Sweet Submission

Corynn Harper let out a moan as her nails bit into the skin of Elliot Andrews' back. Her body was drenched in sweat, as if she had just got out of a bath.

Her parted lips found the curve of Elliot's shoulder as the crescendo approached. She bit down, her eyes fluttering as her hips bucked against his. A moment later, she loosened her grip and fell back on the bed, her eyes closed, her breathing slow and deep.

Corynn felt hot, but she liked the warmth of Elliot's body far too much to pull away from him.

In the end, it was Elliot who let go and stood up. He grabbed the gray robe hanging at the foot of the bed and put it on.

His voice was still a little hoarse when he spoke, but his tone was cool. "I'm getting married, Corynn."

She felt as though a bucket of ice water had been dumped over her head. Corynn was rudely jolted out of the afterglow of the intimacy they just shared. She sat up in bed, her previously flushed face now pale.

"So let's break up," Elliot added before she could say anything.

Corynn didn't even have the time to compose herself. Her eyes, which had been bright with passion and desire a few minutes ago, dimmed. Her hands balled into fists at the sheets.

Her body was still sore and aching from their hours of lovemaking, and here Elliot was, breaking up with her like he was ordering a kitchen maid to fetch the tea.

In all fairness, his behavior was true to his nature—ruthless and decisive.

She really should have known better.

In the three years that they had been together, Coryn had never really managed to thaw Elliot's ice-cold heart.

Well, it was her who had approached him first. At the end of the day, when the chips fell, she had no one to blame but herself.

Tears welled up in her eyes. Corynn tilted her head back and swallowed the bitter taste that rose in her tongue. It wasn't easy, but she did her best to sound normal. "Is it the lady from the Willis family?"

Elliot lit a cigarette and took a drag. "Yes," he said slowly after exhaling a smoke ring. "My family has been good friends with hers for generations. This marriage will benefit me in numerous ways."

Corynn bit her bottom lip and turned to her side to keep from looking at him. Her shoulders and back were dotted with fresh hickeys.

"Look, we've been together for three years. I will compensate you for your time. Just name your price—money, a house, a car, anything."

"I am not selling my body, Elliot!"