She fascinates me in a way that used to be maddening. Like a puzzle I can’t solve in my own mind, but then I let myself fall into the madness of it all. I don’t want to fight it, not when I could put that energy into having her. There is no other choice.
There are many things in this world that come and go. Some things are far rarer than others. I’ve found that those who hold the strongest claim to the rarest of items in the world are rich in a different way than wealth.
Naomi is unique. I knew that from the moment I laid eyes on her. I never understood the fight and desire for pieces of art or relics. Or why people would risk so much to have them. I didn’t need to know why; I just understood I could use that against them to get what I wanted.
Then Naomi snapped that understanding right into place. She is one of a kind. The beautiful deadly flower is close to blooming, and I want to be there to watch. To be the keeper of her garden. To nourish her and grow with her for the rest of our lives.
She is priceless. I can’t merely buy her. Not if I want to be able to have her in every way. I need to earn her respect first, then her trust and eventually her love.
I believe Naomi doesn’t even realize how capable of loving and being loved by someone she is. She’s put herself in a box for far too long. I want to open it and let Pandora out.
I bite into the peach, savoring the taste. My phone goes off with an unknown number. I only let it get half a ring out before I answer it.
“Paxton.” I can’t help but smile at the flatness in her tone.
“Morning, Sunshine. How are you feeling?”
“That is not why I called.”
“I would still like to know. Last night was rather eventful.”
“I don’t know what you speak of.”
“Of course not; your secrets are always safe with me.” She has no idea how true this is.
“That, only time will tell. As of right now, I’m not so sure. I have spoken to my father, and there will be no dinner this evening.”
I set my peach down to brace my hand on the table, my mind shuffling through the possibilities of what will come out of her mouth next. That’s the thing, though—part of why she fascinates me so. She’s not as predictable as everyone else.
Sure, I don’t always get my predictions correct when I zero in on a person. There are outside factors that can dispute that prediction that are uncontrollable. But nine times out of ten, I nail them. If I don’t, I shuffle and recalibrate.
“You need more intel on me?” There is a slight pause, and I know I got it this time.
“There are matters I need to attend to.”
“If that’s what you need to do, Naomi. I can wait; the outcome will be the same in the end.”
“Don’t be cocky.”
“I’m not trying to be. Just being honest with you.”
“I’m stealing these,” I hear in the background, knowing it’s Mac. They both ended up back at War’s house last night. “Shit, you’re on the phone. My bad.”
“It’s fine,” Naomi tells her.
“Tell her I said good morning.”
“No,” she snips at me. I have to bite back a laugh.
“You’re the only Marino I want, Sunshine.”
“It doesn’t matter what you want.”
“Are you sure about that?” I think it matters a whole lot.
“Why do you keep calling me Sunshine?” She asks a question of her own. I don’t call her on it. There is no need.
“That’s how I see you.” Naomi is quiet for a long moment.
