Tatiana has always been too proud for her own good.
I tilt my head toward the scrubber in her hand. “You don’t have to do that.”
“I don’t have the luxury of not working.”
“You could if you stop being so stubborn. You don’t need the money.”
“I do if it’s not my own money.” Muttering under her breath, she adds, “Especially if it’s yours.”
“I made you pregnant. Taking care of you and Noah is my responsibility. If I’m giving you an unlimited credit card, it’s to make sure both of you are provided for.”
She blows out an exasperated sigh. “If you want to do something for Noah, buy him new shoes.”
“You don’t have to take care of Noah and yourself alone.”
She drops the scrubber in the bucket, causing the water to splash her jeans and my pants. “Are you telling me I’m not allowed to work?”
Cupping her nape, I chuckle. “You really have to stop putting words in my mouth, darling.”
She steps out of reach. “I told you to stop calling me that.” Staring up at me with huge, mistrusting eyes, she asks, “So you won’t prevent me from running my business?”
“It’s your life. You can do whatever you want—stay at home or work.”
She blinks, searching my eyes as if she’s waiting for me to say I was only joking, that I’m going to chain her in my basement and only take her out in a pretty dress when I need a plus-one on my arm.
“Since you’ve brought up the subject,” I say, “I thought maybe you’d like to go back to school.”
Her posture turns rigid. You’d swear I insulted her.
“To follow your dream,” I clarify when she only looks at me with pursed lips. “As I said, money isn’t an issue. I’ll get you into the best school.”
When she finally speaks, her voice lacks emotion. “Why would you do that?”
I frown. “I told you I’d give you everything you need.”
“If I cooperate,” she states like a challenge.
“Your cooperation isn’t a factor,” I tell her honestly. “It’s a given.”
“Thanks.” She looks down her tiny nose at me. “But no, thanks. I’ll make my own way.”
Frustration gets the better of me. “I’m not going to beg you, Tatiana.” I point at the credit card. “Use it or don’t. It’s your choice.” I walk right up to her, putting us toe to toe. “You don’t have too many of those—choices, that is—so I’ll advise you to make the ones you do have wisely.”
She watches me unblinkingly. “If you want to give me something, send Jazz home. She has nothing to do with your vengeance.”
I shake my head. “Not going to happen.”
Her anger ignites in a second. “Why not?”
“Jasper will go straight to the police, not that it’ll help, but I don’t want to kill more people than I already have for you.”
The color drains from her face. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Exactly what I said. Jasper can go home when I have what I want. Until then, she’ll have to be content with being my guest.”
Her green eyes flare. “You’re a?—”
“Mommy!” Noah runs into the lounge, holding up both his hands to show eight fingers. “I kicked so many goals.”
