“Now you’re counting on me.” His big chest dips and rises. “I won’t let you down again.”
I’m uncertain what to do, how to feel about him, so I simply stand there as Edison circles the room, his face transforming with more and more denial. “This is where you’ve been living?” he says thickly, his face losing color as the low temperature registers. “It had to be one of the only buildings in town that I don’t own. I would never allow such poor conditions.” He clears his throat, visibly pulling himself together. “Who is the landlord?”
“Art McTavish.”
He nods for a moment, then turns and wrenches the front door back open. Briefly, I see a man standing outside before Edison’s body blocks him from view. “Ben, go buy enough food to feed a fucking army. Bring it back here right away. While you’re at it, track down Art McTavish and tell him I would like a word.”
“Yes, sir.”
The door closes again. He stares at me. I stare back, trying not to let my lip quiver.
“This is inexcusable. There will be heat by nightfall, angel. I promise.”
I want to run and leap into his arms, because it feels so incredible for someone to take care of me for once. I’m so relieved the children will eat soon. That they’ll be warm. But I’ve been on my own for a long time, no one to guide me, and I’ve learned to be wary of charity.
Nothing is free in this world.
“What…what do you want from me?” I swallow hard. “In exchange.”
“Your forgiveness,” he says without hesitation. “For now, that’s all.”
“For now?”
His eyes squeeze shut. “Blessing.”
“Yes?” I whisper.
“You are ready to drop. Forgive me so I can hold you.”
His plaintive tone wears down my willpower to nothing and I stumble toward him, sobbing when he swoops me up into his arms. “I forgive you,” I whimper, circling my legs around his waist as he wraps me in his expensive wool coat. I cry into his strong neck, my body shaking against him.
“I’m here now, angel.” He sounds overcome, his fingers combing through my hair, his mouth open against my ear. “Everything is going to get better. You will never spend another day hungry or cold as long as you live.”
“And the children?”
“They will be looked after.” His arms tighten around me and he rubs his stubbled cheek against the top of my head. “My wife won’t have a single worry. Not one.”
Panic explodes in my veins. “Wife?” I struggle in his arms, but he doesn’t let me go. “So much for only wanting forgiveness.”
“Goddammit, I didn’t want to overwhelm you,” he growls, his expression turning more and more worried as I wiggle around to free myself. “Stop fighting me. Save your strength.”
“I’m not marrying you.”
“I don’t agree.”
My frustration is not enough to fuel my struggles, not when I’m so weak from lack of protein, and I slump against him, exhausted. “When I marry someday, it’s going to be for love.”
We are chest to chest and I can feel his heart pumping riotously. “You will have to settle for trust. Marrying for trust. And comfort. I don’t foresee you learning to love me.”
My nose wrinkles and I raise my head to look at him. “Why not?”
He appears to be confused by the question. “I…no one ever has. I’m not the kind of man people love. Even my parents preferred me to remain away at school while they traveled. And such.” He clears his throat hard, quickly hiding the fleeting spark of sadness in his eyes. “But I can provide.” His gaze falls to my mouth. “I can satisfy your body. Thoroughly.”
A wave of arousal passes through me, but I fight through the crush. “You’re trying to distract me from what you said.” I give him my fiercest frown. “Of course, you can be loved. Anyone can be loved.”
“Does that mean you’re willing to try?”
“No!”
“God help me.”
Half a dozen children come clambering into the kitchen at once, knocking into each other and various pieces of furniture, gawking at the visibly rich man holding their caretaker so intimately. This time when I struggle, Edison lets me stand on my own two feet.
And I’m glad to be free.
Really. I am.
When my teeth begin to chatter from the lack of heat, Edison takes off his coat and bundles it around me. And I can’t help but wonder why he doesn’t think anyone can love him. I’m not going to find out, unfortunately. Becoming a wife at eighteen is unwise. Plus, I have the children to care for. There is no time to lie in bed for hours. Beneath him.
I can satisfy your body. I plan to satisfy it. Thoroughly.
My face flushes. He’s watching me closely while fielding questions from the children about his job, his big house and how much his suit cost. His tone is patient and I give him a grateful smile that he returns. He actually smiles and my heart floats up into my mouth.