He picks it up, and his eyebrows shoot up. “Marks and Woodsons? My furniture company?” His eyes narrow as he scans the page. “Why does it say seventy percent off everything this month? We have luxury items in that store, Darius. High-end pieces that cost thousands. A discount like this would—”
“I know.” I cut him off. “It’s just for Violet. Make sure your stores know to implement it for her purchases only. All of them. I’ll cover the difference out of my own pocket.”
A slow grin spreads across his face. “I should charge you more, then.”
I give him an annoyed look.
He holds up his hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine. I’ll handle it. But for the record, you’ll be spending more on furniture discounts than most people make in a year.” The grin fades, replaced by concern. “It’s a pity you can’t tell her you’re doing all this for her.”
My jaw tightens. “She’d never accept anything from me. Not directly.”
“Because she doesn’t trust you.”
The words hit harder than they should. “Yes.”
Ethan stands, draining the last of his coffee. “You want me to have the realtor give her this? Or should I leave it in the penthouse somewhere?”
“Leave it in the penthouse. Make it look natural. Like it was left by the previous tenant or came in the mail. Put it with some other generic flyers so it doesn’t stand out.”
“You’ve thought this through.”
“I’ve had time to think.”
He pauses at the door, one hand on the frame. When he looks back at me, his expression is sincere. “For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing the right thing. Even if it iskilling you.”
He leaves before I can respond.
I turn back to my wall of glass and gaze at the empty desk where Violet should be sitting.
She doesn’t trust me. The truth of it settles like a stone in my chest.
But I can still provide for her. Still make sure she has everything she needs. It’s my right as her mate, even if she doesn’t know that’s what I am.
Even if she never will.
I pull up employee records on my computer, fingers moving automatically until I find her file. Her salary is decent, appropriate for her position and experience level. But it’s not enough. Not for what I want to give her.
I make a note to have accounting issue a performance bonus. Her work has been incredible, some of the best analysis the division has produced in years, so it won’t raise questions. Entirely justified. Completely above board.
My wolf stirs, satisfied with the plan. We’re taking care of our mate. Providing for her. Protecting her the only way she’ll allow.
I lean back in my chair, staring at the rows of empty desks outside my office.
She needs reasons to live. Reasons to care about her existence. If I can’t be one of those reasons, then I’ll create some for her.
An apartment. Furniture. A space that’s entirely hers. Small things that might add up to something bigger. Something worth living for.
I just hope it’s enough.
Violet is really enjoying furnishingher new place.
I study her discreetly through the glass wall of my office. For the fourth time this week, she rushed out during lunch, her bag slung over her shoulder, her steps quick and purposeful. Every day since she first viewed the penthouse.
I know exactly where she’s going because Ethan sends me updates. Not because I asked him to spy, but because he’s coordinating thediscounts across all his stores. Furniture stores, home goods shops, even a kitchen supply place yesterday. She’s hitting them all with the enthusiasm of someone finally able to build something that’s her own.
The change in her is visible.
There’s a lightness to her movements that wasn’t there before. A spark in her eyes when she returns from lunch, shopping bags in hand or delivery confirmations on her phone screen that she studies with obvious satisfaction.
