“I don’t believe that. You’re a billionaire, Conway. What does a few million more mean to you?”
“It’s not just a few million. These families are paying us between ten and twenty million euros—tax-free.”
“And if someone spotted you in there, it could ruin your reputation.”
“I design lingerie. I don’t have much of a reputation anyway.”
“Yes, you do,” I said. “You’re a strong man who made his own way in life. You started from nothing in your industry and made yourself into something. You’re generous and kind. I think you’re a wonderful person.”
His eyebrows arched before his eyes narrowed. Like I’d said the wrong thing, his expression turned into a glare. “I’m okay with being what I am, Muse. Like I told you before, I’m not evil—but I’m not good either. The second I had leverage over you, I made you into my prisoner. I didn’t treat you with respect, and I took your virginity instead of letting you find the right guy. Let’s not rewrite history. Let’s not change my character.”
I knew he meant every word because I could feel the sincerity in his words. I could see the seriousness in his eyes. He wasn’t fishing for a compliment to counteract his statements. He just wanted to correct my assumption. “You were the right guy, Conway.”
His glare slowly faded away, replaced by a deeper look.
“You gave me money when you didn’t even know me so I wouldn’t have to sleep on the street. When I left your company, you tried to give me more money and a phone. Then when I was about to be sold off to a monster who would do horrific things to me, you spent a fortune just to keep me safe. You’ve paid all my debts and set me free. You’ve given me a place to live, food to eat. Without you, I would be dead right now. We both know it. You saved my life, Conway. You’ve given me a chance to start over. You’re the only man who has ever earned the right to have me…and I have no regrets.”
His breathing deepened as his eyes narrowed on my face.
“No, you haven’t been Prince Charming. But a white knight in shining armor is overrated. That’s not what I want. I want you exactly as you are, all the good and all the bad. I accept you for who you are, Conway. But you need to learn to accept yourself too—that you’re a great man.”
When I woke up the following morning, Conway was gone.
I’d become lazier over the last few days, spending more time in the house and with Conway rather than outside in the blazing sun. So, when his alarm went off, I ignored it and stayed asleep.
I spotted the rose on the nightstand along with the note as I opened my eyes.
The rose was white, in full bloom and lovely. I held the flower to my nose and smelled it before reading the note.
Muse,
Join me in the studio.
Conway didn’t sign it, but I could smell his scent on the paper. I quickly brushed my teeth and got ready before walking down the hall to where he spent his time working. He was standing at the table, working a fabric with his hands. A breakfast tray sat at the table, the lid placed over the food to keep it warm. A pot of coffee with steam rising from its opening was waiting for me.
“Morning.”
He looked up from his work, his concentration shattered the second I spoke. He looked at me the same way he did anytime our eyes connected. Full of intense possessiveness, the warmth of his gaze could be felt across the room. He set down his tools then walked around the table to greet me. “Morning.” His thick arms circled my waist, and he bent his neck down to kiss me. His kiss was soft but full of restrained aggression. If he didn’t control himself, he’d probably crush my mouth with his excitement. Instead, he gripped me tighter than usual. His thumbs dug into my stomach, restricting my ability to breathe. There was a lot of lip and also touches of tongue. He breathed into my mouth, expanding my lungs with his masculine breath.
It was a great way to say good morning, to be cherished by this sexy man.
His hands slid down to my ass, and he squeezed my cheeks hard.
When he finally pulled away, I was so hard up that I didn’t care about breakfast. And I was one of those people who really believed breakfast was the most important meal of the day. I bit my bottom lip when he turned back to the table, wanting more of that kiss along with something else.
He grabbed the lingerie he was working on, a gray one-piece that was cut along the waistline. It showed bare skin before it connected to the panties at the bottom. With a crotch that unfastened, it allowed easy access without having to take the garment off. “I want to see you in this.” He walked over to me, feeling the silk fabric in his fingertips. There was a diamond pendant in the middle, another jewel that was more expensive than my mother’s house, even in a seller’s market.