Free Insidious by Aleatha Romig

to fuck off; I wanted her to know that I had that ability. I wanted, just once, for her to look at me like I wasn’t a horrible monster. I wanted her to look at me like she looked at Marcus and Lyle. I wanted what I’d never had. The question was how far would I be willing to go to get that?
    I stared down at the multipage document in my hand. What I knew about legalese could be summarized on a subject line of an email and still have room for more. Reading the name of the law firm at the top of the page, I knew I was in over my head. Craven and Knowles sounded not only impressive, but threatening. I began reading:
     
This agreement is hereby entered into willingly and without coercion between Stewart Allen Harrington, hereinafter referred to as Mr. Harrington, and Victoria Ann Conway, hereinafter referred to as Ms. Conway. Mr. Harrington and Ms. Conway hereby agree on May—
     
    I shook my head in disbelief. It was dated for tomorrow. Stewart was either confident or extremely cocky. As I continued reading I began to decipher which.
     
The terms of this binding agreement between Mr. Harrington and Ms. Conway are as follows:
     
1. Mr. Harrington and Ms. Conway agree that all that occurs under the terms of this contract are confidential and consensual.
     
    The hairs on the back of my neck stood to attention. I may not know much about contracts, but could he really contract my consent? Wasn’t that something that I’d need to give as each instance occurred?
     
2. Specific information regarding the personal and sexual activity of Mr. Harrington and Ms. Conway may not be disclosed by either party to anyone outside of the experience. Failure to comply with this term will result in immediate breach of contract and void of all financial compensation.
     
    What the hell does outside of the experience mean?
    I went to the desk in the corner of the room and searched through the drawers. Finding paper and a pen, I went back to the contract and started making notes. If I were actually considering this ridiculous proposal, I wanted my questions answered.
    Two hours later, with two pages of questions, including clause numbers and addendum citations, my head spun. The knock on the bedroom door pulled me from my concentration. Bristling, I sat straight and glanced toward the sound. Somehow I’d become safe within the cocoon of the four walls. It was true: I was engrossed in the contract, clauses, and addendums that could very well define my life, but upon the plush silk sofa with a view that marveled the one in the living room, I’d found security.
    Stewart had promised that we wouldn’t have sex before I made my decision. No, he’d said not until I asked—or begged. That seemed impossible, but then again, what part of this scenario was possible? What if he were the one knocking? Did I want it to be him? Would seeing him again help me make a decision?
    I hadn’t seen anyone except Lisa since I’d left his office, over—I looked at my watch: 10:30 PM—five hours ago. The knock came again.
    “Just a moment,” I called as I made my way toward the door. Opening it only a crack, I peered around the edge.
    “Miss Conway?”
    I exhaled the breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. “Lisa, it’s you.” I opened the door wider.
    Smiling, the kind woman said, “Yes, miss. I’m about ready to go to my room for the night. However, I first wanted to be sure you were comfortable. Is there anything I can get for you?”
    “Lisa, could you please come in for a minute?”
    “Certainly.” She stepped across the threshold. Her grin widened, making her light blue eyes shine. “I see you found the clothes. I’m glad they fit.”
    I looked down at my bare feet peeking out from the end of the yoga pants and the unbelievably soft t-shirt that hung from one shoulder. It was just the kind of thing I liked to wear around the dorm room in the evening, much more comfortable than the heels and dress that my parents had instructed me to