“Don’t say that until you’ve heard them.”
“I don’t need to hear them. If they’re what you need to feel safe, then they’re what I want too.”
She let out a small breath—maybe surprise, maybe skepticism. “Complete honesty. No more compartmentalizing your life into club business and personal business. If something affects our relationship, I need to know about it.”
“Done.”
“Respect for my career. I won’t be available whenever you want me. My work matters, and I need you to understand thatmy job comes first. If I have to cancel a date because of work, you don’t get to guilt me about it.”
“Understood. Your career is important.”
“And we’d be exclusive.” Her voice hardened. “From day one. Not just physical, but emotional. I won’t share you with anyone, Jacob. Not club girls, not old flames, not anyone. If we’re doing this, you’re mine and I’m yours. No exceptions, no excuses, no ‘it didn’t mean anything.’ If you can’t give me all of you, then I don’t want any of you.”
“Done.” The word came out fierce, immediate. “Indira, I haven’t touched another woman since you left. Haven’t wanted to. You’re the only woman I want. Exclusivity isn’t a condition—it’s what I’ve been hoping for.”
She was quiet for a long moment. “Jacob...” Her voice softened in a way I hadn’t heard since before everything fell apart.
“I mean it. Every word. Whatever conditions you set, I’ll meet them. Whatever boundaries you need, I’ll respect them. I just want a chance to show you who I’ve become. That’s all I’m asking for.”
“Then I guess we’re dating.” I could hear the smallest smile in her voice. “Exclusively.”
“Exclusively,” I repeated.
After we hung up, I sat in my office staring at the phone, hardly believing the conversation that had just happened. She agreed to date me. Not because she was moving back for me, but because she was willing to give me a chance while she was here.
The distinction mattered more than I could express. She wasn’t choosing me over her career. She was choosing her career and leaving the door open for me to prove myself worthy of walking through it.
A week later, she called with logistics.
“I start in four weeks. I’ll be apartment hunting this weekend if you know of any good places.”
I bit back the immediate offer to help her look, to suggest she stay with me while she searched, to insert myself into her process in any way. The instinct to claim, to control, to make her mine again flared hot in my chest. But I pushed it down.
“There’s a new complex on the east side of town. Upscale, professional crowd. Should be perfect for what you need.”
“Thank you.” She paused. “Remember what I said. I’m moving back for my career. But I’m looking forward to seeing if you’re really the man you claim to be.”
“I won’t let you down.”
“We’ll see.” But there was warmth in her voice now. “I’ll call you when I’m settled.”
“I’ll be here.”
?
Church that Thursday was tenser than usual. Word had gotten out about Indira’s return, and my brothers had opinions.
“She’s got you wrapped around her finger,” Handful said, not bothering to hide his disgust. “Woman leaves you, disappears for over a year, and now she’s coming back on her terms? You’re supposed to be our president, not some pussy-whipped—”
“Finish that sentence,” I said quietly, “and see what happens.”
Handful’s mouth snapped shut, but I could see the resentment in his eyes. He wasn’t the only one.
“Dutch,” Holden said carefully, “we’re just concerned about how this affects your leadership. The brothers are wondering ifyou’re making decisions based on what’s best for the club or what’s best for your love life.”
“Are my decisions affecting club business negatively?” I asked.
“No, but—”
