“Rose, what is it?” he asked.
She looked over her menu at him. “It’s nothing.”
He waved at the gentleman to leave them. Nibbling on her lip, she went back to see what she could have for dinner.
“I’ve become quite adept at reading you. Tell me. If there’s nothing there you want, tell me what it is, and I’ll get it for you. They’ll cook you whatever you want.”
“You’re a scary man, aren’t you?” she asked.
He tilted his head to the side before looking around the room, chuckling. “You’re only just figuring it out?”
“It’s not something I’ve figured out. I mean, I knew you were. I’ve watched the way people are with you. It’s like they’re trying to control a potential time bomb. They’re expecting you to explode at a moment’s notice.”
“And this scares you?”
“It’s not right.”
“No, you’re right, it’s not, but I also expect people who work for me to do as they’re told and to offer a service that is rivaled by none.”
“You’re a crime boss,” she said.
“And a businessman. I count on every person to do as they’ve been employed to do.”
“Doesn’t it make you a little … weird?”
“How do you mean?”
“They’re all desperate to please you out of fear.”
“You’re not.” He held his hand out, pointing at her. “You don’t jump all over yourself to please me.”
“I didn’t really know who you are.”
“And yet since learning the truth, you haven’t changed.”
She glanced down at her menu. “Why did you marry me?” she asked.
He frowned.
“Come on, Jared, it’s not a hard question. I’ve watched women around you. You’re a catch. You know it, I know it. Why me?”
“Why not you?”
“I’m no party animal. I don’t work within your worlds. I also happen to enjoy working. I’m kind of, you know, putting up with this as I see myself during the day as your PA.”
“You’re my wife and the mother of my unborn child.” He reached out, taking her hand within his.
“I’m guessing you owned the entire table at that gambling thing Sean was part of. You could have left me.” She rubbed at her temple with her free hand. “Why didn’t you?”
He sighed. “You’re different. It doesn’t take a scientist to see that. You’re funny, kind, and what’s more, you didn’t cower from me, nor did you throw yourself at me.” He ran a hand down his face. “If you must know, I thought you were sexy as fuck from the pictures Sean showed us. When I saw you in person, I knew I wanted to fuck you. I knew one time wouldn’t be enough either. Having you as a wife, at first, I wondered how far he’d go. If I’d get to see you, or if his senses would come back. None of it did. He’s a greedy fucking bastard who doesn’t deserve you. It’s not my fault that I get to reap the rewards of my gamble.”
She stared at him. “That’s what I am? A reward?”
Jared chuckled. “Rose, you’re so much more I don’t even think you even realize your true potential or even how precious you are.”
She licked her lips. “I don’t really understand what you’re saying.”
“One day you will. As you can see, I know what to do to get what I want. People have a price. Some are higher than others. Your price wasn’t nearly high enough.”
“A million dollars wasn’t high enough?” she asked, unable to believe it.
He smiled. “No, it wasn’t. I own a great deal. People jump up and down for me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You’re the only person, Rose, who I will ever allow to question me. Who will ever get the chance of sleeping beside me and have my respect from the beginning. I make people earn it.”
“I’m not special, Jared.”
“You are. One day, I will prove it to you. Until then, tell me what you want to eat. My woman doesn’t go without, not for a second.”
She licked her lips, a little taken aback but also aroused. How did Jared do that?
“I’d like a cheeseburger with meatballs and ravioli. Don’t forget the salad with extra dressing and fries.” She expected him to complain but he snapped his fingers and ordered double of everything. Who was this man? And why did she find him suddenly really sweet?
****
“We can watch whatever you want,” Jared said.
“It’s okay. I know you wanted to go out.” Rose sat curled up on the sofa. “It’s fine.”
He folded his arms and stared at his woman. “What is this all about?” he asked.
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“Don’t lie. You know what I’m talking about.” He waited and she shrugged.
“I just feel crappy right now and I vomited all over you, and I just, I think that you enjoy going out, so why don’t you? I don’t mind. Honestly. I’m fine.”
“If you keep saying fine you might start believing it.”