Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 9

“I only have one condition.” He tipped his chin up, cool and direct. “I’m not into this. This marriage is just to shut my family up. So do your thing and don’t catch feelings for me.”

Emmy looked him over again from head to toe. Broad shoulders, narrow waist, legs for days. His t-shirt hugged his chest and arms, showing off every line of muscle. Even with clothes on, you could practically feel the power and energy coming off him.

If he claims he’s not interested in women, is he into men, then? Guess this really is just a partnership—nothing but a marriage of convenience. He gets his family off his back, and goes on living his own exciting life.

James caught her face shifting through a bunch of expressions and frowned. “What, you got a problem with that?”

Emmy’s lips curled into a half-smile, a dimple showing on her cheek. “What a coincidence, Mr. Nelson. I’m not much into men either. Especially not your type.”

“I’m always clear when it comes to relationships.” Emmy blinked, her smile turning sweet and meaningful. “Don’t worry. I’m not about to fall for you. This is strictly business. Clean, simple, mutually beneficial.”

James just looked at her, silent.

Why did he feel like there was something weird in her eyes?

Without another word, he turned and headed toward the registry office, walking so fast his long legs ate up the distance.

Emmy’s ankle still wasn’t healed, and after standing so long, the ache was back. She walked as quickly as she could, but there was no way she could keep up with him.

He was almost out of sight when she called out, “James, wait up!”

He stopped and looked back, impatience clear on his face. “Why are you so slow? Like a little snail.”

Emmy opened her mouth to explain, but James was already coming back. In a few big strides, he was next to her. Then, suddenly, he scooped her up—just like that.

Emmy stared at him, shocked, her heart thumping so loud she was sure everyone could hear.

His body tensed just for a second, then he carried her over to the counter and set her down on a chair.

The lady at the counter grinned, her gaze flicking between them with a teasing look. “You two are so cute. Here, fill these out.”

Emmy wanted to disappear.

At least the process was fast. Forms, photos, the oath. There was some distance between each window, and every time Emmy slowed down even a little, those strong arms scooped her up again without hesitation.

As he carried her through the office, Emmy couldn’t help thinking about her ankle. She’d twisted it just two nights ago on the way to a bar. Dean was glued to his phone, stepped into the street on a red light, and she’d yanked him back just in time, but she hurt herself in the process.

Dean just frowned and said, “You need to be more careful,” and let Evelina help her, never even offering a hand himself.

Compared to that, this so-called husband of hers might have some bad attitude, and were rough around the edges and all, but he actually wasn’t so bad after all.