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“How old is Joseph?”
She turned and straightened. “Mr. Cason, your snack is ready. Do you want me to get someone to help you to the chair? I admit I was surprised to see you in the hall, but I’m proud of you. I knew you could enjoy yourself more if you just gave it a try.”
He maneuvered the wheelchair in front of her and pinned her in place with the backs of her legs against his armchair. Her heartbeat kicked up a few notches, and she clenched her hands together behind her. An angry blue eye narrowed on her.
“You’re scared. Why should you be afraid?” His tone was flat, not even hinting at curiosity. Rather he simply made the observation.
Solette rushed to cover herself in case he asked questions she really didn’t want to answer. “Joseph is twelve, and yes, I had him young. I was foolish, but I’m doing the best I can to raise him right. Would you like this snack here or outside?”
For a minute, she thought he would press, but he let the matter drop. “I’m sick of this stupid chair! Ezio dumped me in it hours ago and left. I came into the hall to see if you were here yet. Now get someone to get me out of it. Goro went to run errands, but one of the bodyguards might be around.”
He rolled away from her, and she smiled. “Don’t you worry, Mr. Cason. I know just the thing. We’ll get you all set up outside in the sunshine in a nice comfy chair.”
“I don’t want to go outside.”
“Now, now. Don’t be a baby. I’ll even play you some music.”
“Are you implying I’m a beast to be soothed?”
“A beast? Never.” She laughed, and he stared at her.
“You’re almost pretty when you smile.”
She cleared her throat. “I’ll see if there’s anyone around before we go down.”
He grabbed her hand, and she froze. Their gazes met, and something new passed over Solette that she hadn’t experienced in a long time. She almost didn’t recognize it. Cason’s hand was soft but firm at the same time. His gr
ip, not as strong as it should be for a man of his size, was still solid. If he didn’t have to suffer so much pain, she was sure she could never take him in a battle of strength. And yet, it wasn’t fear that she felt. It was desire.
A man like him would never…
“Let me go, Mr. Cason.” She spoke calmly.
“Cason,” he demanded. “Say it once. Just call me Cason.”
“We need to get you moving so you can be ready for your exercise in an hour or so.”
He bared straight white teeth, winced, and then frowned. “I should call you Bunny. You’re like a frightened little rabbit, always skittering away from me. Shall I capture you and eat you up?”
She strode to the door. “I’ll be right back, Mr. Cason.”
“No, not bunny. Mouse.”
She kept moving and shut the door. Something smashed against it a second later. Sonya, Romy’s girlfriend, met her in the hall. “He’s throwing a temper tantrum again? Don’t let him get to you, Solette. He likes to provoke people with his filthy mouth.”
“Don’t worry. Mr. Cason has never cursed at me. Well, not directly at me.”
Sonya rolled her eyes. “That’s because you’re sweet. We get into it sometimes, and I told him as soon he’s up and walking I’m going to clip him so he falls on his stupid face.”
Solette gasped. “You didn’t?”
“I did. You have to know how to deal with his ego. Trust me, that thing will take over the house unless you beat it down.”
“Um, okay.”
Sonya burst out laughing. “Never mind. You just keep doing your thing. I’m sure you know better. I don’t like Cason’s personality all that much, but even I don’t wish him to suffer like he’s been doing. Help him for the family’s sake, Solette. Can you do that for me?”
“Of course. I’ll do everything in my power.”
