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Paul let out a grunt after he slowly pulled out of me. The condom was wet as he eased it off and tied it.
“Be right back.”
Paul reached over, dropped the condom into a waste bin, and pulled me into his arms. “We’ll go to bed.” He kissed my forehead.
I wrapped my arms and legs around him as he lifted me and carried me up the stairs. He placed me down and instantly pulled me on top once he settled next to me. “I’ve missed you so much. I want you to hold me all day.”
He grinned broadly. “You hugging me is persuasive. What would you like to do tonight?”
“You’re staying?” I asked excitedly, but then I frowned, remembering the party.
Paul touched my chin. “What is it?”
I lowered my eyelids. “There’s an industry party at Hotel Le Meurice, but I’m not going to go.”
“Oh, yes, you are. You’re here to network and build working relationships. That doesn’t change, even with me here.”
“Will you come with me?” My request was more of a plea. I didn’t want to be without him.
Paul trailed his hand down my face, his eyes soft on me. “No, Nadia. I’m serious about you living your life and experiencing all you need to experience. It’s part of your internship. I’d only be a distraction. I want you to go for all your opportunities.”
I groaned. “You sound like Tomas.”
“Tomas rose to creative director at Givenchy. I’d say take his advice as gold.”
“But what will you do?” My hands traced over the hair on his chest, and I leaned over and kissed it.
“Mmm…I have a documentary to compose.” He sighed.
“For Ingrid Ludwig,” I mocked.
He grinned. “We’re friends.”
“Tell that to her face. She has hungry eyes for you, as my mom would say.”
He chuckled. “You’re jealous? Don’t be. I don’t care what her face says, I don’t want her.”
I smirked. “You did at one time.”
“I did when I thought I needed to be something I’m not. I didn’t love her, and besides, we’re better as friends. I’ll make sure you meet.”
“Okay, Paul. I trust you.”
“Just as I trust you with Hayden Madsen. Laurence said he stopped by with a vespa.” His voice held annoyance.
I squinted at him. “Is that why you came?”
“No, Nadia. I came because I love you.” He kissed me, and my heart swelled. “I do have other news for you and hear me out. My mother’s presenting a Kusama exhibit that’s touring here. She said she’d like to have dinner with you.”
I pursed my lips. “I’m very busy.”
“You needn’t be threatened by her. She has no power over me, and it’s important to me that we heal your pain there. If you do decide to be with me, I want you to have a civil relationship with her. She knows what it’s like to be with a Crane.” His tone was even, but there was his vulnerability. I knew it now to be his fear of rejection.
I placed his hand on my stomach. “And maybe one day she’ll be a grandma.”
His eyes gleamed with a longing that tugged at my heartstrings. He visibly swallowed but didn’t answer, and I understood why. He was still unsure if I could sacrifice so much for him—or so he thought was a sacrifice. I wanted a family, though I also struggled with his protectiveness and isolated lifestyle because of his fame. He’ll probably lock me in a room until I gave birth to his heir. And that in itself was daunting. I may raise a Crane, a child who would inherit a business empire. And what would that mean for me as a designer? Would I even have time for a career?
Paul started to move his hand away, but I squeezed it holding it in place. “I love you.”
