Page 45 of Savage Game
She blinked and gave him a brave smile. “Stop it.”
He lowered his eyebrows. “What?”
“You are wondering how you can make this right. How you can protect me and shield me.”
“Kitten.”
She sat up straighter and stared him in the eyes. “No, don’t. You can’t shield me or keep me safe.”
“What? Are you trying to depress me?” He tried to joke.
“I’m serious, Byron.”
He stilled. She rarely used his name, and she’d never used it in this tone before.
“I realize you care for me and want to take care of me, and while that’s fine and I appreciate it, I’m also sure I need to become strong in my own right. I can’t expect you to always be there to handle my issues for me.” She patted his hand like he was an overeager student.
He almost grinned.
“If I want my life to change, I have to change myself. Not by leaning on you or cowering behind you.”
Speechless! She rendered him speechless with her bravery. While he thought she was scared and upset, her logical mind had been working on plans for her future. Not able to tell her with words how he admired her, he could show her. Byron pulled her in for a deep, drugging kiss—completely oblivious of their surroundings.
19
Day Nineteen
Dressed in a t-shirt she borrowed from Byron’s closet, skimpy panties, and nothing else, Charlotte padded on bare feet through the silent penthouse. Her Master had left their bed at five in the morning, pressed a kiss to her forehead, and ordered her to go back to sleep. Now it was half past nine, and she needed to sort out some business for herself.
Since Byron would be spending the day in Seattle hiring new management, she only needed to take care of herself. But first, she wanted to do some research.
Although last night’s encounter with Michael Connolly had been horrifying and mortifying, she didn’t regret going out for dinner, and it gave her some valuable insights. She entered the quiet office room and switched on the light.
With a little over a week left, one of them was the need to find a job as soon as possible.
I’m never going to be dependent on another person again.
Her mind wandered to the scarred man, who never ceased to amaze her with his singular focus, tender care, and commanding presence, but she forced her mind back to the task at hand.
Her stomach grumbled, but she ignored the signal. She could eat later; first Charlotte wanted to go online job-hunting.
Three hours later, she shivered in the air-conditioned draft, for the first time realizing she was covered in goosebumps. She slammed the laptop shut.
Tapping her fingers on the smooth surface, she made a mental inventory and pinched her lips. Three hours, and she’d found nothing suitable.
Of course, she could work as a waitress or in cleaning, and she would if needed, but it wasn’t what she liked to do. Those weren’t long-term jobs. Working alongside Byron gave her a taste for business, but for a position as a secretary, personal assistant, or even receptionist she needed a degree and training.
Letting out a frustrated sigh, Charlotte rose from the buttery-soft leather chair and paced the study. Most interesting jobs either required a high school diploma or a GED as well as some formal education.
She reached the tall windows but was oblivious to the stunning city skyline view. Turning on her heels, she held her head low and paced back to the desk.
“Maybe I can take an online course to get my GED. I must research how long that would take.” Not even realizing she spoke out loud, she almost bumped into the desk. Turning again, she folded her hands on her back.
“Okay, I’m not dumb, my grades were excellent when Liam convinced me I didn’t need a degree for marriage.” Reaching the window, she pivoted and paced back.
But how am I going to pay for food and shelter, let alone schooling?
Ignoring her shivers, she plopped down on the luxurious office chair, sending the seat spinning. Whoa! Lightheaded, she gripped the edge of the desk and realized she should get something to eat. But the internet called to her, and she unfolded the laptop to open again. The screen sprang to life, and Charlotte started typing.
