Unbound, Boundless Series, Book 2

Chapter Eleven

Thank you for reading this far. I hope you're enjoying the second book of the Boundless series. If you like what you're reading, please give the parts a star and follow Rosemary Rey for future Romantic Suspense and Contemporary Romance stories. 

Turner took the lead in the discussion. When I was divorcing Ben, he helped me with negotiating the terms of the settlement agreement. He didn't agree with my consenting to the repayment of money I didn't owe, but he understood I couldn't undergo criminal charges. Turner was instrumental in crafting a repayment plan which would protect me from criminal charges, keep the transaction confidential from the public, especially our family and friends, and installed a penalty if the non-disclosure agreement were violated. Only three people in my life were privy to the reason behind my false debt; Chelsea, Turner, and Carson knew my plight and were emotionally supportive during a very difficult time. Once again, I relied on these two amazing men to care for my interests, and I was thankful to have Turner seated beside me.

"Dr. Keene and Attorney Zipperer, Perla and I have reviewed the terms of the prenuptial agreement you've drafted as part of the assignment of Dr. Keene's estate in Perla Mercurio's name under a living trust. She is aware you've designated her as a member of Pentagon's board, which is a closed corporation. Perla would like to add some terms to the prenuptial agreement before she accepts the proposal and signs the agreement by this Friday. I would like to read the list Perla would like included and please hold your response until the end.

"I'm prepared to take notes and will discuss with my client to ensure he agrees." Zipper offered. The terms I've requested were a little personal to include in the prenuptial in front of all these men. I was a prude in public, never discussing my sexual experiences or desires in a group setting, and here I was revealing our most intimate secrets. 

Turner started reading my list out loud, which he had typewritten. I wanted a non-disclosure agreement of our relationship to anyone within or without our social and familial circle. A term necessary in the prenup was my ability to work, whether for another business or one I create for myself. I didn't want to use his funds for any personal expenses and would only use my earnings to purchase my own personal items, which included but were not limited to clothing and accessories, toiletries, and beauty care. I wanted to hold my own health insurance from my employer. I couldn't rely on a man to take care of the great and small necessities of life. Ben left me with nothing. I had to rebuild my life slowly, and I refused to regress because of Matt's desperate attempts to keep me as his woman.

As Turner read on, I didn't have the courage to look up to see Matt's reaction to the things I requested. I did hear some shuffling and note-taking, but I didn't know who was writing. Turner relayed I was going to remain living in my apartment until after the wedding. After marriage, I would maintain my leased apartment or another of equal or lesser value, but of comparable quality through the duration of the marriage. I didn't want to be kicked out or choose to leave without a place to turn to. The lowest point at the end of my marriage was staying with my father as a grown woman until I could afford to live on my own. Upon finding three-quarter-time employment at Liberty, I lived at Liberty Inn for months while I got on my feet. I thanked the Gods in the heavens for sending Alice and Ross during that pitiful time. I felt lucky to find my current studio. It was my haven; a place that embraces me no matter what I'm going through.

I cringed and was mortified when Turner read out loud I was not going to sleep over or have sexual intercourse with Matt during the thirty days before the wedding. My reasoning was he needed to show me he loved me for me and wasn't because of the sexually pleasurable things we'd given each other. We needed to work on us as a couple. Part of working on us would be going to therapy, which was another demand Turner read.

My mouth dried upon hearing the next item on the list. I took the cup of water in front of me and took a couple of long drinks. Turner asked me if I was alright. Honestly, I didn't know if I was okay. "Can I have a little break?" I asked meekly. Panic crept up my spine. My fast-beating heart rushed the blood to my head, making me lightheaded.