“You’re very lucky then. But do you have any crazy real estate stories to share? Because you know how New York is. This city is utterly topsy-turvy when it comes to land and property.”
I think for a moment.
“Well, there was this one time when rents plummeted, all my tenants moved out, and the government had to step in with this thing called the CARES Act. That was a pretty insane situation,” I say.
Hannah’s face falls immediately.
“OMG, I’m so sorry,” she whispers. “I was talking about how difficult my job was, but I can’t imagine how it must have been as a landlord during the pandemic.”
I shake my head.
“No, it’s fine honey. I own a lot of property, and my stuff isn’t leveraged much, so we’re fine. Besides, your job is difficult too and it must have been ten times more challenging during the pandemic. I can’t even imagine the human toll.”
She nods as tears prick her eyes, and the sweet girl raises a hand to her eyes for a moment before letting out a shuddering breath.
“It was,” she acknowledges. “And I’m not sure we’re out of it yet, but I’m praying for the best.”
With that, we’re both silent for a moment although the silence is peaceful and easy, and not at all awkward.
“Thanks for your understanding, Rick,” she whispers again, looking up now. “I appreciate everything. Your support, your understanding, and your interest in me.”
I nod and take her hand.
“No, it’s fine, honey. It’s hard to talk about difficult subjects sometimes, but that’s also how you really get to know someone.” Then, I debate asking my next question. I probably shouldn’t, but it’s something I need to know, and especially if things are going to move any further between Hannah and me.
“Speaking of which, I don’t mean to pry, but…”
“Please, ask me anything,” Hannah says, immediately looking up. “I’ll do my best to answer.”
I nod, not sure if I want to know the answer to this particular question actually.
“The baby’s father,” I begin cautiously.
Hannah bites her bottom lip. “Not in the picture, and he’s not going to be,” she states firmly. “Me and my kid are all alone in the world, for better or worse.” A fire flickers in her eyes, and I admire her courage for braving this situation on her own.
I nod, filing away more questions about that situation for later. But there’s something else I realize has been on my mind ever since our first night together. Of course, Hannah’s answer can go one of two ways, but I also know what I want her to say. After all, I’ve been possessing her body non-stop, so I already sort-of know the answer, but I still want to be sure.
“Are you still working for City Girls right now?” I ask, my voice carefully neutral. “Are you seeing other men at the moment?”
Her eyes go wide. “No, of course not,” she reassures me. “You know that you’re my first client, and I haven’t done anything for the agency since.”
“Good,” I nod, my voice unusually rough. “I’m not trying to control you, sweetheart, but I’d prefer it if you didn’t see other men,” I say. “Not while you’re with me, at least, and I can make it worth your while financially so you don’t have to stress.”
She looks up at me, big brown eyes wide.
“I don’t know,” she hedges in a soft voice, looking away. “I don’t want to be a burden to you, Rick.”
But that’s when I interrupt.
“You’re not a burden, sweetheart, and you already know that money isn’t an object for me,” I growl. “I want to help and nothing’s more important to me than you and the baby.” As I say those words, I realize that they’re true. This woman and her child are at the center of my universe, and I’m willing to do anything to make sure they’re safe, comfortable, and happy. Tears fill her eyes.
“Oh, I couldn’t, Rick,” she says in a soft voice, looking down. “You’re being too generous.”
But I shake my head again, tipping her chin up with one big finger to look into those chocolate eyes.
“No, I’m not, and you’re going to accept my generosity, sweetheart, because you belong to me now. Me, and no other man,” I rasp in a forceful voice before seizing her plush pout with my own. After all, it’s true. The moment that Hannah Jones fell into my arms, I knew that I would take care of her because she’s worth it, and because I can think of no woman who deserves more. With that, she inhales deeply and then nods, biting her lip.
“Thank you, Rick. I appreciate it.”
“Thank you, baby girl,” I rasp. “For letting me do this.” With that, a new chapter of our lives begin because Hannah and her child are now under my protection, and I relish the role. Hero? Savior? Confidant? I’m all that and more, if that’s what the sweet girl needs.