“And?”
She struggled for words. What she wanted was his love, but she doubted that was on the negotiation table. “We take things slowly. If you want a relationship badly enough that you’d blackmail me, then we can start with dating. Like normal people.”
The lines on his forehead creased. “Counter offer.” He shrugged out of his jacket, carefully setting it on the free chair, then loosened his tie. She tried not to stare at his broad shoulders and toned biceps.
God, give me strength. “Okay.”
“You’ll get your education, I have no problem with that, and we can do the dating, but I want you in my bed tonight.”
She pressed her legs together. “You’re putting the cart before the horse,” she said. “I’m not like the women you bring home Friday nights.”
“So Maria’s been chatty. Not smart.”
The last thing she wanted was more trouble for her mother. “Okay, counter offer accepted,” she blurted. “I’m just saying, I have no experience. Tonight seems too soon.”
He appeared satisfied with her answer. “Okay, Friday night,” he said. “Make sure those college boys keep their distance in the meantime. I don’t want anyone touching you.”
“What about you? Will you still be dating other women?” She held her breath. Adora knew the answer, but the truth would shatter her fantasy of being his special girl. She almost regretted asking.
The corners of his eyes crinkled. “Why would I date other women when I’ve found the one I’ve been looking for?”
“So you’ll just keep sleeping around and not tell me about it? I don’t want to be lied to. That should be in our agreement.”
“You want the truth?” He shifted his chair next to hers, the legs scraping against the tiles. He put one arm around her, speaking in her ear, his voice deep and rough. “The only woman I’ll be fucking is you, baby girl. All I can think about is burying my face into those gorgeous tits and filling you with my cock. I’m going to take my time with you, claim every inch of your body.”
She focused on not stuttering. “I want more than sex,” she whispered.
“Trust me, emotions are overrated.” He raised one hand and a barista came right over. Tobias ordered their coffees. “I’ll give you everything else: loyalty, money, education. That has to be enough.”
She kept her mouth shut, wondering if he was even capable of love. They barely knew each other, so maybe things would change. Or maybe he’d break her heart and leave her alone and pregnant. She didn’t want history to repeat itself.
Adora sipped on her coffee once it arrived. It tasted like heaven, and she could get used to drinking the good stuff.
“Good?” he asked.
She smiled. “I think it’s the best coffee I’ve ever had. I think I’m in love.”
He chuckled. “You’re easily impressed. I like that.”
“You know all this is crazy, right?” Even though she felt a thrill going along with this insane plan, she had to remind herself that he was forcing this on her. She had to keep up her guards.
“It’s perfect,” he said.
“I want you to know that I’m not as innocent as I look.” Just because he was much older and experienced, didn’t mean she was a foolish child he could toy with. She’d lived a hard life, and wasn’t naïve to the darker side of humankind.
He used a crooked finger under her chin to get her attention. “But you are innocent.”
Her face heated, and her fair skin probably looked bright red. “That’s not what I meant. I’m talking about real life. Mine’s been a struggle, and I won’t be conned.”
“That’s a shame, but it all changes now,” he said. “You’re my woman. I take care of my own.” He pulled out his cell phone and focused on the screen for a while. When he finally tucked his phone away, he continued, “An offer of good faith.”
She was confused.
“Check your accounts. Your student loan is paid off, and I’ve covered the tuition for the next three years. You’re not being cheated.”
Adora was speechless.
“I think you should do the same, so I know you’re not a gold-digger.”
“What?” She almost shouted. “This was your idea, not mine, Mr. Bennett.”
He smirked, rubbing a hand over the salt and pepper stubble on his jawline. “Still, I need reassurance.”
“How?”
He finished off his coffee, and stood up. Tobias grabbed his jacket and jutted his chin for her to follow him. Adora left her seat and weaved between the people in the line-up, following him to the back of the coffee shop and into the restroom.
“The bathroom?” She was going to complain, but when she glanced around, she realized it was nicer than her apartment, complete with sofas and artwork. “Wow, this is nice for a coffee shop.”
“I only like the best,” he said. “Now, for my guarantee.”
“I have nothing to offer.”
“Oh, but you do, Adora. You have no idea how valuable it is to me.” He pressed her against the wall, his strong body trapping her in place.