“Just ask for a new aide.”
“No, I like her.”
“Did you tell her anything about me?”
He shrugged. “Not much.”
“What exactly have you told her about us?”
“I don’t know. I told her about the pawnshop, and I mentioned what a good accountant you are.”
“And Drake?”
“Not a word, Mira. I’m not that much of a gossip.”
She didn’t stay long. Drake was in a meeting all morning, so she used the opportunity to check up on Nigel. Visiting was the last thing on her mind now. At least he looked good and was on the mend.
If Nigel wouldn’t listen to her, maybe Drake would. There was no way she wanted that PSW back in her brother’s apartment, even if he didn’t agree.
Later that afternoon, she was sitting in Drake’s desk chair when he returned from his meeting.
He exhaled after closing the door behind him. “That was brutal.”
Drake looked mentally exhausted. Instead of remaining neutral, as always, she actually cared. Was her bully growing on her? The longer she was with him, the less she resented him. She craved to comfort Drake but refused to initiate any intimacy—not when she was still his contracted woman.
“I hate to bother you with more, but there’s something I wanted to talk about,” she said.
“I always have time for you, Mira.”
She got up from his chair and he took her place, leaning back with a groan. Then he patted his thigh, and she obliged him, sitting on his lap.
“I visited my brother today.”
He frowned. “Nigel. He’s trouble, Mira. You know that. Not to mention where he lives. Did you at least take my driver?”
She shook her head. “It was quick, and I was fine.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“There was this woman. Well, she’s the PSW the hospital sent for Nigel. She knew a lot—about us. About everything.” She took a breath. “She threatened me.”
“What did she look like?”
“I don’t know. A tall blonde. Nigel apparently has a crush on her because he refused to believe me. He won’t request a new aide, and that’s scary. I feel like she’ll hurt him or me.”
“Did she say she’d hurt you?”
“She knew about you Drake, said she’s better for you than me and warned me to keep away.”
He was quiet, and Mira wondered what he was thinking about. The energy in the room seemed to change, making her tense up.
“That’s not going to happen. I would never give you up.” He ran a hand through his hair, then tapped his fingers on the desk. “Until this is sorted, I want you to keep close. No more wandering off on your own. It’s not safe.”
“What about Nigel?”
“I’ll handle everything.”
Mira didn’t argue. She believed him. Drake was capable in all things from business to lovemaking. Her nerves settled slightly, believing he’d be able to protect her brother.
“Now,” he said. “I’ve been stuck in meetings half the day. All I want to do is forget it all and enjoy my woman.”
He wanted sex. Wanted to breed her. That was the end goal. Right now, she wouldn’t even complain.
“What do you have in mind?”
“Something different.” He winked at her.
“Are you going to tell me?”
“It’s a surprise,” he said.
Drake got up and began shutting down his equipment. That usually meant he was done for the day. He rarely ended the workday early, so she was interested in his plans. She knew exactly how kinky he could get.
He didn’t give up anything. Even during the drive away from the office building.
She didn’t recognize the route he’d taken. Then she saw the water in the distance as he passed a security gate into a harbor. When he’d lowered his window to show his ID, the scent of the ocean filled the car. She breathed it all in.
He parked and then came around to help her out. Rather than lead her away, he pressed her against the side of the car. Drake cupped her face. “I don’t know how many times I have to say sorry, Mira. Nothing I do seems to get through to you. I’m trying my hardest to make amends … to show you I’m different.” He kissed her lips once. “Do you think you’ll ever be able to forgive me? To love me?”
She felt the weight of the world on her. Drake wasn’t a bully anymore, not with her, anyway. Not like in high school. Nigel had gotten her into this position. Shouldn’t she hate Drake forever for blackmailing her into making his babies?
But what if she wanted to be his now? Did that make it better?
Her conscience constantly played in her head to the point she didn’t know how she should feel anymore.
Mira wanted to fall in love, to have the happily ever after. Could that ever happen with Drake when their relationship started with a contract?
“I don’t know,” she said honestly. “I’m trying my best.”
He nodded, and the disappointment on his face made her sad. Drake took her hand. They walked toward the water. The sound of the waves lapping the dock was mesmerizing.