Welcome To Hell, Dear Wife-Chapter 42: A New Game

Chapter 42: A New Game
Twenty thousand was my bottom line.
Naomi thought even as she kept the dazzling smile plastered on her face, although her mind was going through so much calculation.
Fifty thousand dollars.
The number continued to glow in her head far more than she had could control.
When she had met Travis that morning, they’d both agreed that she should pitch in ten thousand dollars first, then at most twenty thousand dollars for the humiliation of being slapped publicly.
"He has enough to give that much," Travis had said to her.
But that was before she’d walked into this office, before she’d now seen the scale of Lucas Atkins’ power and wealth.
Twenty thousand? That was clearly pocket change to a man like this.
A man that looked like he was carved from ice and money, so handsome in a way that felt so dangerous yet attractive.
So why settle for that amount when she could, in fact, get more soon enough?
Naomi’s eyes traced his profile as he sat behind that massive desk of his. Strong jaw and dark eyes that seemed to observe every single thing.
Why just take a cheque when she could pitch herself as something much more indispensable?
His company had singers, actors, and lots of celebrities that needed a certain image. She could as well be their stylist, one that he would recommend for every high-profile event.
She could take this chance to be a permanent person in his business and a name on his payroll. A priceless access.
But just as that thought formed, another one pushed it aside. Another one that was much darker and ambitious.
In fact, why even settle at being his employee? Why not be even more than that?
He looks easy
, she thought to herself as a reckless idea started to take root in her mind.
Men who act so controlled like this are actually always the easiest to crack. They’re mostly just waiting for someone to give them a reason to lose control.
Rich men were still men at the end of the day. They all had needs and weaknesses. They all wanted to be buttered up and have their egos stroked.
So what if she became more than just a service provider? What if she became the woman in Lucas Atkins’ arms? Girlfriend material? Or a side chick?
The idea seemed to send a thrill running through her.
This man was wealthy enough to give her everything she ever wanted. Even Travis would have no choice but to approve once he saw the possibilities.
Her gaze drifted to the window as she imagined a different life with designer clothes that she owned instead of borrowed. A penthouse apartment.
Access to the kind of society events that normal people only saw on TV.
She would have the power to do and undo.
I could be the one he chooses. The one that makes him lose his mind. After all, I had stolen Mira’s man so easily, so who’s to say I can’t do the same now?
She glanced at the check again. Fifty thousand dollars. That was more money than she’d seen in a while.
She would be lying if she said she wasn’t tempted to just take it, but still, she couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling at the back of her head that she would be missing a bigger opportunity if she did that.
The money will finish soon enough, when what she could get was the man who would write much more papers for her.
Lucas kept watching her with an unreadable expression, as if waiting impatiently for her to simply explain what she wanted.
"I don’t want your money, Mr. Atkins," she said as she added a slow purr to her voice. "I want something else."
She took a step closer, and even though the office was obviously cool, she fanned herself slightly. "It’s a little warm in here, don’t you think?"
"You look tense yourself too, I think it’s the heat," she said as her voice dropped little by little to that sultry tone that had worked on so many men she knew before. "I think you could have a little help relaxing."
She moved toward him in steps that looked like they were being calculated for maximum impact.
"What are you doing?" Lucas asked, even though his eyes still followed her movement.
Naomi reached for her jacket and slipped it off, letting it pool on the floor dramatically.
That simple action was enough to make the office feel warmer and more intimate suddenly.
She then moved to his desk and perched herself on the edge, close enough that her perfume would reach him.
Close enough that he could not ignore her presence even if he wanted to.
"Do you want to know what’s better than fifty thousand that I want from you?"
Lucas leaned back in his chair. "Obviously?"
Naomi slowly adjusted her position but in a way that deliberately let her dress ride up slightly on her thighs. It was designed to draw his attention exactly where she wanted it.
Lucas didn’t even flinch at all her theatrics. Instead, he scoffed, "Miss Brooks, is this supposed to turn me on?"
The challenge in his voice only made her smile even wider yet again.
Men who played hard to get were often the most fun to conquer.
"Depends," she said as she leaned even closer to him. "Does it?"
She reached out and traced one finger along his tie while taking in his expensive cologne that was succeeding in turning her on more than she wanted.
She needed to be in control, but he was too irresistible.
"You know, I didn’t wear any panties underneath this dress," she whispered in a barely audible voice. "And I can show you if you don’t believe me."
Lucas almost rolled his eyes, but instead, he smirked and just watched her like she was putting on a personal stage play for him,
or more like wondering how far she was going to take it.
It wasn’t the reaction Naomi wanted, but it was still a reaction nonetheless. He was curious, and that was enough for her.
She was just about to make the master move when a knock echoed through the office.
She almost felt pissed, but then through the frosted glass, she could see a silhouette of a woman, and her mind raced as she recognized an opportunity.
She had heard him say his wife was coming. Heck, a lot of the staff had been talking about it over and over while she waited for Lucas.
So if this was indeed the person she thought it was, it was perfect timing.
The thrill of victory ran through her like electricity. This couldn’t have worked out better!
It was like God was on her side.
"Please, Miss Brooks. Go sit down," Lucas said calmly before glancing at the door and saying, "Come in."
But Naomi didn’t move from her perch on his desk. Instead, she stayed exactly where she was with her legs crossed.
The door opened, and Lorena Sanders stepped into the office.
Naomi watched in secret satisfaction as her face changed when she took in the scene.
The shock and confusion, even hurt, that went through her face—
even though she was quick to hide it.
For a little second, Naomi intentionally remained exactly where she was on Lucas’ desk with her legs crossed while leaning back on her arms in a pose of casual ownership.
And she made sure that her smirk was well placed too. She also noticed how Lucas was so completely calm about all of this.
Almost smug even, like he was enjoying the drama, and it only fueled Naomi even more.
Interesting. So this marriage is as everyone thinks
,
a fake. So I can definitely knock her off so easily.
Finally, Naomi got off the desk gracefully and smoothed down her already perfect gown. Every movement she did was like some performance.
She looked Mira up and down slowly and deliberately, let her gaze linger in a way that was clearly meant to provoke.
"Oh," she started with a voice that dripped with false innocence. "It’s you, Miss Sanders. Oops... sorry, Mrs. Atkins now."
She gave a little nervous laugh like she was scared before adding, "Uhm... it’s not what it looks like, I promise."