I know her parents were involved in a terrible car accident about eight years ago. Her father recovered, but her mother has suffered from mobility problems since, which were exacerbated by a botched surgery. She’s not paralyzed but uses a wheelchair to get around.
“Of course.” I distract Finch by putting food in her bowl, then, without asking, I lift Cori off the island, take her bag, and carry her to the stairway leading to the smaller house. She wraps her arms around my neck like a pampered princess while I hold her, all the while saying nothing.
I don’t put her down until we get to the car. When her feet touch the ground, I pin her with my body.
“Thanks for the best few days I’ve had in years,” I say close to her mouth. “And remember what I told you weeks ago? You touched me, and now I’m yours.”
“You’re welcome for the best few days,” she replies. “Thanks for proving me right about everything I suspected. You just crumbled like a house of cards.” There’s a smug look on her face, but I don’t argue with her. I’ll erase that look in time, but for now, I’ll let her think she won.
“Is that what you think happened?”
“Itiswhat happened, and it worked out just like I planned.” She narrows her eyes, and she gets that stubborn look. I brace myself for what she’s going to say next. It’s either going to be a blatant lie or an outrageous statement. “I wanted you to take me.”
“Is that the story we’re going with?” I graze her soft cheek with the back of my hand. “I must say, I love how you always pivot and adjust to the situation. I took you right off the street and you adapted.” Our eyes lock for a moment. I inch closer and gaze longingly at her lips.
“And you’re right.”
“Am I, now? You finally admit it.” I squeeze her to me.
“Can you shut up long enough for me to finish what I’m saying?”
“Please continue, sweetheart.”
“I did touch you, but you’re not mine. I’m giving you back. And don’t call me sweetheart.”
“Giving me back to whom?”
She shrugs. “Don’t know. Your bald-headed ass momma? Don’t really care.”
“Don’t talk about my mother. It’s rude. I don’t talk about yours.”
“Mine didn’t raise a kidnapper, did she? Or the head of a criminal enterprise.”
“I bet you can’t prove either of those claims, but what are you going to do with this information?” I ask again.
“I already told you that I’m not going to do anything. I don’t care that you do illegal shit. Good for you. I don’t judge.” She shrugs. “But no one else but me figured out it was you, and to have you admit it is like icing.” I want to put icing from her nipples down to her pussy and lick it off. And I will soon enough. “My point is, Daxton Hunt, that I bested you. I beat you at your own game. I set my trap, and you fell into it.”
“Is that what happened?” I move closer and do my best to keep my smile under control.
“It is.” She juts out her stubborn chin, and I snatch it.
“I’m the one who sets the traps, sweetheart. Remember that, okay. You’re only here because I wanted you here, and you only know what I allow you to know.” I let her go.
“I’d say that too if I had to save face,sweetheart.”
“And you think that someone who knows all about my so-called criminal empire will just be able to walk away?” I lower my voice with each word, and manage to make her shriek when I nip her earlobe.
“You said you wouldn’t hurt me,” she reminds me.
“I would never hurt one so beautiful.” I put my hand under her chin. “I would worship you, though.”
“Yeah, you would, but I’m not into bad boys. It’s fine for Eden, but not me. I’m going to start my own business. How would it look to be associated with someone who deals with dirty money?”
“My money’s clean, sweetheart.” I touch her hip and squeeze it. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You keep telling yourself that.” She pats my cheek, and while I would normally love her touch, it’s condescending. I wrap my hand around her wrist and keep it there. “I’m going to build anempire. Alegalone,” she stresses, and I arch an eyebrow. “I can’t be associated with you.”
“I’m a businessman, baby. You would be lucky to be allowed to associate with someone like me.”
