She would play a very important position in my growing empire.
With a casual glance, I realized her attention was returned to whatever she was studying. After preparing my coffee, I moved closer. She didn’t attempt to hide what was on the screen and it didn’t take me long to realize she was researching the long-term rehabilitation facilities I’d recommended.
I’d made a few phone calls.
I’d greased a few hands.
Details she didn’t need to learn.
Within seconds, the silence was interminable. “Have you decided which facility?”
She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “I believe I have. Rosewood in Naples. They have the best reputation.”
The facility was also the most expensive in the country. How had I known that was the one she’d select? Not that I cared. If that kept her in line, so be it.
“I’ll help pay for it if the price tag is too much for you,” she added, finally lifting her head to look me directly in the eyes.
“Nonsense. A deal is a deal.”
“You mean the contract will be honored.” Her smugness was almost adorable instead of annoying.
“I am a man of my word.”
“We shall see.” The iciness between us I considered nothing more than foreplay.
She had no idea how much her attitude turned me on.
“Did you sleep well?”
Her nose wrinkled and I had a sense she was trying to think of a nasty rebuttal. “Yes, I did. Like a baby.”
Answers were like pulling teeth.
A smile curled on my upper lip. “I’m glad to hear it. I’ll need to make a few phone calls so we can secure a place inside Rosewood for Donovan. If you’ll excuse me.” As soon as I turned, determined to make the phone calls in private, a rustling sound of the leg of the chair scraping across the tile floor caught my attention.
“Thank you.”
Why did those two words startle me? Because few people in my life, my profession, and my family had ever said them.
“No need for thanks.” I hesitated as the tension between us was awkward. I needed to see her expression. Shifting, I gazed into her eyes. So much venom. So much uncertainty.
Again.
“Did you call your father and let him know the good news?”
The way her eyes narrowed was a clear indication that her venomous thoughts were intact. “Not yet. I will be the one to tell him. No press conference. No glorious press release with pictures of a loving, happy couple until I do. Do you understand?”
As usual, she had a way of getting under my skin. “Understood, but don’t take very long. The announcement needs to be made prior to Friday’s meeting.”
Even her laugh was enough to tighten my balls. She shifted hair behind her ear, another trait I found adorable and one that allowed me to know when she was nervous. “Don’t worry. All glow and show by then.”
Nodding, I stared into my cup of coffee, realizing the taste was unusually bitter. Maybe because her sweet juice had stained my lips and tongue.
“Just so you know,” she threw out. “Don’t plan on repeating what happened last night. I know what I signed on for, the price I’m paying for keeping my company afloat, but I won’t be forced to… surrender to your twisted desires.”
Twisted desires. If she only knew how sadistic my thoughts had been.
I’d given Vanessa her own room. No one had ever slept in my bed and in truth, I hadn’t thought it through when forming the contract. However, with the pushback, all I could think about was how much I craved fucking her tight pussy all over again.
