Page 21 of Proposition 2

Her mouth opened and closed as she blinked rapidly, trying to process the interruption to what was obviously a speech she’d probably spent the day rehearsing.

“I don’t want or need your money. I paid your debts so you wouldn’t have to work as much. So you’d have more time for me. You’re going to quit one of your jobs and pay me back in time, not cash.”

Snapping her mouth shut, her wide-eyed stare stayed locked on me as I stood and moved around the desk. Retrieving the bills she’d tried to give me, I leaned down and brushed her hands aside, pushing them back into her purse.

“I’m fine with keeping your family out of things, I already said I would protect them. I understand you need to keep working to provide for them, but there is no reason for you to exhaust yourself with two jobs any longer. Quit the diner and give me the time you were putting in there, but it’s not going to be as impersonal as you’re making it sound, Cadence.”

I leaned down, threading my fingers through her blonde locks to stare straight into her eyes. The feel of her hair in my fist made me picture all the things I could make her do while I held her like that, but I pushed the lust aside for a moment.

“I want you. All of you. And not this dressed up, fake version either. The real you, Cadence. It’s not going to be as simple as you showing up, fucking, and then going home.”

I could see tears shimmering in her eyes, but she fought to hold them back. Lip trembling, her breath hitched as my face moved closer.

Pausing before my mouth brushed hers, I waited.

“Do we have an agreement?”

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