Page 136 of The Professor's Possession (Crystal River Billionaire Brothers)

“How’s your roommate?” I ask Olivia as she leads Daisy back to me. I smile to see that she’s wearing the hoodie I gave her.

“She’s okay.”

“That was one hell of a surprise for her to walk in on the both of us,” I say.

“You betcha,” Olivia replies. “She’s okay, though. I explained everything and swore her to silence.”

I nod. “That’s good.”

“She’s going through a hard time,” Olivia continues. “Her dad is in major debt and her boyfriend is breaking up with her.”

“Jesus.”

“Yep.”

“You sure she’s okay?” I ask.

Olivia nods apprehensively. “I’m going to support her, no matter what.”

“And she’s definitely going to keep what she saw secret?” I question.

“Yes.”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure.”

Daisy tugs at my shirt, clearly bored by all this adult talk. “Daddy, can I play?”

I smile down at her. “Go ahead, darling. Just be careful.”

“I will.”

We watch her run gleefully toward the playground.

“Let’s sit down,” I say to Olivia. “I want to tell you something.”

“Okay.”

She’s hesitant and unsure. I don’t blame her.

We walk to a bench overlooking the children playing. I take in a deep breath. What I’m about to say will change a lot of things.

And, sometimes, it’s best to just get straight to the point.

“Olivia, I want you to be my girlfriend.”

“What?”

“I want you to be my girlfriend,” I say. “I want to have you as mine. For real. Officially.”

She stares at me. “So you’re really going to throw away that NDA?” she asks. “All those rules you made me sign?”

“Screw the rules,” I reply. “I’m rich and powerful enough to not give a fuck about them. I will make you mine if you so desire.”

There’s a long pause.

But then she finally speaks.

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