“Didn’t say you were. If you think it will be easy working with Renard, then you’re either dumb or delusional. It will be hell. But if anyone can do it, it’s you. You’re small enough to pull at his protective instincts but with enough backbone not to let him step all over you. It’s the perfect solution for me. And you.”
She chewed at her lip. “I don’t know.”
“Plus, it comes with accommodations,” he added, sweetening the pot. He couldn’t allow her to stay here. Wouldn’t.
Her eyebrows rose. “Really? Where?”
“My guest house.”
She snorted. “Right. Heard that one before.”
“Really? Know a lot of people with guest houses?”
“Not exactly. Just had a lot of offers of accommodation, and they always came with strings.”
“I believe I mentioned Renard. He’s not exactly a string. More like a chain around your neck, choking you to a slow death. Did I mention the other three pastry chefs he sent off in tears? One used to be a prison guard.”
“So let me get this straight. I work with Renard as a pastry chef and you’ll let me have the boys with me or find some babysitting help and you’ll give me a place to live?”
“That’s right.”
“And that’s it?”
“Oh, no, there’s more.”
“That’s what I thought.” A cynical look crossed her face.
“You’ll also have to agree to my protection while you live there.”
She frowned. “What?”
“You’ll be living under my roof, working for me, therefore you’ll be under my care. My protection. My rules.”
That wary look returned. “And what are your rules?”
“Cynicism in one so young is hard to see.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not that young. I had to grow up quickly. And I have to protect my boys.”
“I would never harm a child. Ever.” The words were low, without heat but filled with steel.
Her shoulders relaxed at his words.
“You really know how to hit at a man’s ego.”
“Your ego can take it.”
“Well, yes. But I’m not an ordinary man.”
“No. That’s something we can agree on.”
“Both you and your boys will be safe under my care. That I can promise you. I would protect you from any threat. Including from you.”
“What does that mean?” she snapped. “I’d never hurt my kids.”
He leaned over and took hold of her chin, turning her face from side to side. “No, I know that. Too bad you couldn’t say the same about yourself.”
She drew back. “What does that mean?”