning and fragile?"

Merry paused, tongue-tied. She looked for something to say but Damon beat her to it.

"I know. You were doing your job."

"I truly wish we'd never met, Damon. You're selfish and wicked."

Something like pain crossed his face as he looked at his plate but he smiled dryly and resumed eating.

Merry did not like how this ended but she was happy to have hit him. Maybe.

****

****

Merry was nervous about meeting his parents. She wanted to look her best at the family dinner.

Samantha was in her room, giving ideas, clapping, making noise as usual. They were excited and scared at the same time.

Soon, Merry wore a green turtleneck that hugged her breasts and dark blue jeans that shaped her hips and long legs. She wrapped a grey scarf around her neck and slipped on a matching coat.

At 12:00pm, Samantha squealed.

"Girl, we nailed it. Casual enough for his parents. Sexy enough to turn Damon on."

"Sam, you're scaring me."

"Or you're simply scared of meeting the Blackwells."

"Yes. That."

"Merry!" Nicki, her younger sister, yelled from the hallway. "Your date is here."

"Lower your voice, Nicki...." Merry hissed. "Dad is sleeping."

She grabbed her purse, wore her heels, and rushed out. Nicki's eyes widened.

"Merry... you look so fucking hot."

Merry only rolled her eyes and walked with Samantha behind her.

"You're swearing again, Nicki."

Nicki blushed. "Merry, I'm nineteen now. Don't dodge my compliment."

"Thanks, little chicken."

Nicki curtsied and ran to join Samantha, who was already peeping through the front window.

Merry took a deep breath, steadying her shaking hands.

"Just sex," she reminded herself. "Just business with the motherfucker."

Damon waited in a simple car to avoid attention, but her neighbors still stared hard.

She opened the back door. Damon sat stiffly, avoiding her eyes.

"Hi." She greeted.

"Hi."

"Scoot in."

"There's enough space."

She leaned in, irritated. "You don't want people to see you, do you?"

Immediately, he pressed himself against the far end like getting noticed was dangerous. Merry almost laughed.

The drive was quiet except for when Damon snapped at his driver.

Soft music. Heavy silence.

****

****

The mansion screamed luxury. Valets took their coats. A doorman led them in.

"Hold my hand," Merry said.

He hesitated, then grabbed it, muttering a curse.

"Make it make sense," she whispered.

"Don't confuse this," he warned.

"Then play your role."

He pulled her close, jaw tight.

They entered the dining room-perfect, cold.

The Blackwell family waited.

Merry swallowed and smiled. "Hi."

Damon's grandmother brightened. "Welcome. Sit."

A sharp voice cut through the room.

"Is that a fiancée or a maid?" Damon's father asked.

"A cook," Damon replied, irritated.

Merry touched his arm. He eased.

Silence stretched.

"I apologize for the rough entry," Merry said.

A blonde woman spoke, disdainfully. "We'll be the ones speaking."

"Shut up when it's my business, Tracy Donovan," Damon snapped at her.

Emily reached for his arm but Merry's hand was already there.

"Stop," Damon muttered. "I'm not a child."

Osbourne Blackwell studied Merry. "Your name?"

"Merry Steele, sir."

"And your place in society?"

Damon snapped. "Question me, not her."

Osbourne's voice stayed cold. "We protect this family. Moderate status is safer. For the press."

"Fuck the press."

Merry's hand rose again. Damon glanced at her. "Don't."

Tension thickened.

"Do you use TikTok?" Emily, Damon's sister asked sweetly, sounding like Lydia from Teen Wolf.

Before Merry could answer, a fist hit the table.

"Enough!" Michael Donovan, Damon's step-grandfather, said.

Osbourne straightened. "We want unity. Order. And Damon Blackwell and his... fiancée must keep BlackByte strong. But there are concerns."

Merry's chest tightened.

Osbourne's gaze pinned her. "You are here by exception. Keep the contract private. Follow instructions. Help.... Damon. You'll be well compensated. Ruin our name, and there will be consequences."

She opened her mouthto speak.

"Merry," Damon cut in. "Don't."

Her eyes met Naomi's. Naomi sent her a soft smile.

"This is corporate," Osbourne continued. "He resistedthe offer, but he has no choice but choose you. When did you meet?"

"Years ago," Merry said.

"And the relationship?"

"It was... casual."

Damon ate without tasting it.

Osbourne studied her, unconvinced. "Weren't you the-"

He stopped.

Merry looked at Naomi but Naomi was looking at Tracy in some kind of way.

"Never mind. You're welcome. Do your part."

He turned to the table. "Let's eat and disperse. Thomas, Tristan, Julian, and Martin are not here, and it's a shame. Damon, we need to talk."