Page 94 of The Protégé

“Good girl. We can work out the details later. I’ll have my financial and tech teams help you with whatever you need. I’ll look at Musepaper and give you my feedback on where improvements are necessary. You’ll get paid weekly too. Separate from the contract job.”

“Are you sure?” My heart raced because he’d just solved my financial predicament.

“Of course. The contract job is just temporary. Musepaper is your dream job.” His eyes leveled on me. “Quit FoodHub and Let’s Ketchup. I want you to focus on your dream.”

I’d already planned on giving my notice but knowing he thought about it sent joy soaring through me. My heart bloomed as I looked at him, amazed at how he formulated a successful action plan in seconds. I supposed when you had limitless money, there was nothing holding you back. For someone like me with restrictions, my thought process had been limited.

“So you want to be my business partner with Musepaper?” I asked, needing a clear answer.

“Absolutely,” he said.

“Draft up a contract for me to review, and I’ll take a look.”

“One more thing.” He kissed me gently. “You’re my girlfriend now. We’re dating.”

“Is that how you always ask women on dates?”

“You had hinted at it earlier. I’m just providing you with an answer.” He rolled over, pinning me to the bed. “But if you need more clarification, I’m willing to provide it.” His hard cock pressed into me, rubbing against my skin.

My phone rang, startling me. The bird song ringtone belonged to my mother.

“Sorry, it’s my mom.”

“No worries.” He shifted his body from mine, and I yearned for his heat. “This horny bastard will always wait for you.”

Smiling, I shook my head and refrained from rolling my eyes.

“Hi, Mom,” I said, sitting up, but this time I didn’t bother pulling the sheets up to cover myself. An extra layer of comfort had developed between me and him.

“Elena! Ilovethe massage chair.”

“I’m so happy to hear that,Mamá. The delivery was supposed to arrive today. I guess it came early. How did you get it in the house?” I imagined an enormous box and my mom trying to push it with her knees. She shouldn’t be putting weight on her weak knees.

“No, Reid stopped by to help. He called to see how the trip was, and I mentioned there was a big box on my porch.”

Relief settled. “Reid is a good man.”

“Which is why I won’t stop volunteering there. What are you doing?”

I looked at Orion, who wore a smirk and pointed at his hard cock.

“Just hanging out with a friend.”

Orion narrowed his eyes at me, placed a hand on his chest, pretending to look hurt.

“Myboyfriend.”

“Oh, you have a boyfriend?” Excitement filled her voice. “Since when? Why didn’t you tell me? What’s his name?”

“Orion.” I met his gleeful eyes.

“That’s an interesting name. When do I get to meet him?” Mom asked.

“I’ll bring him by in a few days. I have some work to get done first.” I hadn’t told my mom about my unemployment. She’d be worried. Technically, I was employed, but not by Channel 7 News.

“Great. That gives me time to make a traditional meal. Bring him to dinner. See if he passes the test.”

My heart warmed at the thought. Liam didn’t like my mom’s Peruvian meals, and he made it known gently. According to my mother, Liam lacked decency and the ability to be open-minded. She didn’t like him. Maybe she saw something in him I didn’t.

---