Page 104 of Jael

“You’re my father’s friend.” She was tempted to tell him she knew about the murder. She wanted to throw it in his face, but she didn’t.

“His much younger friend. You and I, we aren’t that different in age. And shouldn’t my friendship with your dad only strengthen what’s possible between us?”

She scooted away from his touch. “Over twenty years is not a small gap.”

“I’m not an old man. And I’ve been with women younger than you. I can protect you. Look after you. I understand you weren’t expecting this. I’ve hidden my love for you well.”

“Love?”

“As close to it as I’ve ever been. I put it from my mind for the sake of my son. But there’s nothing holding us back anymore. You can’t possibly consider marrying Christopher now. And if you don’t, you’ll lose everything.”

“This is a lot to take in.”

“I’m handing you your best option, but you have to make a decision. I don’t have long. I’ll have to leave before morning, but you can come with me. We can live in luxury beyond evenwhat you’re accustomed to. I can give you everything your heart desires.”

“What about my foundation?” She was clutching at straws, but Artus was not a man you could turn down.

“I have enough money to cover the costs. You won’t need your inheritance or Heber Industries. I’ll fund it myself. And I’ll make sure you have as many houses as you need to look after those women. You can run it from paradise. And I have contacts. I can help. We can build something greater together. Help more women find the freedom they want so desperately. You know about wanting freedom, don’t you?”

It would be so easy to give in. Artus was offering her everything she thought she wanted, but deep inside her soul, she knew it was a facade. She wanted truth more.

She looked at her phone again when she shouldn’t have. He saw it.

After snatching it off the table, he quickly tucked it in his jacket pocket. “You’re not convinced. It’s a shame.”

“You talk about giving women their freedom, but no one wants to let me have my own.”

“But don’t you see? That’s exactly what I’m offering you. You can have anything you want. The world will bow at your feet.”

“What if I don’t want to get married?”

“Who said anything about marriage?” He laughed. “I have no interest in being tied to anyone. I will live to please you, and you can live to please me. Everyone wins.”

“I like my life here.” Her voice barely made it over a whisper.

Artus shook his head. “I don’t know what to say.” He stood and walked to the door.

She let out a silent breath, her body tingling in relief. She didn’t dare move, but silently rejoiced.Thank you Jesus.

But when he reached the door, he shut them both in and turned the elaborate key in the lock. It had been a decorativepiece, left in the lock for the look of it, but now she was a prisoner.

After a couple of cranks, he pulled it out and tucked it in the same pocket as her phone.

“What are you doing?” she said.

“Protecting you. You’ve walked through life with your father by your side. He’s directed you and helped you understand the best way to navigate the intricacies of your position. You don’t have that anymore, but I’m offering you something better.”

“By locking me in here?”

“I want to give you the benefit of the doubt. A lot has happened in your life recently. I realize my declaration is unexpected. I want you to have the opportunity to change your mind.”

She crossed her arms against the chill that ran through her. “And if I don’t?”

“That would be truly unfortunate. Do you know what happens to a puppy if they lose their mother before they’re weaned?”

“You’re comparing me to a puppy?”

“Because that’s what you are. You won’t survive without help. You’re not ready for the world.”

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