He has a small point, though I don't plan to concede that. There are ways to be protective. Most people can't just quit their jobs.
"Please, Adrian," I say. I'm ready to get on my knees. "That bookshop is all I have left."
"You have me now."
"That's not the same thing." My voice breaks slightly. "That job is mine. Something I built. Something I'm good at. You can't just take it away."
He turns to look at me. Studies me for a long moment. "You really care about it."
"Yes."
"More than money? Security? Protection?"
"It's not about money. It's about purpose. About having something that's mine." I take a step closer. "Please. Don't take this from me."
Something flickers in his expression. Not quite sympathy. But close.
"We can discuss it," he says finally.
Hope flares, and I hate that that little concession makes me feel excited. "Really?"
"On one condition."
Of course. There's always a condition.
"What?"
He sets down his drink. Moves toward me. His hand comes up to cup my jaw, tilting my face to look at him.
"You give me what I want first."
My stomach flips. "What do you want?"
His thumb traces my bottom lip. "A kiss."
The words send heat through me despite myself. "Adrian?—"
"That's my price, Seraphina. Just a kiss."
It's manipulation. Extortion.
It's also not as bad as what he could ask for.
I should refuse. Should tell him to go to hell.
After all, I'm a feminist, and I don't need to trade things to keep my job, and yet, all he's asking for is a kiss. We've done worse. Hell, that's why I'm in this situation.
And yet…I do not want him to win. Because I know that is what he is trying to do. Win. Dominate.
The ringing of his phone interrupts my inner tirade.
"What?" Adrian snaps.
I watch his expression change. Darken.
"When?" A pause. "How badly?" Another pause. "Restrain him. I'm on my way."
He hangs up.
