“Not even with Estelle?”
“No. The only person I trust with her is me. That’s down to protection.” He gives me a curt nod. “I’m currently teaching her to swim, so we go to a class on Saturdays together and a playgroup straight after.”
I can’t imagine him doing any of that. It seems completely at odds with what I’ve assumed him to be. I suppose, though, he is what he needs to be for Mia, which is so sweet and admirable.
“Sounds good.”
When something shifts in his dark gaze and his eyes drop to my lips, that tension I felt earlier twists my stomach and nervousness floods me.
Ice tinkles against the crystal glass when he picks up his drink again. He takes a sip and continues to observe me.
“As for work hours, you start work at eight. I’d like you to collect Mia from her room at that time and take her to breakfast. Lunch is always at midday, and dinner at five. She gets ready for bed at six. Your day with her ends at seven. I’ll be home by then.”
“And you’d like me in here after?”
“Yes.”
Pure lust heats my blood at his confirmation.
Neither of us says anything for a few moments. We both appraise each other openly, the barrier of unfamiliarity slowly fading.
“Do you have any questions for me, Lucia?” There’s a husk to his voice. The sound pulls at my groin, increasing the already growing wetness.
“No.”
“Your tests all came back clean.” He returns his gaze to my lips again when I press them together.
“I could have told you that would happen.”
“I’m sure you could, Bonita.” Those eyes of his take me in with satisfaction, and I realize it’s because of how I sound. He would have been able to detect the slight irritation in my tone from the experience at the clinic. “I’m sure you understand my need to take certain precautions.”
I want to tell him I’m not a whore, but I hold back. Telling him such a thing is useless given the fact that I’m sitting here prepped and ready for him to claim me in whatever ways he wants.
“I understand.” I straighten.
“Good. With that said, I’m eager to move on to the more enjoyable parts of your job.”
Me too… but I shouldn’t even be thinking that, much less saying it.
“What would you like me to do tonight?”
I don’t know what the hell my words just did, but a sudden flash of lust breaks through his poker face and his eyes darken.
He sets the glass back on the table, and when he looks me up and down, I can practically see the dirty thoughts swirling around in his head. He compels me to cross the line in my own mind and delve into my indecorous thoughts.
I don’t think I quite knew the meaning of the word exposed until him. He’s looking at me like he can see straight through me.
It’s almost terrifying.
He doesn’t have to strip me bare to see inside my head. All he has to do is look at me.
“Come here,” he says.