“Because I know me. I’m stubborn and when I want something, I won’t back down.”
“If there’s something you want, and there’s no harm in having it, I’ll provide it for you. All you
have to do is ask. What you’re missing is the fact that I’m relieving you of the struggle. I want the
gratification of granting you life’s simple pleasures.”
“Why is what we have not enough for you?”
He took her hands. “It is enough. You are enough for me, but I believe we can have more. There are certain things I want. I like authority and order. I’ve watched you come such a long way from where
we started, and there have been moments I’ve suffered through silently, watching you struggle—
knowing I could fix a situation for you—but I held back because I didn’t want to bruise your pride.
“You’re a remarkable woman and that’s a compliment I’ve never paid another female and, in my
business, I’ve met my share of impressive women. All of these secrets and unnecessary shame, they’re
taking something incredible away from us, and I don’t think you even realize it. There’s nothing you
could tell me that will diminish my love for you.
“Imagine what it would be like, Evelyn, no longer having to worry about money, to have everything
you need at the tip of your fingers. I want to see you accomplish your goals as much as you do. I too,
draw pride from your success. All I’m asking for is thirty days. Try for me. Surrender. You can
continue to see Jason and I’ll arrange for anything else that helps you get where you want to be. I can give you anything if you’d just let me.”
Well, there wasn’t much to complain about there. Thirty days, not a lifetime. What was the harm?
She’d wasted more time trying things the hard way, and here was this incredible man offering her the
world on a silver platter.
“Would I still get to see Pearl?” There were certain things she simply couldn’t give up.
“Of course, but I don’t want you to work, at least not now. I believe you’d be much better off
focusing on your studies. Most students don’t work. Embrace this stage and the next will come in
time. Tackle one dream before you try to conquer the world.” He laughed affectionately and dragged a
finger over her ear, tucking her hair behind it. The affectionate gesture made her feel safe and warm.
Work wasn’t really an issue for her after today, and the idea of finding another job, yet again, was
daunting. “What if I want something, really want something, and you tell me no.”
“Then you have to trust that I’m making the right choice for everyone. I’m not perfect. You’re
always entitled to a different opinion, but there will be times we won’t agree and I expect us to discuss the matter respectfully and honestly. Truth is a major part of this sort of relationship. You can never lie to me, Evelyn. Never.”
“What if I know you’re making the wrong decision?”
“You’ll just have to trust me. I’m sure to make mistakes, which I’ll take full responsibility for, but
they’re my mistakes to make. Thirty days, that’s all I’m asking. Then the choice to continue or go
back to the way things were is yours. You have all the power here. You’re simply entrusting it to me
for a short period.”
Her head rolled from side to side on her shoulders as she weighed her options. Was what he
suggested really that different from how they lived now? Thirty days would tell.
“All right.”
His brows lifted. Clearly he hadn’t expected her to agree so easily. A slow smile curled his lips and
she caught a glimpse of his perfect white teeth. He leaned close and traced his lips over hers. “You
make me a very happy man, Evelyn. Thank you.”
Breathing deep, her blood and bones melted into warm liquid heat as the touch of his mouth seeped
all the way to her sex. Her body tightened expectantly. She wanted him.
Moaning softly, she leaned into his kiss and he pulled back. A satisfied smirk played on his lips,
creasing his eyes. “You need to sleep.”
The lightness of her expression crumbled into a pout. “I’m not tired anymore.”
He raised one dark brow. “You’ve been going a hundred miles a minute. You had a rough day, and
there are dark circles under your eyes. I don’t want you coming down with something because you’ve
exhausted yourself. I want you to go to bed.”
If she went to bed, she’d stare at the ceiling. She truly wasn’t tired anymore. She wanted to make
love. “I—”
“Surrender, Evelyn.”
Her lips pursed as her chin dropped. Well, this wasn’t fun.
Whatever her expression was, it made him laugh. His palm touched her knee and patted her bare
skin. “Come on. I’ll tuck you in.”
She stood and her body ached. “I’m not a child.”
“Of course not. If you were, the things I’m planning to do to you when you wake would land me in