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She blinks those long, curled lashes at me.
“I also don’t want to stop…” –It seems to crass and reductive to say fucking you– “...this.”
She says nothing, just sways unsteadily on her feet, her gaze searching mine.
“What would it take to make this work for you?”
Her lips part, but no sound comes out. She has that frightened look she gets right before she comes. But then it’s over. It passes. She shakes her head. “Nothing. I mean, this works for now.” She drops her gaze. “I’m just exploring options in case that changes.”
Fuck.
“You saw Eleanor Harrington, didn’t you? Did she offer you a job?”
“No. She left it open. I made it plain I wasn’t actively looking.”
“Do you know who she is, Madison?” The softness of my tone makes Madison go still. I’ve been debating telling Madison about this ever since Sully presented me with the information, but I wasn’t sure if it benefitted her. Leaving her in the dark isn’t a kindness, though.
“What do you mean?”
“I noticed her interest in you at the ball.” I pull her closer. “I also observed what I thought was a family resemblance.” It’s only a half-lie. I smelled the resemblance.
Madi’s brows drop. “What?”
“I asked Sully to look into it, and it seems I was right. She’s most likely your paternal grandmother. She secretly got your mother the job at Landhower Prep and funded your education there. She also ensured your admission to Princeton and–”
“No.” Madison cuts me off. “Wait. What are you talking about? You hired a PI? What is this?”
“Her son, Brett Harrington, was in college with your mother. They dated briefly, breaking up eight months before you were born.”
“Christ.” Madi’s face goes pale. “I think I’m going to be sick.” Tears brighten her eyes.
“Come here, beautiful.” I pull her against my body in an embrace. “I’m sorry it’s a shock. I was debating how to tell you.”
I sense her belly shudder like she’s holding in a sob. I drop my lips to her silky hair and cradle the side of her head to press it against my chest.
“I…hate that,” she sputters in typical Madi fashion, pushing away. When I release her, she merely repositions herself to lean against my body sideways, crossing her arms. “I hate everything about it.”
“You mad at me?”
“No, I’m just–” she paces away from me. “I just hate it.” She whirls and spreads her hands. “Why in the hell did she wait until now to make contact? Ugh!” She grimaces. “Don’t answer that. I’m sure I know.”
I cock my head, not certain what she thinks she knows.
“She was waiting to see how I turned out. Whether I was worthy to claim. Or something sick like that.” The tears never fell, and Madi’s already composed herself in that surprising way she has of quickly mastering her emotions. “And what about my dad?” She shakes her head. “I guess he’s the real asshole here.” She stares at me for a moment then visibly gathers herself. “I’m sorry. This isn’t your problem. Thanks for the information.”
“I’ll give you the file my PI put together.” I walk around my desk to pull the manila envelope from a drawer.
She takes it and spins on her high heel for the door.
“So you’re not quitting me for her?” I ask mildly as she reaches it.
She sends me a look over her shoulder that probably isn’t meant to look sexy but goes straight to my cock. “Not in this lifetime.”
“Good,” I mutter, but she’s already out the door, her spine straight, shoulders back as she departs.
My female may be human, but she’s as strong and resilient as they come.
Of course, she’s not my female.
