Chapter 1

"Sign the divorce agreement. I have no interest in your body." Travis Winslow fastened the top button of his shirt. He was cold, restrained, and untouchable, like a perfect marble sculpture.

My hand trembled as I held the pen. My heart turned to ashes.

Then an aggrieved roar exploded in my mind. It sounded like Travis.

He thought, 'Wifey, don't sign. Please don't. I'm only pretending. I dreamed about dragging you into bed last night.

'That button is choking me to death. Can you help me undo it, wifey?'

I looked up sharply and met Travis' calm, emotionless eyes.

He frowned coldly. "What? Not enough alimony?"

At the same time, the voice screamed again, 'If it's not enough, take me instead. You can have my body and life.'

I put down the pen. My gaze slowly deepened.

*****

Travis sat across from me, his black shirt perfectly pressed, not a wrinkle in sight. The collar was buttoned up tight, and his face was so cold it was like he was carved from ice.

The divorce papers lay on the table, the bold print practically burning into my eyes.

Three years of marriage, and we'd been as distant as strangers.

I thought if I behaved and did everything right, I could finally warm up this block of ice. But all I got in return was his indifferent "no interest."

I took a deep breath, my fingers turning white from how hard I was gripping the pen.

If Travis didn't love me, then I'd let him have his way.

When the tip of the pen touched the paper, a sudden voice exploded in my head.

The voice yelled, 'Oh no, wifey really is about to sign.

'I'm an idiot. I just had to act all cool. Now look, my wife's about to walk out on me.

'Sobs. Wifey, your hands are so gentle and soft. I wanna touch them. I don't want a divorce. If it keeps you around, I'm happy to be your puppy.'

My hand trembled, and the pen drew a long streak of ink across the paper.

I looked up, stunned, my gaze locked onto Travis.

He remained expressionless, but when he saw I'd smudged the divorce papers, his brow furrowed, impatience flickering in his eyes.

"What's wrong? Why is your hand shaking? Are you upset?" he said, his voice cold and dripping with sarcasm.

But the very next second, that whiny, desperate voice popped up again.

It shouted, 'Wifey's looking at me. Her eyes are gorgeous, like a sky full of stars.

'Was I too harsh just now? Baby, don't be scared. I'm all bark and no bite. My heart turns to mush whenever it comes to you.

'Just toss that pen and come hug me. If you give me a hug, I'll rip these stupid papers up and swallow them whole.'

I froze.

Wait, were these really Travis's thoughts?

Travis, the guy who was ruthless in business and colder than ice at home, actually was so dramatic inside? He was such a simp?

To test my theory, I set the pen down and let my eyes drift to the button at his collar, pulled so tight it looked like it might pop.

"Travis, isn't that button way too tight?" I asked.

Travis stiffened for a second, then shot back coldly, "That's none of your business. Clarissa, quit stalling and sign."

The voice came again. 'Oh my god! Babe's actually worried about me. Is she gonna help me unbutton it?

'Hurry up. Go ahead, just take the whole shirt off. I've been working on my abs for three months, just waiting for this day.

'Ugh, this button really is suffocating me, but I can't move. Gotta keep up my aloof persona, or she'll think I'm being too flirty.'

I nearly let out a laugh right then and there.

So for the past three years, all that icy, untouchable vibe was just an act?

I got up, made my way around the desk, and came right up to him.

Travis instinctively leaned back, giving me a wary look. "What are you doing?"

The voice sounded excited this time. 'Babe's getting closer. She smells amazing. Is that the jasmine body wash?

'What's she gonna do? Is this a goodbye kiss? Should I close my eyes? No way, I gotta keep my cool.

'My heart's about to explode. Help!'

I bent down, my fingers gently hovering over the button at his collar.

When my fingertips touched his warm skin, I noticed his Adam's apple shift.

"Your face is turning red. Let me unbutton this so you can catch your breath," I said softly, taking my time with each movement.

Travis suddenly grabbed my wrist, his grip surprisingly strong.

He locked eyes with me, his voice hoarse. "Clarissa, don't touch me. Just sign the papers, take the money, and leave. It's for the best."

But even as he said that, his mind was screaming, 'Don't stop, babe, keep going!'