She gripped his hand looking for the strength he provided her. For once she thought it would be nice to have someone else take control of her life. She grew tired of being the one responsible for everything that happened to her. Being a modern woman she should want to prove how she could live her life without a man. Staring into his eyes, she knew she was a goner. Being with him would take her over. A part of her wanted to be taken over.
Clara wanted to be taken care of. She wanted to know that at the end of the day someone would be there to reassure her. Pushing away her doubts, she nodded her head.
“Yes, I can trust you.”
“Where are your suitcases?” he asked.
She pointed in the direction of her bags. “I’ll get them.” He handed over a load of notes. “Pay your landlord for the next month while we get everything sorted out.” Clara took the money, hating the feel of notes in her hands. She didn’t want their contract to be about money. Instead of arguing she sorted things out with her landlady then followed him out to the car. He pushed two suitcases into the boot then the other two in the back seat.
“Are you ready to go?”
Clara took one last lingering look at her apartment with her old life before getting into the car beside him. “I’ve never been more ready in my whole life.”
With her seat belt buckled she said goodbye to her past and looked forward to the future. “You’ll call your friend Tara when we get home. I want you to make sure you tell her you’re alright. I want you to be clear that you want to be with me,” he said as he got in the car. She watched him put the seatbelt on then he started the car.
She had completely forgotten about Tara. What kind of friend was she to forget about her best friend?
“She’s going to think I’m crazy.”
“No, she’s going to think you made the right decision.” He turned the music on before she got a chance to ask him any questions. How did he know about her friend? She’d noticed he knew a great deal about her while she knew next to nothing about him.
The world drifted by as he took her to his place. She was being taken by her boss. Her heart beat faster. The anticipation of what lay ahead was killing her. Clara wanted Matthew so desperately that words couldn’t describe her intensity.
She looked forward to their time together.
Chapter Six
Matthew grabbed her suitcases then followed her inside his home. She stood on the threshold as if terrified to enter his home. He dropped her cases, took her jacket then shut the door behind them. Finally after two years of waiting he had her where he wanted her.
She looked nervous as she rubbed her arms.
“Follow me,” he said.
He walked straight up stairs to the room he’d decorated for her. In time he hoped for her to live with him. For now he wanted her in his home where he could protect her. Opening the door he ushered her inside. “This is your room. I’ll bring your suitcases up. You can put your stuff away. Get yourself comfortable.”
“This is my room?”
“Yes.”
“I thought I would be with you,” she said.
“Asking for a physical companion was to gain your attention, Clara. I don’t want anything from you that you’re not willing to give,” he explained.
“Wait, I’m confused. You don’t want a mistress or physical companion?” she asked. Matthew walked up to her. With each step he took she took a step back until the wall behind her stopped her from escaping. He had her where he wanted her.
“I want you, Clara. I want you in my bed where I can keep an eye on you. I’ll have you when you’re ready.”
“I’m here. I’m ready.”
Matthew smiled. The need in her voice couldn’t be mistaken for anything other than being ready. Another Dom would have taken her at her word. He wanted more. Matthew intended to be patient with her. He fought his need to push her to the bed to have his wicked way with her. Being a wealthy man meant his patience level left a lot to be desired. He got what he wanted by going for everything without waiting. Matthew wished to possess Clara Baines.
“Then your seduction will be so much sweeter.” He brushed his lips against hers. “I’ll see you downstairs in an hour.”
He left to take her suitcases to her. Once he’d done that task he went to his office to make a call. The letter of negotiation with her father lay on his desk. He dialed the number, waiting for the man to answer.
“Hello,” the mumbled reply came over the line.
“I have your daughter. Your debts have been paid in full.” Matthew heard the sounds of a casino in the background. “Any more debts you make you take care of yourself.”