*Edited

Some how I fell asleep sometime during the night. I kept my mind off the sounds coming through the walls by playing on my phone and looking up YouTube videos. The sound of voices woke me up and I groaned loudly pulling my pillow over my head. No way in hell am I going out there, especially with that girl Liam has over. I rolled over and stared up at the ceiling. It was Sunday so it has only been 4 days living with Liam and I was already done.

This deal isn't going work. Why did I even take it in the first place? I wondered. Yes I need the money but I don't think it is worth it. Liam is asking me to lie to his entire family, fake I am in love with him, get married, then leave when the year is up. Yes I know I should have thought about all that before agreeing but hey I didn't say I was smart. Hearing Liam and that girl having sex while I was only a floor away made me realize that this deal isn't right, for anyone.

I didn't want to hurt and lie to people I haven't even met or to any other people I will meet just so Liam can get the company from his father. I wasn't going to be some pawn in this little game. I still have my pride, well most of it anyways. I can still go back to my jobs and maybe hopefully my apartment. I just have to tell Liam I am not going to do this anymore and that I'll be leaving. Nodding at myself and my decision I pulled the covers away from me and got out of bed.

As I moved around my room I heard what I think is the front door open then close. Okay now is my time. I quickly went and washed my face before throwing on a pair of sweats and a loose t-shirt. There wasn't anyone here to impress so why get dressed up? I walked out of my room pulling my hair into a messy ponytail heading towards the kitchen. My footsteps were soft on the tile because of socks. I glanced at the clock and saw it was only a quarter after 9. So early on a Sunday. Wanting to get this over with so I could ran away like a dog with it's tail tucked between it's legs I looked around for Liam.

Not finding him in the kitchen, living room, or even his bedroom I wondered where he could be. I don't think he was the one who left earlier. With a quick glance in the garage I was correct because all 4 cars were parked. Heading back to the kitchen I could actually feel myself starting to worry, stupid I know. I heard a splashing noise and turned my head out the window. I could just make out a body moving in the pool. Found him.

Heading outside I took a deep breath when I was close enough to the pool. Here we go. We can do this Jenna.

"Liam?" I called out. Thankfully just as I called his name his head popped up from the water at the other end of the pool. He jerked his head in my direction at my voice.

"Jenna?"

"I need to talk to you." I said as he worked his way towards me. He was only a few feet away from me when he stood up the water coming to the middle of his thigh. My eyes traveled his shirtless body and my mouth dried up. The man worked out! Water rolled down his toned chest to his stomach before his swim shorts soaking it up. An hard 8 pack graced his stomach and my hands twitched wanting to feel them. Without his dress shirt on his arms were bigger then I had thought. They were roped in muscle, he wasn't even flexing and they stood out well defined. Liam's brown hair stuck to his forehead and drops of water hung at the tips. Seeing a man shirtless and water dripping off of his body made my body flush and my mouth dry up. The idea of running my tongue across his chest came to mind, my mind not caring it was chlorine and not regular water.

"Jenna?" Liam snapped his fingers in front of my face and I jerked my gaze away from his body. My face flushed and I cleared my throat feeling embarrassed being caught staring at him.

"Oh sorry. I um..." I tried to remember why I came out here in the first place, my mind blank. Liam smirked at me as he walked up the steps stepping out of the pool. Unconsciously my eyes traveled his body again wanting to run my hands down his wet front. Jenna stop! You came out here for a reason, and that reason isn't to eye rape him. "I need to talk to you about our deal." I finally forced myself to say. If you were in my position you would understand how hard it would be to say something while looking at a hot shirtless guy.

"Again?" Liam asked grabbing a towel and running it across his head.

"Yes. I...I can't do it." He turned and stared at me. "After hearing you and that girl I know I can't do this. I can't be a pawn in your game."

"You think you can just walk away?" Liam said dropping the towel at his feet and taking a step towards me. I gulped and took a small step backwards, I couldn't go far because the pool was right behind me.

"Yes...and I will." I pushed down my nervousness and straightened my back. "You are just using me to get the company from your father. I won't be used than cast aside waiting for when you need me."

"Jenna you chose this, you could have said no but you didn't. You also signed a contract that is non-negotiable." He stood right in front of me staring down at my face. With his huge frame surrounding me I felt really intimidated.

"I don't care about the contract or the money anymore. I just want to leave. You can find another girl to use." I bit out feeling anger rise inside of me.

"Wow you really are stupid. The contract you signed states that you are not allowed to get out of it until the year is up or if you do you owe me 1 million dollars." What?! Damn it I knew I should have read that contract in detail. He did that on purpose because he knows I don't have any money so I'll have to stay here. I glared at him.

"You know I don't have that kind of money."

"Yes I do. That is why the contract is the way it is. You will stay here with me for a year rather you want to or not." He hissed at me before turning and walking away. I stomped my foot on the ground like a little kid but I was to angry to care at the moment. Liam cornered me and I stupidly fell for it! Now I am really stuck here until the end rather I like it or not. Liam's figure disappeared inside the house I let loose a string of curse words.

I really was stupid. I should not have taken this deal, I should not have trusted Liam with that contract, and I should have known this was to good to be true. I was mad at Liam but I was mostly mad at myself for actually thinking this deal wouldn't be a terrible thing. My anger simmering down I walked down to the bungalow and sat on the bench. I hate my life.

The rest of the day pasted my slowly. I spent a good 3 hours outside just thinking and yelling at myself. It seemed Liam had no plans of leaving the house today so when I walked back inside he was sitting there in the kitchen grabbing something to eat. I walked past him not saying a word and headed to my bedroom. I spent the rest of the day/night avoiding him. When I ventured out of my room a few hours later to grab some dinner I saw a light down the hall on and knew Liam was in his office. Not caring if I was quiet or not I grabbed a container of food and microwaved it before heading back to my room to eat. The less time I spent around Liam the better.

When I woke up on Monday morning Liam was already gone and I was thankful. This was going to be the longest year of my entire life but I was determined not to let Liam get to me. If he wanted a wife he was going to get one. Two can play at this game. I have no problem spending his money, changing his house or acting like the spoiled brat he seemed to think I was. I am going to show him he should have picked another girl to use.

The rest of Monday I walked around the house coming up with ideas on how to change it. If I was going to be here it was going to look different, more homey. Right now it was empty and cold. All week I am going to redecorate to keep myself busy. Dinner came and went and still no Liam. I grabbed a blanket from my bedroom and headed to the living room to watch a movie. Going over to the wall with movies lined up in every space available I ran my eyes across it trying to find a good movie. For someone who isn't ever here he sure did have a lot of movies.

Finally I grabbed the movie Dear John and than got to work trying to figure out his DVD and sound system. Yes even Liam had Nicholas Sparks movies. It took me 5 minutes just to turn it on than to put the DVD in. With the movie in I jumped back onto the couch with the remote and curled up in my blanket. The entire time I watched it I couldn't help but wonder if I'd ever get a love like Savannah and John. Probably not after this honestly. Of course me being a girl I cried through out; wanting a love like theirs. When it ended it was only 9 o'clock so I put in another movie but something less sad. When the credits started rolling for 21 Jump Street I got up and headed to see if we had popcorn. Finding some it only took me 2 minutes before I was back on the couch clicking play and eating.

As I watched the movie laughing every so often I could feel my eyes starting to drop. The popcorn bowl sat on the coffee table long gone. The harder I tried to stay awake the more my eyes drooped. I lost the fight a few minutes later and let sleep take me.

-----

Liam's POV

I glanced at clock on the dashboard and saw it was nearing midnight. I looked back at the road thinking about Jenna. She should be asleep by now so I wouldn't have to worry about seeing her. I thought back to when I first saw her at Tammy's club.

Friday two weeks ago...

She was standing behind the bar in a tank top that was tight and fit her like a glove. From my seat in the dark corner I couldn't make out her eyes but I bet they were a pretty blue color. Her blonde hair was in a ponytail and she moved around the bar with ease. I could tell she had been working here for a while and knew her way around.

I watched as a man came up to her and started flirting. I found it amusing as she shot down whatever he was saying not giving him the time of day. Something about her intrigued me as I watched her. I couldn't help but wonder what she was doing in a place like this. She's probably trying to show her daddy that she's fine without his money. I thought. She may be perfect for what I need her for.

My father thinks that if I settle down that I will be better qualified to take over the business. Yeah right. Just because I am not married doesn't mean I don't know how to run a company. My father the other day said that he will step down in a few months and if I want his position than I better show him I'm more mature than I use to be. I made mistake of telling him I was in a 'serious' relationship. So now he wants to meet her as soon as possible, so I need to find the perfect woman to convince him. I can't bring the woman I usually have because that wouldn't show my father anything. That is why i am here right now scouting out woman to see if they would work.

"Hello. Can you ask that girl over there to bring me a drink?" I stopped a waitress who walked by. She looked at me confused but nodded heading back to the bar. I watched as the girl went around and told the girl I've been eyeing to bring me my drink.

She stepped around the bar and I felt my pants tighten. She was wearing a pair of shorts that barely covered her, showing off her long legs. Her tight tank top and risen up showing an inch of skin below her belly button. She was hot I can give her that. I watched as she looked around until she came close enough to me and stopped. Now that she was up close her eyes were a light green instead of the blue I thought they were. She stared at me frozen her green eyes trailing across my face. I tried not to smirk at her reaction.

"Here you go." She all but whispered before turning and walking away. I watched after her narrowing my eyes as I stared at her little ass encased in those booty shorts. Nice ass. I took a sip of my whiskey still watching her. There was something different about her and I knew she was the one I needed. She seems like the type my parents wouldn't expect me to be with.

I sat at the table watching her for another hour or so before she looked to be leaving. Standing up I dropped a 20 on the table, buttoned up my suit jacket and made my way out the door. I'm going to talk to her. I got in my car waiting for her to appear so I could discuss a deal with her. A few minutes later she appeared sending a wave behind her and started walking in my direction. She had her arms wrapped around herself with a small thin jacket on. She must be cold. As she walked by I told my driver to drive up to her. I watched as she looked around nervously and freeze as my car came to a stop beside her. I stepped out and watched as her green eyes widen at my appearance.

"I need you to come with me." I said.

"W-what?" She stuttered out confused.

"I need you to come with me." I said slowly. Did she not hear me?

"Excuse me?! I am not going anywhere with you. I have no idea who you are. And don't talk down to me as if I'm stupid or a child." She said narrowing her gorgeous green eyes at me. I clenched my jaw as she crossed her arms across her chest, her eyes staring at me stubbornly.

"Jenna I need you to come with me. I have something to discuss with you." She looked at me like, how the hell do I know her name. "I was at the club remember." I watched as she was having some internal debate. "Jenna I promise you I will not harm you. All I want to do is talk to you for a few minutes than I will bring you back home."

"Are you a rapist?" She finally asked after a few minutes of silence.

"No." I tried not to roll my eyes at her.

"Are you a killer?"

"No."

"I will only get in the car if you tell me your name."

"Liam, Liam Stanford." I waited to see if she would recognize me but surprisingly she didn't. I stepped aside and gestured to the car door, hearing her sigh I smiled inwardly opening the door for her. Once I was in I waved my driver forward and watched Jenna out of the corner of my eye. She was leaning against the door trying to stay far away as possible from me. About 10 minutes later the car to a stop and I got out waiting for Jenna. I figured since it's late and cold we could talk over some coffee. Opening the front door to Starbucks I waited impatiently for Jenna to notice. When we finally got inside Jenna went straight to the counter that had a very bored barista behind it. After hearing her order I walked up behind her and purposely stood close telling the girl my order.

I noticed when she pushed her chest out towards me but I ignored her before paying. I walked to a table glad no one else was here at this time of night, I wasn't surprised this place was open at 11:30 it was New York after all. A few minutes later the barista girl came and brought us our drinks and left but not before practically pushing her breasts into my face. Normally I would go for it but not today or with someone so young.

"So what did you want to talk to me about?" Jenna finally asked taking a sip of her drink.

"I want you to be my wife." I stated bluntly. Better to get straight to the point than skirt around it. I watched as she choked on her drink, coughing and staring at me.

"W-What did you just say?" She choked out.

"I want you to be my wife." I took a sip of my coffee and leaned back watching her. It wasn't that hard to understand. The air was immediately engulfed in laughter as Jenna laughed at me. "Why are you laughing?" I gritted out. Why the hell is she laughing?!

"Because you are joking." When I  didn't agree that I was she stopped laughing. "Are you being serious?! We don't even know each other! Hell I just met you 20 minutes ago!" She yelled.

"Keep it down!" I hissed. I didn't want anybody else to know about this. It was going to stay between the two of us.

"How can you ask me that after you just practically proposed to me!' She hissed. "You have to be joking right now Liam. I am not going to marry you!"

"Yes you will. I am not asking you to be my wife forever I am asking you to be my wife for a year nothing more nothing less." I only needed her for a year while my parents get to know her and than when I take the business she can be gone. I couldn't careless where she went after the year. I explained to her why I needed her what she would get afterwards. I could tell she was really thinking about it and grinned mentally.

After dropping her off at her apartment I knew she would say yes. This place was a dive and in a terrible part of town. A part of me wanted to make her say yes right now so I could get her out of this place faster but I didn't. She needed to make this on her own. Driving back home I leaned back in my seat and rubbed my forehead feeling an headache forming. I knew if she took the deal she was going to make it harder than it needs to be.

Current time.....

I pulled into the garage and sighed. I was right that night, Jenna was making this harder than it needed to be. It seemed she didn't get I was only doing this because I have to not because I want to be with her. These last few nights I have purposely stayed away from the house because I didn't want to be there and get questioned by her. I didn't have everything figured out about it yet and I couldn't answer her questions.

Yes last night shouldn't have happened. I shouldn't have brought Breanna over and slept with her with Jenna in the house. But at the time I wanted her to know  I wasn't going to be all cuddly and nice to her when I didn't have to and that this deal is strictly professional. It didn't help though when she would look at me with those piercing green eyes of hers or smile. I won't ever admit it out loud but her stubbornness was refreshing and I liked that she argued with me.

Shaking my head at myself I walked into the house. I will not fall for Jenna. I promised myself. As I walked down the hall I heard music and saw light coming from the living room. Frowning I walked towards the living room and saw credits rolling for a movie. For a minute I didn't see Jenna asleep on the couch until the light from the TV flashed across her face. Her long eyelashes framed her cheeks and her pink lips were curved into a smile like she was having a good dream. Staring at her sleeping made something ache inside of my chest.

I glanced at the clock and saw it read 12:30. As gently as I could I slide my hands under her butt and her upper back. I lifted her up in my arms and carried her towards her room. I felt her move in my arms and I froze... but relaxed a second later as she snuggled deeper in my chest. I softly laid her on the bed pulling the blanket off of her sleeping form and laid the duvet on top of her. I brushed a stray blonde piece off of her face and smiled softly at her. I have only known her for a week but she already had a small hold onto me.

"Goodnight Jenna." I whispered softly down at her before making my way out of her door, shutting it softly, then heading to my room.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hi! I honestly don't really like this chapter but I wanted to post something because this story is getting quite a bit of reads and votes! :) Thank you guys for taking your time and reading this, it means a lot. I'd love it if this story got this many votes and reads as 'Something Inside' does. I promise some good stuff is going to happen!

VOTE, COMMENT, AND READ!

<3

-Ken