Page 96 of Beautiful Deception

“I aim to please.”

We fall silent for a moment, just content to be in each other’s arms after an intense round of lovemaking.

“What happens now?” I whisper.

“Now, we return to our lives. I have more work to get to. And you are no longer my maid.”

“What will I do all day?”

“What did you do before?”

I shrug. “I would read a lot. But I was so focused on helping my dad with money that I never really had time for a lot of hobbies.”

“Well, now you have time.”

“Mrs. Green is going to judge me for not working as a maid any longer.”

“She’ll get over it. I’ve already hired a new maid to start on Monday.”

“That will make it easier for her, I’m sure,” I say, snuggling deeper against him. “It’s just wild to me. I don’t have to worry about money any longer.”

“Must be freeing.”

I smile up at him. “It is. But… there’s something I wanted to ask you. It might be kind of awkward but…”

“Ask, Inessa.” He cups my cheek. “You can ask anything of me.”

“Will I still get paid? Have my own money?”

“Like an allowance? If you want your own money, I can give you your own money.”

I let out a deep breath. “Thank you. That would help. I just like knowing that I have something of my own, you know?”

“I understand. I don’t want you to feel like I’ll control you financially speaking. I have no desire to do that. I want you to enjoy your life. Go shopping. Read. Whatever it is you want to do.”

“I could finally go to college,” I murmur, tracing circles into his chest.

“You want to go to college?”

“I never had the money to go. It would be fun to further my education.”

“That could be a good idea.” He brushes my hair behind my ear. “What would you study?”

“I honestly have no idea. But that’s the freeing part of it all. I can explore and try new classes. If you’d be willing to pay for college, that is.”

“I just told you, Inessa. I want to see you happy. I’m willing to pay for anything. If you want to go to college and take all kinds of classes to figure out what will make you happy in life, then I’ll gladly pay for that. I like that you won’t be bored all day. I like that you have a smart mind on you.”

“I’m not sure how smart I am. I married you, didn’t I?”

He chuckles. “Oh, teasing me now, are you?”

“Maybe. It’s nice to hear you laugh. I wish I could hear it more often.”

“Well, now that we’re together, maybe you will hear it more. Once I’m done with this war with Erik and Dante.”

“Will it ever be over? You could make an alliance with them. That might be the right way to go.”

He sighs deeply. “It wouldn’t be a bad idea. But my pride just won’t allow it. I got fucked over. You know that. I can’t let Erik and Dante off scot-free like it’s nothing.”

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