Page 195 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

“This is non-negotiable. If you’re going to be married to my sister, you need a role within the family business.”

“You’re serious?”

“Have you ever known me to joke when it comes to business?”

“But you’ve already done far too much.”

“No. That is what you’re failing to understand. When you are a part of this family, no amount of money is too much when one of us is in trouble. We do whatever it takes to protect our own. You’ve done that with shit pay and zero complaints for years. It’s time. Not just for the two of you, but for your loyalty to be rewarded.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose, closed my eyes, and tried not to cry in front of Nathaniel. For so many reasons, what he was doing was a blessing. After seeing my father treated like disposable garbage, I believed my fate would be the same.

“Your new position comes with a substantial pay raise, company cars, and a fifty percent stake in any business you choose under my umbrella.”

Tears fell silently onto my shirt despite my efforts to stop them.

“I don’t know what to say.”

Nathaniel’s lips curved.

“An answer would be a good place to start.”

I chuckled, then nodded.

“Yes. I would love to take the position.”

Nathaniel polished off his drink as we drove through the gates of his home.

“That’s a relief. I’d already notified HR. Make sure Ivan is up to the task of taking over your old duties. And if not, kick his ass into shape. That can be your parting gift.”

“You do know I’m still coming over every morning to annoy the crap out of you, right?”

He rolled his eyes. “I’d expect nothing less.” Nathaniel glanced at Kaylani, still sleeping, her breathing slow and deep. “I meant what I said before. There is no man I would want my sister with more than you. Never forget that. There will always be wolves testing you, saying you don’t belong. How you respond is what makes the difference.”

“I’d hug you, but I don’t want to disturb her.”

His face screwed up. “Thank God for small miracles.”

Nathaniel slipped out of the limo but paused right outside.

“Take the next few days off. You two deserve it.”

The door closed before I could thank him.

I didn’t take my eyes off Kaylani, resting peacefully, as we pulled away. I hit the buzzer, and Ivan lowered the divider, glancing at me from the passenger seat.

“Don’t go down my driveway. There’s not enough room to turn around.”

“You got it.”

“And Ivan…you’ll be Nathaniel’s head bodyguard going forward.”

“It’s about time Nathaniel upgraded to me,” he teased. “Are you leaving us?”

“No, just changing job titles. We’ll talk about it later.”

We slowed to a stop at the top of my driveway, and I shook Kaylani’s arm. I hated to wake her, but there was no other way.

“Lani, we’re here.”