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But I can’t cave in to lust now. It had almost overwhelmed me when I first saw her on my doorstep. But I won’t let her become a distraction.
The tension in the room is thick, almost suffocating. And Scarlett’s refusal has become a problem. A big one. She’s seen too much of me. She met me the other night rather intimately, and now, she knows where I live. I didn’t expect her to reject the offer. All this threatens my control over my fragile situation. I clench my jaw, barely containing my frustration.
“Ms. Jones,” I begin, “My son needs a nanny. I believe you are exactly the person I’m looking for.”
“That’s ridiculous,” she scoffs, her rich crimson hair falling into her deep brown eyes. “You barely know about my skills. Which are practically non-existent, to be honest.”
She studies me for a moment, her gaze piercing. I can see she’s not easily intimidated – another reason I want her here. But I can see her suspicion growing, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly.
“There has to be more to it,” she says. “This is more than a nanny position. Admit it. Was the other night a…a trial run?” Her eyes are wide.
“There is nothing more,” I say coldly. Though my cock disagrees. “I need you here as a caregiver. That is all.”
“I’m not convinced. Are you looking for a nanny…or a playmate?” She sticks her jaw out at me, eyes flashing.
“A playmate?” I snap. I can’t deny the appeal, but I’ll be fucked if I’ll admit it. “This is about my son, nothing else. I have no intention of laying a hand on you,” I say, my voice unwavering.
“Then why so much money?” she asks, her suspicion increasing. “Why would you offer such a high rate for a nanny’s position?”
“Does it matter?” I gesture around the room. “I can afford it.”
“That’s pretty clear. But still. Something’s off. I’m not here to be a nanny with benefits,” she scoffs, clearly not letting go of this line of thought. Who could blame her? I’m struggling with it too.
“I told you, it is not that…” Fuck, I don’t know why I’m tolerating this. “Blyad!” I dash a hand through my hair. She’s not going to cooperate. This is going to complicate things.
“So what is it then? And what’s with all the secrecy? On the way over, the guy driving barely said three words to me.” She scrutinizes me in a way that I don’t like. “Who the hell are you? What are you hiding?”
“That’s none of your concern.”
“It would be if I was working here. But I’m not, so it doesn’t matter. Find someone else,” she says, twisting her arm free from my grasp.
I’m tempted to grip her tighter, but that would probably bruise her. Somehow, I don’t think this woman would care. I’m suddenly reminded of the way she’d challenged me. That fucking drinking competition. It was one step away from being adolescent, but I couldn’t resist.
“I’m sure my son will respond well to you,” I press. “Nikolai is brilliant. He’s only five years old and is already skilled in languages and art. He’s a caring child.” I pause, my voice softening. “He needs someone who can nurture him. Protect him.”
“Sounds like a special kid,” Scarlett admits, crossing her arms defensively. “But that doesn’t change anything. I need to leave.”
Frustration bubbles up inside me once more. This has gone too far. And her ridiculous fighting only hardens my resolve. I’m not letting her leave. She’ll be perfect for this job.
“No, you don’t. This job is perfect for you. It pays well, and you’ll have your own living quarters. And it’s certainly better than where you’re living now.”
Her eyes narrow at my words. I’m not sure if it’s in embarrassment at the reminder of what we shared, or if she’s offended by what I’m implying. Her living arrangements are pitiful.
“Look, as I said, I appreciate your offer,” she says. “but it’s not that simple.”
“Everything is simple,” I disagree.
Her eyes dart around the room, as if searching for an escape route. “I’m out of here.”
She turns back to the door. My hand shoots out, grasping her wrist again, before she can take another step toward the door.
She halts, her eyes wide and filled with a mix of fury and fear. The heat of her skin radiates through my fingers, sending a shiver up my spine. I know that our attraction is undeniable – her flushed cheeks, her rapid breaths. But this isn’t about that. It’s about what she’s seen. And what she knows.
She knows where I live.
“That’s not an option.” I stare down into her face. “You have seen my home. You know about my child.” I shake my head. “You are not leaving.”
“I don’t think you’re hearing me. Perhaps—” she begins, eyes rebellious.
