Page 39 of Wade’s Wrath

“I can't stay with you forever,” she insisted.

Something strange crossed his face. “No.” The word bothered her more than it should have. Of course she couldn't stay forever. She barely knew him. So why did hearing him agree hurt?

Harlow looked away. “I need a job.”

Wade stared at her. “What?”

“A job,” she said. “I need to find a job.”

“I heard you,” he said.

“I need money,” she insisted.

“You don't need money right now,” he said.

“Yes, I do,” she challenged.

“I can—” he started.

“No.” His brows drew together. “I don't want your money.”

“Didn't say you did,” he said.

“You were about to offer,” she insisted. “I need my own money.”

“Harlow—” he breathed.

“I've spent my entire life having men control me because they controlled everything I needed.” Wade went quiet, and she turned toward him. “I can't leave my father and then let another man pay for everything.”

His expression changed. It wasn’t anger, but understanding. “Okay.”

She blinked. “Okay?”

“Yeah,” he said.

“You're not going to argue?” she asked.

“Thought about it,” he said with a shrug.

She almost laughed. “Thank you.”

“What can you do?” he asked.

Her mouth fell open. “Excuse me?”

“For work,” he said. “What can you do for work?”

“I can do plenty,” she insisted.

“Such as?” he asked.

“I have a degree,” she said.

“A degree in what?” he asked.

“Business,” she said.

“That narrows it down,” he teased.