Page 37 of His Prize

She slid her hand away from mine. “So, you’re taking me with you?”

I turned to face her. “Why wouldn’t I?”

“I don't know.”

I paused. “What did you think my reaction was going to be?”

She gazed up at me. “I figured you were going to tell me that you couldn't risk your job and your family’s fortune.”

“You thought I was going to end things with you because of what my father’s trying to do to us.”

“And my uncle.”

I nodded. “And your uncle.”

She shrugged. “Other men would’ve left for less.”

“Other men would’ve executed you on the spot over your original plan, but I didn’t do that. Did I?”

She blinked. “No, you didn’t.”

“Then, stop assuming I’m one kind of man and start judging me by my actions. Because I swear, Bonnie, every time I make a move? You remind me why I don’t pour my energy into people anymore.”

“Wait. What?”

I turned to face the car. “Every time I try to do something for you, the look of shock on your face makes me sick. It’s like you never expected something like that from me, which gives me the assumption that you really do think I’m the kind of man everyone else thinks I am.”

“Israel, that isn’t—”

I waved my hand at her. “Get in the car. I’m going to take us to the best hotel this city has to offer. We can set up camp there until we figure out our next move.”

“Israel, look at me.”

I peered over my shoulder and stole a glance at the fading bruises on her face. “What?” I asked.

She limped up to me on her cane. “You could shack us up in the most rundown motel in this entire fucking state, and it would still be the only place I’d want to be. It’s not about the money, Israel. It’s never been about the money, or the power, or what you can buy for me. Got it?”

Her words made my heart stop in my chest. “Got it.”

She patted my back. “Good. Now, let’s get a move on. I haven't eaten all day, and I’m starving.”

I grinned as I watched her lumber around to the other side of the car. Then, the two of us sank inside together. I cranked up the engine and tore out of the driveway, making sure to leave tire marks on the pristine concrete driveway. Fuck my father’s waterfront homes. I could have a much better view of the water in the penthouse of the hotel two miles down the road. Plus, we wouldn't have to put up with my father’s manipulative bullshit—until he came up with his next plan, at least.

Don't make me kill you, Dad. Don’t force that decision on me.

But I had a grave feeling that it might come down to that. And as I looked over at Bonnie, watching her watch the world pass by, a voice sounded in my head.

I’d pick her.

I’d pick Bonnie over my entire damn family any day of the week.

15

Bonnie

“Where are we?”I asked.

Israel parked the car. “This hotel has the finest penthouse in the state, as far as I’m concerned. We’ll be safe here, and we won’t lose an ounce of the luxury we’re used—”

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