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Odin

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

“Let's get this straight: are you proposing that we give in to our attraction but without allowing feelings to be involved?”

Even saying it out loud shocks me.

I never imagined I would hear something like this, and it has nothing to do with pretense, just with the fact that most women usually fantasize about commitment from the very beginning of their relationships. In all involvements I've had so far, without exception, I've made it clear that I wasn't looking for anything more than a date.

Two or three times, I even considered one of my partners for something other than weekday sex outings, but all it took was an extra couple of rounds for me to be sure I couldn't go through with it.

That said, what Elina just offered should sound like a dream come true, but that's not how it feels.

I remember our conversation on the plane, in which she said that she would never marry, that she liked to be alone. Me too, despite knowing that if I want heirs, at some point I will have to take my relationships to another level until I find the one who will be my life partner.

I don't have any illusions about overwhelming passion. If I can find a woman who even slightly fits what I'm hoping for, that's fine .

It's just that realizing Elina wasn't gambling when she said she didn't care about saving her virginity for marriage, as her family demanded, disconcerted me. I think I saw her as a version of Cinthya, her mother, only with more personality. However, Elina is demonstrating an admirable ability to make decisions about her own life.

“Yes,” she replies, seeming oblivious to the turmoil she's caused in me. “I've never been in a relationship before. By choice, needless to say. I don't know you well enough, but I don't think you want emotional bonds either, so I think it could be a perfect arrangement.”

“How did you reach that conclusion?”

She shrugs. “You're older than I am and you're still single.”

“And how do you know I'm not looking for someone to take as my wife?”

“Oh . . . Are you?” For the first time, she looks awkward.

“Not at the moment,” I say honestly.

“Then I don't understand what the problem is."

I think before answering, but the truth is, I don't even know myself. “Is that your only rule? No emotional ties?”

“The main one. But there's another important one for me. As long as we're together, we don't see other people. I wouldn't feel good having simultaneous relationships, much less being part of a love triangle,” she says.

Just the thought of her being with anyone else makes me crazy with jealousy. “I don't share, Elina, and I'm not interested in more than one woman at a time either. If I ever happen to look at someone else, I’ll know it's time to move on.”

“Good. So do we have a deal?”

If the situation wasn't so crazy I might laugh, but my mood isn't even close to joking. “So far you've laid down your rules. Let's settle mine.”

“Okay.”

“Loyalty is also an essential item for me. The second thing is that even though we take our relationship away from the realm of work, we'll go out in public together whenever I have a social event or dinner, like today.”

“But that’s practically dating. ”

“Call it what you want, but we're not going to hide.”

She doesn't say anything, but I can tell I've taken her by surprise. “People will gossip. I don't want to be accused of dating the boss.”

“No one will talk about you if they want to keep their job.”

“Right.” Even though she nods, she doesn't look very happy. “And what else?”

“I can sleep at your house, and you can sleep at mine. And there is no limit to how many days we may see each other each week.”

I'm sure that if any of my ex-partners heard what I just said, they'd burst out laughing. In fact, I don't even know why I proposed something like that—maybe it's the nagging feeling that Elina will try to put up a barrier between us whenever possible and that will make me want to pursue her. I want to make sure that doesn't happen.

To my surprise, however, she says, “I don't see a problem with that, but I prefer it to be in my apartment.”

“Of course you do. It's just that we're in a negotiation, and that means we both have to compromise.”

“ Both of us? And what have you given up so far? I think I just gave you a gift.”

I ignore her irony. At any other time, I couldn't agree more, however, at the moment I feel like I'm walking into a trap. Somehow I know I'll be at a disadvantage if I accept her proposal.

“What about my job?”

I don't like this part of the conversation. I want her viscerally, and she acts like she's closing a deal. “I give you my word that, whatever happens, it's guaranteed.”

She lets out a relieved sigh. “I don't need an eternal guarantee, Odin. Just for a while, until I can manage on my own. I want to learn how to take care of myself.”

“That's commendable, and I'll help you in any way I can. I'll assign a driver to take you wherever you need and also a bodyguard. I have some enemies?—”

She interrupts me. “Besides my father?”

I don't even try to deny it. “Yes, so I need to make sure you're safe.”

“There's no need to do more than you've already done. Giving me the job was enough.”

“Let's clear up a few points, Elina. Regardless of what we call our relationship, as long as we're together, you'll be my woman.”Never before have I marked my territory like this. In fact, I’ve always liked blurring the lines because it was easier for me to walk away later.

“Just as you're going to be my man...” I know she said that in anger, to show she's in control too, but hearing her immediately flips a switch on my desire.

“That's right, I'll be your man. The first." I lean forward and take her hand. I bring it to my lips and place a slow, hot kiss on the back. “The one who will teach you everything about your body.”

Her skin shivers against mine. “I want this. Learning everything from you.”

“Everything? Wanna learn how to be my woman?”

She nods.

“Say it.”

“Yeah. Will you teach me how to be your woman?”

Damn, she'll drive me crazy with her contradictions. Instead of answering the question, I stipulate another requirement. “There is no deadline.”

“That's fine by me.”

“You agree so easily?”

“I don't know how long a sexual relationship usually lasts, so it seems strange to put a deadline on it. I think we'll know when our desire comes to an end.”

“Probably,” I agree, when in fact I'm a mess inside. “One last thing. Your father's name is forbidden between us. We'll never talk about him or the problems I have with him.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Okay, but I can't guarantee I'll answer.”

“Why did you buy the island and all our possessions as you said that day at your party? Why go to all this trouble?

“As I said before, we'll not exchange confessions in this regard, Elina.”

We eat dinner in silence, each seeming to be weighing our own decisions, until she asks, “You said this would be a business meeting, but so far we've only talked about personal matters. What kind of reception do you want, and how much time will I have to organize it?”

“A benefit masquerade ball. You have two months. One of my secretaries will be at your disposal for anything you need, but if you think an assistant is needed as well, let her know.”

“Which institution will you be helping?”

“Fire victims,” I reply vaguely.

“May I ask the reason? Don't get me wrong, it's just that people tend to sponsor causes like cancer or orphanages.”

“I throw half a dozen parties annually, so I reserve the right to choose whom I want to help.”

“Sure.” She drops her eyes, and I feel bad. This topic is a sensitive one for me, but she's not to blame for that.

“Burn recovery is a delicate and very painful process. I just try to bring them some relief.”

She looks back at me, and her face shows surprise. “Sounds like a noble cause. I wasn't criticizing it; it was just curiosity.”

I don't know what to say, so instead I take her hand across the table again. “Dessert?”

“Something with chocolate?” she says with such enthusiasm that I can't hold back a smile.

“Chocolate sounds great.”