NaNoWriMo is halfway over and I'm approximately halfway through my first draft of 'The Bargain,' Gwynriel fanfic inspired by 'The Deal' by Elle Kennedy.
To celebrate reaching the halfway point, I'm sharing a first look at 'The Bargain.' I hope to have it ready to start posting before Christmas. Enjoy.
“So, does this mean that we have a deal?”
Gwyn arched an eyebrow. “A deal? What are you, a used car salesman?”
“Fine,” Azriel said, getting used to Gwyn’s quick wit. “An offer.”
She snorted in laughter. “So now you’re the Godfather?”
Azriel’s eyes went wide. “You’ve seen The Godfather?” Smart, funny, gorgeous, and she knew classic movies? Yup, countless guys around campus would be falling at her feet after this was over. That was, if Tarquin was dumb enough not to be interested in her.
“That’s it. I’m leaving.”
“Wait.” He leaned across the table and grabbed her wrist before she could slide from the booth. Gwyn started like an electric shock had passed through her body and she stared at his hand with looks of mild horror. Shit, had he crossed some line by touching her like that? She may have been strong willed and stubborn, but it also seemed like she was a little bit skittish.
“Sorry. Please, can we just...”Azriel pulled his hand back and ran it through his hair. He couldn’t afford to scare her off. He needed her help. “Can we make a bargain?
“A bargain?” Gwyn sounded skeptical, but at least she hadn’t run screaming from the diner. Az would have to remember not to be so physical with her. He needed her to trust him.
“Yeah, a bargain. An agreement between two friends. Each one consents to do something helpful for the other.”
“Thanks for the vocabulary lesson, but don’t you think you’re being a bit presumptuous?”
“We aren’t friends? I’m hurt.” He dramatically covered his heart with his hand and flopped back against the booth.
“Fine. We’re friend…ly,” Gwyn conceded. “But I’m not making you a friendship bracelet or anything.”
“Does that mean we have one? A bargain, I mean. Not friendship bracelets. Although I wouldn’t say no to one if you change your mind.” He offered her a playful wink.
Gwyn sighed but held out her hand to him. “You’ve got yourself a bargain, Moreno.”
He grinned as reached for her hand, but pulled back just before they touched. “To be clear, this handshake is legally binding. No returns or exchanges. Or do you think we should pinky-swear instead?”
“Oh my god, could you be any more annoying? Just shake my hand already.” She grabbed his hand before he could make another clever quip.
His palm seemed to fit perfectly against hers, even though her hand felt small in his. Her skin was warm and soft, but her handshake was firm. It lingered a little longer than necessary too. Azriel wasn’t sure if that was her doing or his. Her gaze had been on his face, but it slowly dropped to his hand, as though she couldn’t believe that they were touching. Or maybe it was that she couldn’t believe that she liked it.
But then the milkshake blender behind the counter started up and Gwyn dropped his hand. And everything went right back to business.
Thank you to @damedechance for the beta and @ofduskanddreams for the title card.
@vikingmagic33 @hlizr50 @mystical-blaise @booknerd87 @amandapearls @highladyofillyria @captain-of-the-gwynriel-ship @sv0430 @shadowriel @azrielshadowssing
