Page 48 of About Love and Revenge

“Right.” Even though she nods, she doesn't look very happy. “And what else?”

“I can sleep at your house, and you can sleep at mine. And there is no limit to how many days we may see each other each week.”

I'm sure that if any of my ex-partners heard what I just said, they'd burst out laughing. In fact, I don't even know why I proposed something like that—maybe it's the nagging feeling that Elina will try to put up a barrier between us whenever possible and that will make me want to pursue her. I want to make sure that doesn't happen.

To my surprise, however, she says, “I don't see a problem with that, but I prefer it to be in my apartment.”

“Of course you do. It's just that we're in a negotiation, and that means we both have to compromise.”

“Bothof us? And what have you given up so far? I think I just gave you a gift.”

I ignore her irony. At any other time, I couldn't agree more, however, at the moment I feel like I'm walking into a trap. Somehow I know I'll be at a disadvantage if I accept her proposal.

“What about my job?”

I don't like this part of the conversation. I want her viscerally, and she acts like she's closing a deal. “I give you my word that, whatever happens, it's guaranteed.”

She lets out a relieved sigh. “I don't need an eternal guarantee, Odin. Just for a while, until I can manage on my own. I want to learn how to take care of myself.”

“That's commendable, and I'll help you in any way I can. I'll assign a driver to take you wherever you need and also a bodyguard. I have some enemies?—”

She interrupts me. “Besides my father?”

I don't even try to deny it. “Yes, so I need to make sure you're safe.”

“There's no need to do more than you've already done. Giving me the job was enough.”

“Let's clear up a few points, Elina. Regardless of what we call our relationship, as long as we're together, you'll be my woman.”Never before have I marked my territory like this. In fact, I’ve always liked blurring the lines because it was easier for me to walk away later.

“Just as you're going to be my man...” I know she said that in anger, to show she's in control too, but hearing her immediately flips a switch on my desire.

“That's right, I'll be your man. The first." I lean forward and take her hand. I bring it to my lips and place a slow, hot kiss on the back. “The one who will teach you everything about your body.”

Her skin shivers against mine. “I want this. Learning everything from you.”

“Everything? Wanna learn how to be my woman?”

She nods.

“Say it.”

“Yeah. Will you teach me how to be your woman?”

Damn, she'll drive me crazy with her contradictions. Instead of answering the question, I stipulate another requirement. “There is no deadline.”

“That's fine by me.”

“You agree so easily?”

“I don't know how long a sexual relationship usually lasts, so it seems strange to put a deadline on it. I think we'll know when our desire comes to an end.”

“Probably,” I agree, when in fact I'm a mess inside. “One last thing. Your father's name is forbidden between us. We'll never talk about him or the problems I have with him.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Okay, but I can't guarantee I'll answer.”

“Why did you buy the island and all our possessions as you said that day at your party? Why go to all this trouble?

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