"What?" He asked as she continued to stare at her. Supper was over and they were in bed. He had taken to rubbing her skin with cocoa butter cream every night.
"You offered her money."
"So?" He asked mildly as he continued to smooth the cream over her taut stomach.
"How much?"
Lifting his head, he met her eyes. "Does it matter?"
"How much?"
"A million."
Her hands flew to cover his, stopping his rubbing motions. "What the hell!"
"I would have offered her twice as much if it means getting her out of your life. No one causes you harm. No one." His expression was grimly determined.
"Isn't that considered a bribe?" She asked him softly. There was something funny twisting inside her chest. It was overwhelming to be so completely loved.
"Let's call it an investment." Shaking off her hands, he continued to rub the cream into her skin.
"An investment?"
"Or a way to ensure that she does not bother you. I would have had my lawyers draft up an agreement to that effect."
She stared at him and knew he was very serious.
"She did not accept your very generous offer."
He smiled slightly. "Time will tell." He met her eyes. "You think I'm being cold. She's after all your mother. If I tell you that I feel a hint of warmth towards her, I would be lying."
She placed her hands over his again and squeezed. "She's my mother and I feel nothing."
"And yet, you offer her your home."
"A shelter. She has nowhere to go and the house is just sitting there empty. It cost me nothing. Is that a problem?"
"It's your place."
"I know I should have discussed it with you..."
"No." He shook his head. "Nothing to discuss. You're free to do as you please with what belongs to you. Besides, you're right, the place was just sitting there empty. It's just..." He lifted his shoulders in a shrug.
"I hate that she just waltzed back into your life asking for a favor. She refused to attend the wedding and wanted nothing to do with you after she found out you were carrying my babies." His expression hardened. "If you expect me to start liking her..."
"I don't." Lifting their joined hands, she kissed his knuckles. "Mary-Ann is more of a mother to me than she's ever been and that will always be the case."
"She would be pleased to hear that." He said gruffly.
"You came running back when you heard she was here."
"Yes. Ms. Bailey called while mother was in my office. We were talking about you." His eyes glinted in amusement as she grimaced.
"I can just imagine what that conversation was like." Her eyes met his.
"I haven't been easy to live with."
His dark brows lifted. "I would say impossible."
