I slide off my tie and sink back against the leather. Grateful that Kurt is a man of few words. I don't need anyone asking about my day. But I'm sure he can gather from my face how shitty it was. Which I'm guessing my expression is pretty harsh the way everyone in the office kept scurrying out of my way.

God damn fucking feds keep getting too damn close. This is the third time this month we've had to change distribution routes. Which is Dewayne's last mistake. And his last chance. I'm going to miss the bastard. I approve the hit and toss my phone next to me. Twenty minutes of peace before dinner with Eli. Not sure if I can stomach Taco Tuesday again.

"There's a visitor at the house."

Not bothering to open my eyes, I shake my head. There's no one I want to see. "Get rid of them."

His knowing chuckle pisses me off. "Don't think I won't put a bullet in the back of your fucking head. Call Mason and let him know I want them gone."

"Oh, this person I think you'll want to see."

This stupid bastard really does have a death wish. "Damn it, Kurt. I—"

"It's Molly."

And now I'm fucking alert as hell. My mind and my dick. I knew she would come to me after what I did, but I didn't think it would be this soon. A shit-eating smirk crosses my face. Maybe this is going to be easier than I thought. Maybe I'll be fucking her by the end of the week rather than the end of the month like I predicted. Maybe I can keep her from going out on her birthday too. She'll be celebrating with me. A huge rock on her tiny finger and my cock in her sweet pussy. Fuck yes. I'm a smug motherfucker because this is so fucking spectacular.

I scroll through my messages again. I'd received confirmation earlier from her father's bank. But nothing from her dumb ass landlord who was supposed to give me the heads up once he spoke to her. Usually I'd send my guys to kick his ass for forgetting to update me. But I'm so fucking happy, I'm going to let it slide. My angel is waiting at my house. Nothing can ruin my good mood.

"Stop yapping and hurry the fuck up."

Kurt laughs again but picks up speed so I let him off the hook too. Damn I'm getting fucking soft.

Once we get home, I hustle inside and follow the sound of childish laughter. Cilantro fills the air, and I'm grateful Mrs. Benson has made me something a bit more appetizing than barely seasoned meat and cheese in a corn shell.

I lean against the door frame, taking in the enticing scene in front of me. Soothing me like a fucking baby to see my brother and my woman sitting together, relaxed and happy in my kitchen. I could get fucking used to coming home to this every night.

Eli's milk mustache highlights his huge smile while he peppers Molly with questions as she dollops sour cream on her tortilla soup.

"You own a real horse? With hooves and a long tail and everything?"

"Yes, Copper's a real horse. He lives in the barn and loves to eat apples and carrots."

"That's cool!"

"Yes, but it's also a lot of work. I have to clean out his stall and brush his coat and clean his hooves every time I ride him."

"I could do that! I promise I really would!"

I love his enthusiasm. Unlike Ty who has to be prodded into everything he does, Eli's ready to jump in and take on more responsibility than he should.

"I know you would."

Her body jerks slightly when she catches sight of me watching her. Damn, I don't know why I love that, but I do. I'll never get tired of seeing her reaction to me. She attempts to hide her timidity by focusing on her spoon. Stirring and stirring the yellow broth until the white swirl dissolves completely.

"Good evening, Mr. Ellison."

"Thank you, Mrs. Benson." I accept a plate from my housekeeper, breathing in the rich scent of seared beef, medium rare just how I love. If she wasn't old enough to be my grandmother, I'd marry her. No one grills a steak better than this woman.

Feigning surprise, I nod toward Molly as I drop down in the chair across from both of them. Attempting to hide my pleasure with the stoic face that usually means I'm going to destroy you. And enjoy every fucking minute of it. Which I plan for her as well. Albeit in a much different way. "I wasn't expecting you tonight."

Her gaze flicks to mine. Only for a second does she meet my eyes. “I needed to talk to you, and Eli invited me to stay for dinner."

Uncertainty lilts her voice, turning her hesitant words into a question. Fearful of me. Of my irritation. Which I need to eliminate. Even though her blush from my inquisition is one of the hottest fucking things she does.

"Yeah, for tacos!" Eli wipes the back of his hand across his mouth, smearing sauce further up his bulging cheek. "And guess what else?"

I swipe at the red streak with a napkin before he jerks his head away. "What?"

"I got picked! I'm the flag bear in the Fourth of July parade!"

His little chest puffs out, his face beaming with pride. Which I can't help but return his smile. "You mean bearer?"

"That's what I said."

I wink at Molly, whose seems to be holding back her laughter too with her satiny lips pursed together. "Very cool."

"Ms. Abigail said I have to be really, really careful because it can't touch the ground." Eli stops wiggling around in his chair, and his face grows solemn, slowly dipping his head with earnest. "I can't drop it or swing it around or poke anyone with the pole 'cause that'd be disrespectable."

"That's exactly right." After grabbing the dish of guacamole, I spoon some of the spicy mixture on my baked potato. Now Eli can't complain I'm not joining in eating his favorite meal. "What about you Molly? How was your day?"

Yeah, I'm an asshole because I know exactly how awful her morning must have been. The calls she received from her family. Frantic and embarrassed. Because her father finally had to reveal the secret loans he's been taking to keep the family afloat after her mom lost her teaching job and his business closed. Dad shielding all of them from the truth. Until now. Until the callous new owner of the debt calls in the markers to pay or they'll lose their house.

Of course, I won't let that happen. I'm not quite that heartless.

I don't need their money.

I just want her fear.

But neither of them know that. At least not for now anyway.

"Good." She traces the rim of her glass, scarlet tinting her frowning cheeks. "I got an 'A' on my Social Behavior in Toddlers paper."

"Very nice."

Her smile seems forced. Not the real one that lights up her entire face. She keeps her gaze on her bowl, while Eli chatters away. That rare feeling of guilt that only she can evoke sneaks into my gut. But I force that shit down. She'll cry on my shoulder before I fix all of her problems and things will be fine. She'll be better than fine. And grateful. I love it when women want to show their gratitude. We're both going to fucking enjoy it.

Mrs. Benson returns, setting a tray of pudding cups on the table. The cheap box stuff Eli loves that's as bland as his meal. My cue to jet when he grabs a spoon and digs in. I just can't handle the chalky consistency. "I'll be in my office."

Waiting for Molly, of course. Before I can rise, Ty saunters in. With a quick appraisal of the situation, his own asshole smirk curls his mouth, and he chin lifts me before sliding in next to Molly. Bastard. Fucking aggravating me on purpose. Knowing that if he touches her I'll break his motherfucking hand. But that doesn't mean he won't push as far as he thinks he can get away with.

"Hey Molls." His lips skim in her cheek, and I swear to fucking god he breathes in her sweet scent. Which is meant for only me. Fucking mine. "Nice surprise having you here."

"Thank you." She gestures to her homemade tortilla chips. "Who can say no to a wonderful dinner like this?"

What the fuck? She actually meets his eye and doesn't blush. Which pisses me off more than I want to admit.

"I see you're weak against temptation just like me. Maybe we'll have to be naughty together sometime."

His dumb ass flirting earns him a small giggle from her. Although Eli never looks up from his dessert. The fucking house could catch on fire, and he'd be oblivious with his face buried in pudding. But still doesn't mean I can beat our brother's stupid ass in front of him.

Ty flashes his sexiest smile to the housekeeper too when she slides a plate onto the place mat in front of him. "God damn, Mrs. B. This looks fucking amazing. You know I'm completely in love with you."

Her wrinkled hands curl over Eli's ears, and she tsks at Ty. "No cursing in front of the baby."

Yet, she doesn't sound mad. Not at all. Pleased actually. Just like all women so easily seduced by Ty's charm. Which Molly better not be fucking one of them.

Only Eli takes offense from her comment. This insult enough to make him look up from his bowl. Chocolate covering his lips thicker than gaudy lipstick. "I'm not a baby!"

"You tell 'em E!" Ty puts out his fist and waits for Eli to bump against his curled fingers. Bringing out the swagger he likes to entice. "Let me eat real quick and then we'll shoot some hoops."

Our little brother's face lights up, and he hops off his stool. "I'll go get the ball!"

The legs wobble from his quick descent, and Molly steadies the wood with her hand while sliding out of her own seat. "I'll go help him."

Definitely not the person I wanted to leave. Once she's out of sight, I turn to my brother, who's already lost interest and is jacking around with his phone. "What the fuck was that?"

He offers a half-hearted shrug. Never even looks up from his screen. "What the fuck was what?"

I yank his cell out of his hand, ignoring his grunt of protest, and toss it across the room. Only the clatter of plastic bouncing over the tile sounds above his cursing.

"God damn it, Luc."

He jerks out of his chair and jets over to his precious baby, swiping it off the floor and tapping on the screen. Mumbling his complaints that it better not be fucking broken.

Normally, I keep my cool. Never showing anyone that they get to me. That I could ever feel anything from what they said or did. Always confident. Authoritative. Dominant. I don't have to act like the boss because I am the boss. Absolute and complete certainty in who I am and what I'm capable of. That's what keeps me alive.

But Ty knows me too well and isn't scared. So I have to get physical with him to get his attention. "Do not fuck with her."

"I'm not fucking with her, you stupid idiot. I'm fucking with you. That girl isn't my type."

Now I'm really pissed. Which is so fucking dumb. That's how pussy fucks with your mind. Furious because I think he likes her and then enraged because he doesn't. "She's too good for your sorry ass."

Finally he looks up, only to roll his eyes. "Dude, you can totally tell she's a virgin and will probably only let you touch her with the lights off, under the covers, in her fucking grandma nightgown. She's insanely hot with those huge tits and that good girl vibe she's got going on, but no fucking thanks. Not worth the effort with all the other easy pussy around."

Jesus Christ, he really is our fucking father incarnate. "Real fucking classy, Ty."

He doesn't respond to my chastising. Just starts eating again. At least I have one good brother. Without even bothering to argue anymore, I head to my office. Grateful to hear Molly's laughter tinkling out of Eli's room down the hall. I don't know if I could've ever fixed the damage Ty would have caused if she overheard our conversation.

Stupid fucking asshole. I'm all wound up now. Antsy thinking about her innocence. God fucking damn my dick's going to fucking explode if that's true. To be the first man. The only man. Fuck, I need to know.

Or, if I'm honest with myself, maybe the agitation stems from my impending conversation with her. I shake my head, shoving out the rare budding of regret. This is what I want and Eli needs. I don't care if she doesn't like it. I'm making her mine, and she'll learn to love me.

"Luciano? Can I talk to you for a second?"

My cock jumps from her silky voice floating from the doorway. I don't look up right away. Punishing her with the same indifference I give to the dumb asses my guys drag in front of me desperate and terrified. Begging me to relieve the fear of death squeezing their lungs and hearts. 

Not that I want her to suffer quite that much. But I do want her to squirm a bit. Just to see the pinkness dot her cheeks like cherries.

Finally, I glance at her.

She swipes at a tear dropping off her jaw with a trembling hand. Fuck me. I've made her cry. I quit fucking around and fly out of my chair, hauling ass past my desk. I stride to her, stopping only a few inches from her shuddering body. Fighting to hold herself back from full on crying.

I can't fucking help myself and caress her wet skin before I suck the tip of my thumb into my mouth, tasting the salty bitterness from my asshole plan to hurt her. "What's wrong, angel?"

She draws in a shaky breath, her eyes following my tongue on my finger. Yeah, baby girl, that will be you soon.

"M-my family. My Dad called..." Her small voice falls even softer. "...we're having financial problems. Even though I'm on scholarship, it's not enough. They can't afford for me to go to school anymore."

My head bobs in a sympathetic manner. Playing priest to her confession. When I'm really the fucking devil. Ready to ruin her pure soul. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"I have to quit." A sob bubbles in her voice, and her arms wrap around herself, gutting me with her attempts at self-comfort. "I have to go back home and get a job. I'm leaving."

"The fuck you are."

Her body jerks from my adamancy. I'm fucking serious. Fear like I've never known before wraps around my throat despite already knowing what she was going to say. Hearing those two words flames my possessiveness of her. Rare panic rolling through me from what I've done. The damage I may not be able to repair if I can't convince her. There's no way I can let her go. "I'll pay for your school."

"Wh-what?" Huge blue eyes still shiny from the pain I've caused meet mine before she shakes her head. "N-no. I mean thank you. Really. But I can't."

"Why the fuck not?"

"Because."

"Because why?" I feel like I'm fucking arguing with Eli. Now I'm getting pissed. At her and myself. All of my normal finesse gone. My negotiating skills evaporating from the one person I can't control. Can't figure the fuck out. "I have money. You need money. Problem solved."

I step back from her, my usual smug smile back in place, and stride to my laptop. Confirm her tuition rate. Transfer the funds. Move her shit in here. Done.

"I pay my own way."

A sharpness that I've never heard from her before fills her voice. What the fuck? She's pissed at me? But damn that's fucking sexy to see her all fired up. Her body taut and her delicate fingers curled in a ball with her defiant determination. Offended by my offer. Or more likely my presumptuous arrogance.

"I was raised to be independent. My dad always said the only debt we could ever owe is gratitude. We don't take hand-outs."

Smart man. I like his style. Never be at the mercy of anyone else. Except that I want her at my mercy. Every second of every minute of every fucking day. So this is a rule I'm going to help her fucking break. Now.

Fuck me if I know how. My mind races trying to think of something that will make her stay. Make her want to stay. Seconds tick by, and she sighs. Accepting her fate. Our fate. Until a singsong voice calling from the family room reminds me of the one person she can't resist.

"Nanny for me full time."

"What?" Her gorgeous face scrunches in confusion before she blows out a shaky sigh. "I can't. What about my family? And school?"

I drop back on the edge of my desk, the righting of power softening my pulsing muscles. The world is back under my control. Although it pisses the hell out of me that I lost it for a few seconds. How does this tiny woman own me so fucking much? "Move in here to save rent. Take care of Eli, except for classes and homework of course. I'll pay for your school in return for being my full-time employee."

Then Girlfriend. Fiancé. Wife. A smug ass smile must curl my lips, but I can't help myself. Yeah, I'm a fucking bastard for taking advantage of her father's mistakes and her soft-hearted guilt. But that's why I am where I am. I take what I want regardless of who it hurts. Your problem is my opportunity.

Some of her worry evaporates too. The light returns to her eyes that this possibility exists. That I hold what she needs. Whether she likes it or not. "It's perfect, don't you think?"

Can't push too hard and spook her. Just reel her in with so much sense that she can't argue. "No rent. No tuition. No bills." I tick the benefits off on my fingers, focusing on the practicality rather than thinking about her sweet mouth on my cock. "Send your salary to your family. They’re happy. Eli's happy. I'm happy."

Actually, I'm fucking thrilled. A hint of a smile brightens her face. Fucking sold. She's in.

My world.

My clutches.

My bed.

Fuck, I have to hold back a groan thinking of her bared to me and screaming my name.

"Okay, thank you." Her head nods. Slow at first, then deep and long with final acceptance. Her movement mimicking her heart, her body softening and the stunning grin glows in full force now. "Thank you so much."

"The pleasure is all mine."

And, yours too, very soon baby girl.

"My Dad's going to be so relieved. He was really upset when he thought I was going to have to drop out of school."

An impulsive hug stirs my cold heart. More worried about her father than herself. Grateful that he's protected rather than focusing on her own loss. Which shouldn't be a fucking surprise at all to me.

My arms curl around her, drawing her tighter against my chest. Welcoming the veracity of her touch. The innocence of her emotion that I so rarely experience. I hold her. Longer than necessary. Way beyond awkward. Unwilling to lose her honest affection.

Soft breath blows against my neck warming my skin. Her long hair rustling against my dress shirt. Her delicate body sheathing mine.

Like Rachael.

Too much of a reminder of the mistakes I've made. Too much of a reminder of the monster I really am. That even this innocent angel can't save.

Suffocating me with her appreciation, I untangle myself from her gentle grip. Her arms flinch from me pushing them down. Embarrassment reddening her fallen face. Which is even worse than her impact on me.

"I guess I better go call my family." She steps backward, a quick glance before she stares at the carpet again. "Thank you Luciano."

She scurries away, confusion lining her face. Just like my own fucking fucked up head.

Damn, I'm such a fucking psycho. I want her so fucking bad. To really love her and let her love me. But I can't. This is for Eli. And easy pussy. That's it. That's all it can ever be.