“You will.” I dare her to argue as I stare her down.
“Because you say so?” Her lip curls up.
“Because it’s what you need, and I’m a man with limited time and lots of responsibility. I won’t expose you to my family and our lifestyles unprepared. Which means you’ve got a lot to learn. Nothing stays hidden for long among the Orlovs, so we’re racing the clock.”
“I don’t want this for him.” The fear blossoming in her eyes is real.
“And I can’t un-know the fact that he exists.”
“Then we’re at an impasse.”
“Bullshit. You can be as stubborn as you want. It will not change the fact that he’s mine.” I brush the shell of her ear with my lips. “And so are you.”
“Mom. They’re at the park.” I step back as Jaycee scrambles onto his knees and up the chair, peering at us with curious eyes.
“That’s outstanding, baby.” She flashes him a smile that hides her discomfort in the flickering light of the theater room.
“Why don’t we all watch it together?” I suggest, ignoring the death glare Rylee sends toward me. I won’t miss another moment of his life. She’s going to have to get used to me.
“Yes.” He pumps a fist in the air, practically vibrating with excitement. His face falls suddenly. “Or do you have to work, Mom?” Jaycee asks.
Rylee holds a hand over her heart. “No. Tonight I’m all yours,” she whispers.
His face lights up, reinforcing the plan to give my surprise family what they truly needed. Power and wealth will open doors, but it will take more than that to open herself up to me. I’ve always been a particular man with discerning taste. I’ve lined her up in my sights, and I won’t be satisfied until I make her understand they both belong with me.