Page 32 of About Love and Revenge

I haven't thought about it. My apartment faces Central Park, and I thought about getting her a loft in Chelsea, but something in her voice makes me reconsider it.

As much as she disguises it and tries to show self-confidence, I'm the only link to her past, and maybe she's a little afraid of being left alone.

I quickly change my plans. “Yes, very close. I happen to have a vacant property just two blocks away.”

I'll have to call my secretary during the flight and talk about the changes that'll need to be made. She should get supplies for the new apartment now. I intended to get rid of it, but I've just decided that Elina will live there.

“How much will the apartment cost? I know I said I don't care about the salary, but is it enough for me to pay the rent?”

“The apartment is part of your employment benefits.” If my lawyers heard me say that, they would have heart attacks. Even if she were one of my companies' directors, she would never have the benefit of an apartment like that.

“Fine,” she replies. She doesn't seem to notice anything strange, and it shows me that Elina knows a lot less about life than I assumed. She has no idea how much rent costs in Manhattan or any notion about salaries and benefits.

I didn't count on her innocence, and that makes me feel even more responsible for her well-being.

“We're going to have to open a bank account for you and also arrange credit cards so you can buy food and clothes.”

“I don't need clothes. I have more than enough.”

“You'll need new ones. My parties are galas, and you've left all your evening dresses behind.”

“Will I have to attend these parties? I thought...I thought I would just be behind the scenes, organizing.”

“No. You'll be in charge of everything. Why would you hide yourself? You're beautiful, and you have always organized highly praised receptions. It's only fair that you receive compliments for your work.”

She is totally disconcerted, and my feeling of having taken her by surprise is too good.

Elina

CHAPTER TWELVE

I tryto spend the rest of the trip in silence, but I can't.

He tells me what New York is like—which until now I only knew through movies—and it piques my curiosity.

Inadvertently, I find myself asking questions I would normally have kept in my head, like whatCentral Parkis like and if he's ever ridden a carriage there.

Then I feel like hitting myself.

Odin doesn't seem like the kind of man who does things a tourist would do, and I’m ashamed of myself for being so naïve.

I decide it’s time to shut my mouth before I start to talk nonsense.

"Don't you want to ask any more questions?" he says after I'm silent for a few minutes.

I'm playing with my seat belt, and I don't look at him, I just shake my head from side to side.

Does he think I'm a simpleton compared to the women he's used to being with?

I look at him from under my lashes, and again his masculinity shakes me. I can feel the power in him, and it appeals to me more than is safe.

I don't feel afraid, though.

Despite his claims about wanting to have sex with me, I know Odin wouldn't force me.

That day when Naim attacked me, he told me to trust my instincts, and they tell me that Odin is not a coward, that he would never take advantage of a woman.

A man like him has no need to force someone to have sex. In addition to being handsome, he has that something else that makes people try to attract his attention. And that's why, as much as I try to fight it, it's so exciting to be the target of his desire.

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