“How else will we get to know each other?”
“You didn’t give me the impression that you wanted to get to know me.”
My frown darkens. “I said you’re mine. One would think that spells it out to you.”
“I just thought… you know.”
I glance over the property, considering going back to the hotel so we can have this conversation face to face. “No, I don’t know. Enlighten me.”
“Isn’t this just a sex deal?” she asks, her voice filled with embarrassment.
The grin forms on my face. “Are you blushing right now?”
“Do you have a thing for me turning red like a tomato?”
“Definitely.”
“I suppose as far as fetishes go it’s not bad.”
Suddenly curious, I ask, “Do you have any fetishes?”
“Nope, sorry to disappoint you.” I like the teasing tone in her voice, and it warms a cold spot in my chest. She sounds curious as she asks, “Do you have any?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.” I lean back against the tree and shove my free hand into my pocket. “We got sidetracked. If you don’t miss the idiot, why were you crying?”
“Wait a second.” It sounds like she’s moving, and she lets out a heavy sigh. “Before I tell you anything else about myself, I have a couple of questions.”
“Okay.”
“Is this real?”
“What do you mean?”
“The money. The deal. I don’t understand why someone like you who is rich and… obviously attractive has to pay for sex. Especially such an outrageous amount.”
“I’m not paying for sex,” I correct her. “If that were the case, I would’ve fucked you in my office and gotten my fill.” I swear I can feel the heat of her blush coming over the line, and the thought alone is enough to feed my obsession. “I paid for you, Laurie.”
“You’re going to have to dumb it down for me. What does it mean?”
A grin forms on my face as I look at my family gathered around the barbecue. I’m probably the topic of conversation.
“You’re looking at this the wrong way, Laurie. Sex is easy to get. I paid because I wanted to make it clear I’ve claimed you. Men like me don’t make gestures like this on a whim.” My voice lowers with possessiveness and obsession, “I want to keep you close and learn every single thing about you. This isn’t some fleeting arrangement that ends once I’m done fucking you. It’s a serious commitment between us.”
“A relationship?” she gasps. “Look, I just got out of a three-year relationship that sucked ass, and I’m not re–”
“Laurie,” I cut her off. “You already accepted the money and agreed to the deal. There’s no going back.”
“I know, but–”
My patience slips, and I snap, “No buts!”
“Food is ready,beddu mio,” Mom suddenly says. “Come eat with us.”
I’m so absorbed in the conversation, I didn’t even notice her.
“Is that… Are you married?” Laurie asks, her tone distressed.
“It’s my mother,” I explain. “And to set your mind at ease, no, I’m not married. You’re the only woman–” My sentence cuts off because I’m actually not sure how to describe what Laurie is to me, and telling her she’s my obsession might not go over well.
