Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 155903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 780(@200wpm)___ 624(@250wpm)___ 520(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 155903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 780(@200wpm)___ 624(@250wpm)___ 520(@300wpm)
“Take this. Buy what you need. A new dress. Coat. Shoes. Whatever.”
“I can’t do that.”
He sighed and she winced.
“Baby, you belong to me. I’m trying to take things slow with you, but you have to stop fighting me.”
This was him taking it slow? What the heck would he do if he was going fast?
Somehow, I don’t think you want to know.
For once, that voice in her head was being smart.
“Slow?”
“Yes, I am being remarkably restrained. Don’t push me.”
Yeah, that sounded like a terrible idea.
She shook out her hands, knowing they were trembling.
“It just doesn’t feel right to spend your money.”
“I have plenty of it. You won’t put much of a dent in it.”
“Oh yeah? What if I go buy myself a Mustang convertible?”
“Well, one, the bank would probably call me before approving that. Two, it would mean you wouldn’t sit for a week.”
“For spending that much money?”
That was fair. The thought of it made her queasy.
“For buying an unsafe car. You’re not allowed a convertible. They’re ridiculous cars that would do nothing to protect you. I want to say I’d buy you something safer, but actually, I would prefer you use my driver. I know he’s a good driver and will keep you safe. I haven’t seen your driving, but something tells me it would be . . . erratic.”
Had she just been insulted?
Yeah, she was pretty certain she had been.
“I’m actually a fantastic driver.”
And wait? His driver? She hadn’t known he had a driver, she’d thought that he was just used a service.
“You might be. But you’re not as good as Steven. He’s been driving in the city for years. Have you?”
No.
But she didn’t want to answer.
“Just as I thought. So it’s agreed that when you need to go somewhere, you will call Steven.”
Um. Wait. She didn’t think she’d agreed to that at all.
“I don’t need to be driven everywhere.”
“Yes. You do.”
“Don’t you think we’re getting ahead of ourselves?. I mean . . . we haven’t even gone on our first date.”
“When I know what I want, I don’t mess around. I don’t see the point.”
Maybe because other mere mortals needed to catch up? Needed a chance to catch their breath before their brains exploded?
But she guessed that was part of the reason he moved at a hundred miles an hour.
To keep people on the back foot.
“I’m never going to get my way with you, am I?”
“Likely not. Not until your way becomes my way. Now I need to work on the rest of your rules. I’ll do that and we’ll talk about them over dinner tonight.”
“We’re going to dinner tonight?” she asked weakly.
“Yes.”
“What if I’ve got something planned?”
She didn’t. But he didn’t know that.
“You don’t,” he said.
“I might.”
Reuben’s gaze moved up to hers. “You don’t. Because tonight, you’re going for dinner with me.”
“And if I say no?”
“When it comes to what I want, no isn’t in your vocabulary.”
Holy. Moly.
“I’ll call Steven, let him know of the new arrangement and give you his number. You’ll use it whenever you need to. Go and buy your dress and shoes for the banquet. Make sure it’s eye-catching. This banquet will be boring-as-fuck, but it’s important to make an impression.”
“Aren’t you getting an award for your donations to the children’s hospital?”
“Yes.”
Awesome. So, even more attention on them.
“Shouldn’t I fade into the background as your assistant . . . ”
The look he shot her had her falling silent. Right.
Faith wasn’t going as his assistant.
“Cat and Alejandro are attending as well. If you need help shopping, I can call her. Although she comes with an entourage.”
Cat was Alejandro De Leon’s wife. Faith had never met or seen her.
“Take the credit card. Steven will meet you downstairs.”
“I should be working,” she said faintly.
“You weren’t supposed to be in this morning, remember?” he pointed out.
Right.
“Blossom,” he said as she turned away.
“Yes?” She turned back. Maybe he was going to tell her that he’d rethought everything. That she didn’t have to go to the charity dinner this weekend.
Or that she wouldn’t be punished for coming in this morning.
And why are you feeling sad about that idea?
Losing it. She was completely losing it.
“Do not defy me on using Steven to get around,” he warned. “I will not be happy if I hear you’ve been taking public transportation.”
“I’ve taken it up until now,” she protested.
“Not anymore. It’s not safe.”
Dear Lord.
“Also, you’ve not now, nor have you ever been no one. Say that again and—”
“Let me guess, I’ll be in trouble.” She grimaced as she said that. Why couldn’t she keep her big mouth shut?
“That’s right. Don’t worry, I don’t mind some sassiness as long as you obey me.”
Fudge knuckles.
“Oh, and Blossom?”
“Yes?”
“Take your water bottle with you. I want you to keep well hydrated.”
Dear. Lord.
20
“Where to, Ms. Blossom?” Steven asked.
“Please call me Faith,” she practically begged. “And I have no idea. Where do people go for formal wear?”