"I don't care if you listen to me because I'm your mother and you have to - or because you love him and don't want to lose him, but you will listen."
"Like I have a choice," I muttered.
"You're an asset now," she repeated.
"See that your life choices don't make you a liability."
"Are you talking about Cary?" Anger sharpened my voice.
"I'm talking about the bruise on Gideon's jaw! Tell me that has nothing to do with you."
I flushed.
She tsked.
"I knew it.
Yes, he's your lover and you see an intimate side to him that few see, but don't ever forget that he's also Gideon Cross.
You've got everything you need to be the perfect wife for a man of his stature, but you're still replaceable, Eva.
What he's built is not.
You jeopardize his empire and he'll leave you."
My jaw tightened.
"Are you done?" She ran her fingertips over my brows, her gaze shrewd and assessing.
I knew she was giving me a mini- makeover in her mind, thinking of ways to improve what she'd given me from birth.
"You think I'm a coldhearted gold digger, but my concern is maternal, believe it or not.
I want very desperately for you to be with a man who has the money and wherewithal to guard you with everything he has, so I'll know you're safe.
And I want you to be with a man you love."
"I've found him."
"And I can't tell you how thrilled I am.
I'm thrilled he's young and still open to taking risks, so he's more forgiving and understanding of your .
quirks.
And he knows," she whispered, her gaze softening and growing liquid.
"Just be careful.
That's all I'm trying to say.
Don't give him any reason to turn away from you."
"If he did, that wouldn't be love."
Her lips curved wryly and she pressed a kiss to my forehead.
"Come now.