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He stares at me.
“I mean apart from sleeping together.”
“There won’t be much sleeping involved in our time together. We would fuck. I’ve imagined taking you in all sorts of ways.”
My core clenches. I have to clear my throat before I speak, my mouth is so dry. “I mean apart from that.”
“Shop, I suppose. Go to a spa, whatever you want to do.”
I frown.
“It sounds like you haven’t had much experience with having mistresses.”
“You’re my first.”
My breath catches.
That sounded so special and possessive, as if I am the only woman that’s ever interested him enough for him to desire taking a mistress. Isn’t that silly? A man who kisses the way he does and can make a woman wet with only his voice, must have had lots of experience. A dreadful thought occurs to me.
“You’re not going to sleep with other women, right?”
He threads his fingers through mine. It’s not a gentle gesture.
“You’re the only woman I want, Rosalie. And I am going to be the only man in your bed. Is that understood?”
“Yes.” Relief floods through me.
His fingers gentle.
“You’ll have a generous allowance.”
He names a figure ten times my already generous salary. I gasp.
Having this much money would be nice but I’m not sure how I feel about it. Getting involved with him is not about the money. He affects me in a visceral way, and not just physically. He challenges something in me.
I want to make him smile, laugh and come apart in pleasure, his usual composed mask unveiled by emotions he’s unable to control. Becoming his mistress might be the only way I have to get close to him. I’m terrified of being hurt. What if he never wants more than sex? He might even get tired of me before the situation with Zidaru is sorted. Would I have to leave the house?
My hand is warm from his touch. I stare at our intertwined fingers. I have to follow through with my feelings or I’ll always regret never finding out what this thing between us is.
“I want to carry on taking care of the house. I get the same kick out of it that women do from shopping. I have another condition.”
“Name it.”
“Have at least three home-made meals a week with me. Whatever is easiest, breakfast, lunch or dinner. And watch at least one movie a week with me, at home.”
I hold my breath. It’s more than one condition but I need to find a way to get him talking. I also want to sit on that couch with him.
My throat is tight as he stares at me. I hold his gaze, hoping I’m conveying how important this is to me.
“Agreed.”
6
Vincenzo
Mia.
Rosalie is mine.
