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“Uh…”
“It’s alright. I’d appreciate your honesty.”
“I’ve extensively studied the wealthy. I chart their movements within the market to find patterns, to determine how people like you make choices and how average people can do the same.” Clearing her throat, she added carefully, “I’ve seen other patterns emerge as well. Powerful and successful men like you, while attracting the best the world has to offer in professional relationships, tend to also attract beautiful women - or men - who are willing to trade themselves as currency in exchange for the lifestyle to which they wish to become accustomed.”
Refusing to look away no matter how awkward the topic, she continued, “Since these relationships are built on the superficial, often solely sexual or financial, they’re doomed to failure. Whether due to boredom, lack of common interests, horrible behavior, or plain greed…they don’t tend to last long. I’ve also noted that the less financially secure party tries to include children in the arrangement as quickly as possible to increase their long-term earning potential when things head south.” She shrugged. “It’s cold, calculating, but ultimately lucrative. A horrible way to earn a living.”
Rowan folded her hands on her lap and regarded him carefully. Bennett’s breathing was rapid and his color wasn’t good. “Sir, you don’t look well. Are you alright?”
Sitting back against the seat, he removed a small bottle from his jacket and took one of the pills inside. He sat silently for a long time before turning his head on the leather.
“No, Rowan. I’m not alright. My heart is failing.”
“I’m sorry. Am I a donor match or something?”
He stared at her intently for a moment before reaching out to take her hand. “Rowan, of the many regrets a man of my years and position gathers, I think not being in prime health when I manage to find the one woman guaranteed to keep my attention may be the worst of all.” He smiled gently. “Did you just offer me your heart?”
She smiled sadly. “A new heart might give you another twenty years to make a difference in the world. I’m not connected to anyone. Not really.”
“How casually you talk about sacrificing your life to give me twenty more years when I’ve squandered most of what I’ve already had.”
“Untrue. Your charity work is incredible. You give away more money than any other organization on the planet.”
“I’ve always done well atwork. It waspeopleand theiremotionsthat always managed to create the biggest obstacles. I can’t seem to navigate them effectively.”
“I know what that’s like. How can I help you, Bennett?”
He stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. “A new heart isn’t an option with my condition. I wouldn’t survive the operation.”
Unusually choked up, she whispered, “I’m sorry.”
“That I can nevertrulyhave you causes me pain that is unexpected considering our short acquaintance.”
“What do you mean?” His eyes closed and she watched as he focused on his breathing. “You need something from me.”
“I’d like to discuss a personal and business venture. It’s unorthodox, I grant you, but I ask you to consider everything I have to say before you reject me. Are you willing to listen with an open mind?” She nodded. To James, he added, “To the house, please.”
“Yes, sir.”
Deep emerald eyes met hers and he said with a smile, “Please tell me you spent the money in the book on something frivolous, Rowan.”
She replied cheekily, “Not one dime.”
Chuckling, he said, “You’re the most enigmatic woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of speaking with, Rowan. That’s saying something. I’ve lived a long life and met many fascinating women.”
“I can only imagine.”
“Your unique beauty was, naturally, the first thing I noticed. Silken hair, flawless skin, and captivating blue eyes. However, your plain manner of speaking, outlook on life, and your place in it…were so strikingly different. I had to know you.”
His hand was cool but she could feel the strength in it. She also realized it had been years since a man’s touch hadn’t made her flinch in discomfort.
Gage’s touch had been the last.
He confessed, “I’ve run intensive background checks on you, Rowan.”
“Not surprising,” she answered with a shrug.
“You’re exactly as you’ve portrayed yourself to be, which is yet another shock to my system.” He was unable to hide a primal hunger and she wondered at his interest in her. “You could prove to be the most outrageous experience I’ve ever had. And yet, I must be completely honest with you from this moment. I cannotexertmyself in any way, Rowan. The slightest rise in my blood pressure could send me into cardiac arrest.” An expression of disgust crossed his face. “I’m unable to even assist you from the car. A pathetic end for a man who has lived his life as I have.”
