Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
“If I thought it was a sincere one, it might but I doubt someone like you is capable of it. People like you never show remorse.”
“It’s interesting you’d say that. Are you saying I have no redeeming qualities?”
“I’m sure some people think you do.”
“But not you?” I’m not sure why my chest feels tight all of a sudden. I know Zora doesn’t have the highest opinion of me. If I’m being honest, I didn’t make things easy for her back then, but I had my reason. Reasons, I could never confess to her.
“Jackson, I find the direction of this conversation pointless. Let’s get back on track. You already know I’m in a pretty desperate situation or I wouldn’t be here. So, tell me what your terms are.”
Her hands shake before she clasps them in her lap. The nervous tell, belies the bravado of her words. There are things I want to tell her, to let her know my desire for her is very real but I doubt she’s ready to hear that right now.”
“My terms are simple. You agree to be at my beck and call. If I need a companion for an event, if I just want your company to share a meal with, if I just want to see your face, I expect for you to be by my side. And most importantly, I get to have you in very possible way of the meaning.”
“So basically, I’m supposed to drop everything to be with you?”
“If you want to put it that way, yes.”
“But my father will need care, and I have a job. I have clients that I can still see remotely.”
“I’ll hire a caregiver for him for as many hours needed.”
“He’s not just going to let any stranger in his house.”
My patience is slowly wearing thin. “It’s either that or he loses his house.”
“You’re not being reasonable. My father is a proud man. He barely wants my help. He’s not going to readily accept help from a stranger. I assume you have to work, during the day so you can’t expect me to sit around waiting for you to snap your fingers so I can sit at your feet like a good dog.”
I take her face between my hands, forcing her to look me in the eyes. “None of this is negotiable, Zora. You think I’m helping you out of the goodness of my heart. You’ve already labeled me the bad guy so I guess I might as well play into the role you’ve shoved me in. If I want you to be my dog and come when I snap, you’d better. If I want you to go somewhere with me, I expect you to comply with no questions ask. When I tell you to strip and climb on my dick, you’d better ride me like you’re trying to win the Kentucky Derby. Do you understand?”
She tightens her lips without a sound.
“Do you understand me?” I roar.
“Yes! What choice do I have.” Her eyes are glistening with unshed tears but I don’t care. My mind and body are in shambles from being near her.
I stand, pulling her with me.
“Jackson what—”
I don’t give her a chance to finish her question before I swing her into my arms and head towards my bedroom.
Some people would call me an asshole for what I’ve done. Some may even say I’m evil. But I just say I’m determined.
16
ZORA
Is there really any point in me fighting? I just know my body is going to betray me like it has the other times Jackson touches me. And then I remember the little bit of dignity I have left and attempt to flee his bedroom the second my feet touch the floor.
I shove past him and race to the door but he has the reflexes of a cat. Jackson grabs my arm and swings me around to face him.
“Going somewhere, baby doll?”
“Jackson, not like this,” I attempt to reason with him.” I see no other way out.
When I came here tonight it was with the full intention of surrender but now faced with the consequences of my decision, I was terrified. Not because I’d find sex with Jackson repulsive. It was the opposite, in fact. I’m scared I’ll like it too much.
Something has to be wrong for my chaotic brain to make me feel this way toward him despite the torment he’s caused me.
“Yes, like this. This is a quid pro quo, and I intend to collect. Now take off your clothes.”
His command is so sudden, I’m almost certain I didn’t hear him correctly. “What?”
“You heard me and I’m not going to repeat myself. You have ten seconds before I rip them off of you myself.”
“Jackson, it doesn’t have to be this way.”
“One.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “Stop it. You’re not funny.”
“Two.”
“When you said you would help me, did you mean to degrade me as well?”