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“Me?” he chuckles. The incredulous sound bounces around the cabin, making me wince. “What would I hire you for? What position could you take? I’ve already told you I don’t have an opening.”

Desperation causes my heart to pound against my ribs. “Anything? Please, M- Daddy. I’ll do anything.”

Again, his eyes darken, sending shivers of need and fear down my spine. “Never promise anything. Anything is very dangerous. Anything will get you into trouble.”

“But I’m desperate.”

“I know that, sweet girl. I can practically smell it dripping off of you. Now that I know what’s going on with you, I’m able to conduct our discussion a bit better.”

Wincing, I try to slide off of his lap. Serious discussions shouldn’t happen like this. I’m far too much at a disadvantage. I feel more like an errant schoolgirl than a woman who had her life together as of just a few days ago. When I move, however, he just holds on tighter.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“To negotiate?”

“I won’t let you have another panic attack in this car. You’re staying on my lap until we’re done. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Si-, Daddy,” I reply, misery infusing my words.

“Besides, what we’re going to have now is a discussion. Time for negotiation is far past. You are going to live with me.”

“But Brody-”

“Fuck Brody,” he snarls, making me jump in his arms. “Fuck,” he says again, this time a bit softer as he wraps me in his embrace. “I’m not mad at you, sweet girl. I’m furious at Brody’s lack of care and compassion.”

“Oh, it’s not his fault!” For some reason, I feel the need to defend him, but I can’t for the life of me explain why. “He’s a very busy man, and my troubles will only get in his way.”

“And I’m not busy?”

“Well, you are but-”

“But?”

“It’s different.”

“How so?”

Helpless, I shrug. “I don’t know, because you’re a man, and he’s still a… a…”

“A man child. You can say it. God knows I say worse every day.”

“Look, he’s right, though. Things are easy between us. Right now, he’s all I got. I don’t want to upset the balance.”

“Well, then it’s a good thing you’re not living with Brody then. Isn’t it?”

My brows furrow as I look at the man. “I don’t understand. I’ve been to your house many times and have never seen a second guest house.”

“I don’t have one. You’re staying in my house. I have a wing that hasn’t been used since his mother left me. I figure it’s high time someone fills that space.”

“Oh, but I don’t want to impose…”

“If I’m offering, it’s not an imposition.”

“I guess.”

“I know.” The tone in his voice brooks no argument.

What the hell am I going to do? He’s so implacable, so fierce, and so fucking commanding. It should make me angry. In all honesty, it only makes me want to curl up on his lap and obey.