Chapter 74 74
Why was flirtation and leading answers his inclination? He wasn’t the guy who had trouble turning off this aspect of his personality. He was usually far more in control. Perhaps this was a subconscious way of getting her prepared for what was coming.
Sherry flushed with the most gorgeous shade of pink. “That’s a great way of thinking.”
The urge to cup the side of her face and sweep his thumb across the swell of her cheek bubbled up inside him. Stuffing his hands in his pockets was the only way to stop himself. He wasn’t about to cross that line. Not yet. He needed to get a grip and wrap his head around everything he was about to do. He needed to go slow. Yes, he wanted to get back at Adam, but his sister was still a woman he cared about.
For the moment, it meant focusing on his head and ignoring his body. There was a very clear answer to the question of what his body wanted—Sherry. He couldn’t even fathom what might happen if he made a move. Would she cast away her brown eyes in shyness or would she have the courage to meet his gaze and tell him what she wanted? Would she tell him off and warn him never to do it again? If she did he wouldn't blame her, considering what he'd said to her years ago when she came onto him. If he could have anything right then and there, he would’ve loved to know what she was thinking. Why was she here? What was driving her? Was it really as simple as wanting to broker a big deal? Or was there something else?
It didn't matter now. When he told her why he'd brought her here, the way she took his request would answer those questions for him, but for now…
He cleared his throat. “Allow me to give you the tour.”
Sherry nodded and he led the way.
__________
The meal his chef had prepared for dinner was delicious, and outside the snow fell steadily, but inside it was warm and cozy.
Justin sat in the chair opposite Sherry, and tried to find a way to tell her what he had in mind. There was no way to sugar coat it no matter how hard he tried, so eventually he decided to be completely honest and blunt. If there was one thing he'd learnt being a businessman all these years, it was that sometimes you had to be blunt to get what you wanted.
“I'm very sure that Mark will listen when I approach him with your offer, Sherry,” he said as he sipped his wine and watched her through hooded eyes. She seemed relaxed and now seemed like the perfect time, “But there’s something else I want, Sherry, and it is quite important to me.”
That got her attention, Justin noticed, and watched as she sat up in her chair.
“And what is that?” Sherry asked.
He only paused a second before saying, “You.”
It took Sherry a few moments to gather her composure. And she couldn’t help inhaling a deep breath several times before asking what may have been a relatively stupid question. “I don't understand. For what purpose?”
He took his time in answering her. “I want to marry you and give you my child. Maybe several of them if possible.”
She gasped first in surprise, then looked confused, “Is this a joke?”
He couldn't blame her for that question. Even he couldn't believe he was actually doing this, but when the idea had struck him, he couldn't believe that he had not thought of it sooner. It was like killing two birds with one stone. Taking BenTel would be easier if he was married to her, and it would piss Adam off too. Show him how little control he had over him or anything in general. It was the perfect plan. And he'd be getting Sherry too. Make that killing three birds with one stone. He wanted it all.
“No, it's not a joke,” he replied, and tried to make sure she saw from his expression just how serious he was.
She did eventually, and surprise gave way to outrage. “Do you honestly think I will go along with a notion as crazy as that?”
“Yes. You will if you want Sunny Side,” he said, looking her straight in the eye. “You want to prove that you are capable of being CEO. We both know that. Imagine what you could accomplish with Sunny side on your side and at your disposal. You could prove to the board what you are capable of. Your brother included. Agree to marry me, and we've got a deal,”
So this was why he's brought her here, Sherry thought dejectedly. Not really because he saw her potential and what she could do for Sunny side. Not because he even wanted her, but he simply wanted to use her to get back at Adam. Anger swept through her. Men. They were all the same. All obsessed with control. She leaned over and glared at him. “You're insane. Both you and Adam. Forget both options. I'm not interested.”
Justin knew he deserved the anger burning in her eyes. He'd expected that reaction, but now it was too late to go back. The only way to go was forward. Either he got her to marry him, or risk her hating him. He gave a small nonchalant shrug. “If that’s what you decide. But keep in mind that this is business, and we all want something in return. This is what I want,”
“And you want me for that? Why me?” she asked, “You rejected me once, remember? And you've never shown any interest in me until now. So why now? If not as as a way to get at my brother,”
Justin smiled. He'd suspected that she'd figure that part out. She was a very smart woman after all, but he had another motive, and that was getting BenTel. She didn't have to know that, so he would let her believe only what she did currently.
“I guess I'm a vindictive man,” he said simply, “Don't take it personal,”
Don't take it personal? Was he crazy? What the hell had gotten into Justin? Whatever it is, she sure as hell wasn't going to play his game. Nothing would make her. Not even getting Sunny Side.