Page 25 of Primal God

The thought has me frowning as the doorbell rings.

I open the large door to find Lilith standing there, smiling. She hasn’t changed much since I last saw her. She still has curves that would drive a saint to sin. Her dark hair is braided, hanging over one shoulder. She’s wearing black slacks and a pink blouse with little flowers on it. Her attempt at looking professional, but all I can think about is what it would be like to rip the clothes from her body as I?—

“It’s good to see you, Dr. Santos.” She pauses. “Again, I’m so very sorry to hear about Mrs. Santos.”

My eyes slam shut as pain washes over me. Fuck. What in the fuck am I doing? I should send her away now before she even steps foot inside my house.

But I say, “Thank you. Please, come in.”

I step aside so she can enter. The moment she does, I know I’ve sealed my fate. Because once I inhale the sweet scent of her perfume, I know I can’t let her go.

Not again.

I lead her to the formal living room—a room that hasn’t been used since Serafina passed—and take a seat in a chair. Lilith sits on the couch, crossing her feet at her ankles.

“How have you been, Ms. Wolfe?”

“Good. How have you been?” She winces, shaking her head. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that.”

“Because of my wife?”

She nods. “Again, I’m so very sorry.”

I wonder what she would say if I spoke my truth?

I don’t.

Of course, I don’t.

“Thank you. João told you what I’m in need of?”

A blush creeps up her neck and has me intrigued as hell.

“Yes, he said you were looking for some help for the summer.” She reaches into her bag, pulling out a cream-colored paper. “This is my resume. I updated it to add my current employers.”

I lean forward, taking the paper from her. She doesn’t know that I already know all of this. From the moment João suggested hiring her, I became obsessed with Ms. Wolfe. That obsession included a new background check and having a PI do a quick dive into what she’s been up to. I wanted to know everything about her from the time she broke up with João until today. And I got it. The file isn’t as full as I thought it would be, butit provided insight into Lilith that I didn’t have before. Thus fueling the obsession that has lingered for five years.

She works hard, always staying busy with her two jobs. Last year she took time off from school, changing her graduation date after a visit to the emergency room, but there’s not much more information than that. I snort, thinking of my eldest son. She probably went abroad like he did. She lives with two roommates. Cecely Blight, a college student at the same school that Lilith attends, who works on and off at a local strip club. When she’s not stripping, she works as a barista. Harvey Ashwood, who also attends the university, and who works for his father’s company, which he will take over one day. One of her roommates has a child and all three adults help in raising the infant. God knows it takes a village.

No boyfriend. Not even anyone serious since she dated my son. I have to admit that gave me pause. Why someone hasn’t snagged her up is beyond me.

I say, “This is impressive, Ms. Wolfe.”

The blush climbs higher. “Thank you, Dr. Santos.”

It would be so easy to tease her. To see how high that blush would go.To see how low it goes…I glance at her chest and then look away.

Clearing my throat, I force the thought out of my head.

“João was correct when he stated that I need help for the summer. During this time, I will be actively trying to find a permanent live-in nanny. I will expect you to sit in on the interviews. As someone who has been a friend to this family, I trust your intuition.” I continue, “You will be expected to live here, taking care of the children 24/7. I will keep you informed of my schedule so that I may spend time with them when I can. Diego goes to speech therapy twice a week. Clara is in ballet and has a schedule as well. Little Isadora has set play dateswith a mommy-and-me group to keep her engaged. You will be required to ensure each child maintains their schedule.”

“I must insist that you drive my SUV when taking the children anywhere. Of course, I will take care of any gas or maintenance. While staying here, you will have your own room near the children. If you have any dietary needs, please let the chef know.” I pause. “I do ask that you don’t entertain guests here. Also, I see that you have two jobs. You will have to quit them, but you will be well compensated in the form of triple your current salary. Do you have questions?”

I’m sure I’ve just overwhelmed her with information, but she needs to know that I will expect all of her time while she’s here.

As I said before, I’m a selfish man…

“You have a chef?”

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