“I’ve been thinking about that,” he said. “I’ll get someone to clean every week, and we can share duties at home. I’ll continue to pay you until you’re supporting yourself on your career.”
I gaped at him.
Had he completely lost his mind?
“No, you will not,” I said adamantly. “Who does that? Who pays somebody without them putting in the work?”
Asher took my bag, placed it on the dresser, and put a hand on each side of my body, trapping me against the piece of furniture.
He caught my gaze, and my heart tripped.
His gray eyes were swirling with an intense emotion I couldn’t name.
He moved so close that I could feel his warm breath on my face.
“You’re my woman,” he informed me. “I consider you my partner. You’re not a random employee, Sierra. You’re sleeping in my bed, and I’m quite happy with that arrangement. I shouldn’t have to fight to buy you gifts that you want or need, and I’m not going to in the future. As a partner, I also shouldn’t have to argue with you to support you, both emotionally and financially, while you’re establishing a career. I think that’s what partners do when they’re perfectly capable of doing it. I’m a billionaire, for fuck’s sake. I’m going to take care of you, Sierra. It’s not a damn hardship for me.”
I swallowed hard, tears filling my eyes.
Did he really consider me his woman?
His partner?
“You consider us a couple?” I squeaked. “Are we…dating?”
“I’ve been inside your beautiful body, Sierra. I’d say we’re intimately connected. We’re dating. Exclusively. Did you think we were just fucking?”
I shivered as his lips brushed the side of my face near my ear.
“I-I-I didn’t know,” I stuttered.
“I hope I’ve made myself perfectly clear about where I stand,” he said huskily beside my ear. “What do you want, Sierra?”
Asher had my head reeling until I couldn’t think straight.
“You,” I said breathlessly as I wrapped my arms around his neck. “All of the same things you do. I’ve never had a healthy relationship, Asher. I’ve never really had a partner. I’m not sure how that feels.”
“Me, either, sweetheart,” he said as he tightened his arms around my waist. “But I’d like to see what it feels like.”
With Asher, I was thinking it would be pretty amazing.
“Are we clear on the whole support thing?” he asked in a grumbly voice. “I want you to be free to pursue your dreams, Sierra.”
“Okay,” I agreed, because there was really no reason for me to argue and because I knew it would probably make Asher happy. “I don’t think it will be long before I’m making a good living, but you’re not paying me for housekeeping anymore. You already pay for everything, and I’m making an income. You’re also taking care of every financial need I have, plus you’re going to make sure my mother’s house is repaired.”
Everything was new to me in this relationship with Asher, and the truth was, he was a very, very wealthy man.
I didn’t want to put restrictions on him just because we didn’t live the same lifestyle.
If this relationship was going to work, we were going to have to accept each other completely.
“Fuck the money,” he rumbled. “I want you to do what makes you happy.”
I quickly brushed a tear from my cheek.
I wasn’t sure how to explain to him how different this was for me.
I wasn’t used to being supported in any way.
