Page 16 of Ensnared
I took a deep breath, my fingers intertwining in my lap to hide their slight trembling. Colson's gaze fixed on me with expectation. I refused to let his intimidating presence shake my resolve.
"First," I began, my voice steadier than I felt, "Logan needs a promotion. He's been at Ashworth Financial for almost three years without a raise. He deserves recognition for his hard work and dedication."
Colson's eyebrows raised slightly, but he remained silent, waiting for me to continue.
I pressed on, "Secondly, I want my parents to stop working for you." I saw a flicker of surprise in his eyes and quickly added, "It's not appropriate for them to be under my authority once I'm running the household."
"Interesting," Colson murmured, his fingers drumming lightly on the desk. "And what do you propose they do instead?"
I straightened my spine, meeting his gaze directly. "That brings me to my next points. I want you to finance a landscaping business for my father. Provide him with all the necessaryequipment and startup costs, without any loan repayment requirements."
Colson's lips curved into a slight smile, a mix of amusement and intrigue dancing in his eyes. "You've certainly given this some thought, Josephine. Is there more?"
I nodded, my confidence growing. "Yes. My final condition is that you use your influence to secure a position for my mother at Windmere Haven Bakery. She's always dreamed of being a pastry chef, and this would give her that opportunity."
As I finished speaking, a heavy silence fell over the room. Colson's piercing gaze never left my face as he seemed to consider my words. I held my breath, waiting for his response.
After what felt like an eternity, Colson leaned back in his chair, a low chuckle escaping his lips. "Well, well, Josephine. I must say, I'm impressed. I expected tears or pleading, but negotiations? You continue to surprise me."
He stood up, slowly walking around the desk until he was standing right in front of me. I had to tilt my head back to maintain eye contact, refusing to be intimidated.
"Your conditions are... ambitious," he said, his voice low and intense. "But I appreciate a partner who knows how to advocate for what they want."
My heart raced as I waited for his verdict. Colson reached out, his fingers gently brushing a strand of hair from my face. The touch sent an involuntary shiver down my spine.
"Very well, Josephine. Your conditions are accepted."
Relief flooded through me, but I kept my expression neutral. I knew this was only the beginning. I had won this smallbattle, but the war that was life with Colson Ashworth was just beginning.
As he reached into his desk drawer and pulled out the familiar white velvet box, removing the ring as he sat next to me. He took my hand, and I held out my fingers. The diamond was massive on my petite hand. Once it was on, Colson didn’t let go, pulling me into his arms and pressing his lips to mine.
They were full of hunger and his tongue skimmed over my closed lips until I opened for him. I’d kissed very few boys in my life despite my age, his son being one of them. Colson’s tongue stroked mine as his arms tightened, pulling me closer to his body.
I placed my hands flat on his chest, felling the muscles ripple below them…and I moaned. He gripped the hair at the nape of my neck, holding me to him as he intensified the kiss. And then it was over. I was left breathless with my heart pounding in my chest.
Colson ran a cold finger over my cheek, looking in my eyes. “Now I have a request for you,” he whispered.
Tension built inside me. There was always a payment to the devil.
“Yes, sir,” I said softly.
He narrowed his eyes and smirked. “I want you to move into the mansion.”
I gasped. “But we’re not married yet,” I protested. I waited this long to lose my virginity, and I wanted to wait until our marriage was official.
Colson stroked my hair, tucking it behind my ear as he traced the rim with his fingertip.
“You misunderstand. You will have your own room until we’re married. I hope to facilitate our union this summer. I haven’t had a permanent partner to share my bed for many years and I need that to change.”
I gulped. Poppy Ashworth died twelve years ago. Colson wasn’t a man who dated one woman. My mother said he was always bringing different women into his home, but they never stayed overnight. He was an insomniac if the rumors were true, trolling the mansion at all hours of the night.
“My own room?”
“Yes. I won’t visit you at night unless you request me to be there.”
I wrung my hands and Colson placed his over them. “I’d prefer to stay in my house until we marry.”
He shook his head. “Not possible. I don’t want you far away from me.”
