Chapter 9 Marriage of Convenience

"I have one condition." Julian lifted his chin. "I'm not into women. This marriage is just to keep my family off my back. So, keep your distance and don't develop any feelings you shouldn't." Rosalie looked him over again from head to toe. He had broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and long legs. His T-shirt hugged his solid chest and toned arms. Even through the fabric, she could feel the strength and the heat rolling off him. A man like him had no needs? If he wasn't interested in women, maybe he was into men. That would mean this marriage was just in name only. He could keep his family appeased and continue living as he pleased. Julian caught her shifting expression and frowned. "What, is that a problem?" Rosalie's lips curved into a smile, a dimple flickering in her cheek. "Funny thing, Mr. Yarwood. I'm not much into men either, especially you." She blinked up at him with an innocent, sweet smile. "Don't worry, I'm not here to catch feelings. I'm perfectly clear-headed about this. What we have is strictly a mutually beneficial arrangement, nothing more." Julian said nothing, though something in her eyes left him uneasy. He turned on his heel and strode toward the courthouse. Rosalie's ankle was still sore, and standing this long made it ache. She tried to keep up, but his long strides carried him too quickly. Just as he reached the door, she called out, "Julian, wait for me!" He stopped and looked back, impatience plain on his face. "Why are you so slow?" It was as if he were scolding a snail. Rosalie opened her mouth to explain, but Julian was already striding back. In the next moment, his arm slipped around her waist, and he lifted her straight off the ground. She stared at him, stunned, heartbeat kicking hard. His grip was steady and strong. Through the thin fabric, she felt the flex of his biceps and the heat of his chest. "Oh my gosh! That's so cool!" "He's carrying her like a princess. So romantic!" A ripple of delighted squeals rose around them. Rosalie's ears burned red. In two lifetimes, she had never been carried like this in public. She muttered, "Mr. Yarwood, put me down. I can walk." Julian looked down at her, a glance that said as plainly as words, "At your pace, you'll get there next year." Rosalie gave up fighting and tucked her face against his firm chest. If she couldn't see anyone, maybe she couldn't die of embarrassment. His body went taut for a beat. Then, he crossed the lobby in a few long strides and set her in a chair at the counter. The clerk grinned, eyes dancing between them. "You two are adorable. Here you go. Fill these out." Rosalie wanted to sink through the floor. The staff was efficient. They filled out the forms, took the photos, and conducted the wedding vows in no time. The stations were set a distance apart. Every time Rosalie slowed, Julian's strong arms swept her up again without a second thought. As he carried her through the hall, she couldn't help thinking about her injured ankle. She had sprained it two nights earlier on the way to a bar when Lucian kept staring at his phone and walked straight through a red light. A car barreled toward him, and she yanked him back so hard she twisted herself. Lucian only frowned and said, "Why are you so careless?" Then, he told Camelia to help Rosalie across the street. He didn't even lift a hand. By comparison, Julian still seemed better than Lucian, even with his bad temper and rough ways.