“And this scares you?”
“It’s not right.”
“No, you’re right, it’s not, but I also expect people who work for me to do as they’re told and to offer a service that is rivaled by none.”
“You’re a crime boss,” she said.
“And a businessman. I count on every person to do as they’ve been employed to do.”
“Doesn’t it make you a little … weird?”
“How do you mean?”
“They’re all desperate to please you out of fear.”
“You’re not.” He held his hand out, pointing at her. “You don’t jump all over yourself to please me.”
“I didn’t really know who you are.”
“And yet since learning the truth, you haven’t changed.”
She glanced down at her menu. “Why did you marry me?” she asked.
He frowned.
“Come on, Jared, it’s not a hard question. I’ve watched women around you. You’re a catch. You know it, I know it. Why me?”
“Why not you?”
“I’m no party animal. I don’t work within your worlds. I also happen to enjoy working. I’m kind of, you know, putting up with this as I see myself during the day as your PA.”
“You’re my wife and the mother of my unborn child.” He reached out, taking her hand within his.
“I’m guessing you owned the entire table at that gambling thing Sean was part of. You could have left me.” She rubbed at her temple with her free hand. “Why didn’t you?”
He sighed. “You’re different. It doesn’t take a scientist to see that. You’re funny, kind, and what’s more, you didn’t cower from me, nor did you throw yourself at me.” He ran a hand down his face. “If you must know, I thought you were sexy as fuck from the pictures Sean showed us. When I saw you in person, I knew I wanted to fuck you. I knew one time wouldn’t be enough either. Having you as a wife, at first, I wondered how far he’d go. If I’d get to see you, or if his senses would come back. None of it did. He’s a greedy fucking bastard who doesn’t deserve you. It’s not my fault that I get to reap the rewards of my gamble.”
She stared at him. “That’s what I am? A reward?”
Jared chuckled. “Rose, you’re so much more I don’t even think you even realize your true potential or even how precious you are.”
She licked her lips. “I don’t really understand what you’re saying.”
“One day you will. As you can see, I know what to do to get what I want. People have a price. Some are higher than others. Your price wasn’t nearly high enough.”
“A million dollars wasn’t high enough?” she asked, unable to believe it.
He smiled. “No, it wasn’t. I own a great deal. People jump up and down for me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You’re the only person, Rose, who I will ever allow to question me. Who will ever get the chance of sleeping beside me and have my respect from the beginning. I make people earn it.”
“I’m not special, Jared.”
“You are. One day, I will prove it to you. Until then, tell me what you want to eat. My woman doesn’t go without, not for a second.”
She licked her lips, a little taken aback but also aroused. How did Jared do that?
“I’d like a cheeseburger with meatballs and ravioli. Don’t forget the salad with extra dressing and fries.” She expected him to complain but he snapped his fingers and ordered double of everything. Who was this man? And why did she find him suddenly really sweet?
****
“We can watch whatever you want,” Jared said.
“It’s okay. I know you wanted to go out.” Rose sat curled up on the sofa. “It’s fine.”
He folded his arms and stared at his woman. “What is this all about?” he asked.
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“Don’t lie. You know what I’m talking about.” He waited and she shrugged.
“I just feel crappy right now and I vomited all over you, and I just, I think that you enjoy going out, so why don’t you? I don’t mind. Honestly. I’m fine.”
“If you keep saying fine you might start believing it.”
“That’s really not fair.”
He shrugged. “Just keeping it real, seeing as you want to lie about it.”
She looked down at her lap.
Jared had wanted to take her out, but not because he couldn’t stand spending time with her in their apartment, but because he wanted to treat her. She’d never been treated well. Her ex had pretty much gotten everything he ever wanted and Rose, she’d always been left wanting. Never asking for anything. He knew this and didn’t want her to go without.
“You looked beautiful in the red dress.”
“Why is it you don’t comment on my red hair?” she asked, frowning.
“Are you trying to change the subject?”
“Yes, no, I don’t think so. I’m a little confused.”
He laughed. “I see no reason in commenting what I already think is beautiful and besides, my cock didn’t get hard for your hair.”
She burst out laughing.
Jared closed the distance and put his hands on top of her thighs. “Now, will you tell me what you want to watch so I can get it set up, get out of these clothes, and we can relax?”
“You really want to be here with me?”
“I don’t see a reason for us not to be.” He reached out, touching her stomach. Not a moment went by that he didn’t want to touch her, running his hands down and over her.
“I’m sorry for throwing up on you.”
“I’m not.” He stood up. “What will it be?”
“If I say romance will you walk right out that door?” she asked. Her teeth nibbled on her bottom lip, driving him crazy.
“No, I won’t.”
“Then something really romantic, please.”
He moved toward his collection of movies, found an appropriate one, and slid it inside the DVD player. He hadn’t watched it. Rarely did he get the time to enjoy any kinds of movies like these. Leaving it to load up, he headed into the bathroom, took one of the fastest showers on record, and threw his clothes into the laundry basket. On his way back to the living room, he pulled on a pair of pajama pants, took a pitstop for popcorn and soda, and joined her just as the advertisements ended and the movie began.
“No shirt?”
“I want you to ogle me, not the screen.”
She giggled.
He looked at her.
“You just said ogle. It seems weird. Sorry.” She pressed her lips together.
Watching the movie for several minutes, Jared was very much aware of the distance between him and his woman. He didn’t like it. He’d never been the kind of person to snuggle. Glancing over at her, he wanted her close to him. He held out his arm and pointed at where she belonged.
“You want me closer?”
“Yes.”
“You’re not worried I’m going to vomit?”
“Not at all. I’ll clean it up.”
She looked at the space beneath his arm, likely debating it.