AllFreeNovel
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It’s unfair what the females of this school go through, like stepping back in time to an era when women didn’t have rights, but that’s the way of the criminal system. There are a handful of female leaders, but they’re a minority.
“It’s a disgrace what the women of mafia organizations are subjected to,” I say.
Adrianna’s eyes widen. “Few men would admit that out loud.”
I shrug. “I’ve always thought it. You’re stronger than most of the boys and yet you have to submit to some chump who you could probably beat up.”
Adrianna shudders. “That’s why it won’t happen.”
“You honestly think you can escape your family? They’re pretty powerful.”
Her expression turns pensive as she gazes over the water again. “Money is the key to everything. If I have enough money, I can hide.”
It is the key to everything, whether it’s in the criminal world or outside of it, but I don’t believe it can hide her forever. Adrianna is recognizable and her father, Damien, would put a reward out for her. If anyone saw her, she’d quickly find herself pursued. “You father has more money, though.”
She tilts her head. “What does that matter?”
“What kind of ransom will he offer for your return?”
Her throat bobs as she swallows. “I don’t want to think about it.”
She knows that any ransom he offers will be so high that she couldn’t contend with the manpower that comes after her.
“It’s important to think of every eventuality if you’re going to succeed.”
“Are you going to coach me on how to evade my family?”
“I could do, or…” I lean forward and kiss her neck softly. “I could teach you something more exciting.”
Adrianna sucks in a deep, shuddering breath. “Archer, not here.”
I tilt my head. “Why not, baby girl?”
“Because this is my safe place. When I have something to think about, this is where I come.” She looks me dead in the eye. “I need it to remain that way. Untainted.”
“Are you saying that having sex with me would taint it?”
Her jaw works. “Yes.”
I realize it’s true. When I was still at home, I had a place I escaped to that was all my own. The old tree house in the woods that a distant relative had built years before I was born. It was my escape, and no one bothered me there. “Fair enough.”
Adrianna’s eyes widen. “I thought you were going to push me.”
I shake my head. “I know what you mean about having a safe place.” I stand and hold my hand out to her. “Shall we take this to my apartment?”
“It’s the middle of the day.”
“What’s your point? It’s a Sunday, which means we’re both free.”
She crosses her arms over her chest. “My point is there’s no way I’m walking into your apartment without being seen by many students. I don’t want anyone to know that I gave in to your pursuit of me.”
“No?” I ask, pulling her against me and wrapping my arms around her waist. “We should go to the gym instead.”
Her nostrils flare, but I see the fire of desire ignite. “Fine.”
It’s amusing how over time her defiance has diminished and her willingness to submit to me only increases with every passing day. “I’ll go first and you meet me there in five minutes. Okay?”
She nods in response.
