didn’t give him exactly what he demanded.
She was also going to require a firm hand, and that he didn’t mind at all. He relished the thought of taking care of her. She’d learn quickly what he expected, and he’d enjoy every minute of lavishing his care and protection on her. In time so would she.
There were things he needed to take care of. He mentally went over his list as he quickly showered. Security was of utmost priority. He couldn’t have her unprotected when those bastards had no compunction about coming after her for this money Jack owed them.
And she needed outfitting from the feet up. There was the issue of Mia’s apartment, though Jace knew she’d spend little to no time there. He was tempted just to move her right into his apartment, but he didn’t want to completely overwhelm her from the start.
She needed the semblance of independence before he brought her fully under his control. Even if he controlled all aspects of that independence. It was a little warped—okay, a lot warped—but he wanted her to regain her confidence. Have at least the perception of making her own choices even if she did it in a completely safe environment.
She’d have her own place. They’d date. He’d shower her with affection. They’d spend time together. Eventually, when she was more secure in her role in his life, he’d move her into his apartment. From there? That was as far as he’d gotten. And he knew that until the day she was living in his space he wouldn’t rest easy.
Until then, he had to ensure that her problems disappeared. He frowned as he stepped from the shower to towel off. Jack was a big problem. She obviously had a lot of loyalty to him and he was bad news. He couldn’t allow Jack to interfere in her life and put her in danger. Which meant Jace was going to have to step in. Something Bethany likely wouldn’t appreciate.
Not bothering to dress, he wrapped the towel around his hips and walked back into the bedroom.
His gaze softened and a smile curved his lips when he saw that she was already sound asleep. Her head was on his pillow, or rather, in the middle of the mound of pillows and she was snuggled tightly under the covers. They were pulled to her chin and her lashes rested delicately on her cheeks.
Everything about this image was right. She belonged in his bed. Never had he felt such a keen sense of satisfaction over a woman being in his bed. This was right. She was right.
He let the towel drop and then he carefully pulled the covers far enough back that he could slide in. She stirred only slightly, uttering a sleepy sound that brushed pleasingly over his ears. He gathered her close, curling his arms protectively around her, and then he arranged her head so it rested on his shoulder.
He hooked his leg over hers so that she was solidly molded to his body. Then and only then did he relax and fall into sleep with her.
Chapter thirteen
Bethany awoke to a hard male body wrapped solidly around hers. For a moment she panicked as she sought to gain her bearings. She was disoriented and couldn’t immediately place her surroundings. Then, as her eyelids fluttered open, she saw Jace’s eyes on her, watching her come awake, and the previous day came back to her in a flash.
She stared wordlessly at him, overwhelmed by the fact that he’d essentially taken over her life. And how much her life had changed in less than twenty-four hours. She couldn’t even grasp it all. It seemed unreal. And yet . . . welcome.
Even as she knew she should resist, a big part of her was relieved. She’d been alone and fending for herself, eking out a spartan existence for so long, and to have this man sweep in with promises to care for and protect her was dizzying. And so very tempting.
Her life wasn’t much. But it was what she was used to. How was she supposed to make the adjustment from her world to his?
Yes, he’d been adamant that they lived in the same world, but she knew better. They may occupy the same universe, but his life was so different than hers that she couldn’t even comprehend it. He had wealth and power. His life was well ordered and he had exacting standards. What on earth did he want with her? Why did he want