Page 43 of Defiant Queen (Mount Trilogy 2)
“Very. It seems like a warning might have been in order.”
Most women, at least in my experience, would be thrilled to receive an expensive designer wardrobe like I had G put together for Keira. It shouldn’t surprise me at all that her response would be the exact opposite.
“I’ll deal with her.”
G nods again and his lips press together, disappearing beneath his gray mustache.
“What? I can tell you want to say something else.”
He takes his time, as though considering his words carefully. “She seems different from the others, sir. All of this seems different.”
It’s almost an exact recitation of what J said earlier.
I open my mouth to tell G that she’s not different, it’s just the circumstances. The debt. That’s the only reason I’m doing this. But he’s one of the few people who can tell when I’m lying. So instead, I go with the truth.
“She is. All of it is. And I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing.”
I don’t admit weakness. I always exude absolute control. You don’t retain power like I have without it. But G is different. His loyalty is unquestioned.
“Then might I share a suggestion, sir?”
“Go ahead.”
“She seems like the type of woman that needs to be handled with more care.”
“I haven’t hurt her.” My tone takes on a sharp edge.
G shakes his head. “No, no, I would never imply that. What I mean is . . . you know she’s different. That means you have to treat her differently.”
I jam my hands into my hair. “I am. That’s the whole fucking problem.”
“Respectfully, sir, you’re missing my point.”
“Then just say it, old man. Lay it out, because it’s obvious I’m not picking up on the subtleties here.”
“Have you ever had to woo a woman?”
I look at him like he’s just asked me for a dime bag. “Woo?”
“Yes. Entice. Seduce, but not sexually—emotionally. Court her. Show her that she is different by giving her something she needs or wants.”
I mull over his words as he continues to speak.
“If you think about it, coming from the outside into your world would be a very difficult transition, especially under these circumstances. The position you hold is not one that many can, and it carries great responsibilities and risk. Maybe you should show her that there are also advantages to your position. Persuade her that making this transition is not without reward.”
I know what G is saying. At least, I think I do.
I’ve stripped all of Keira’s control away, and she’s fought me at every turn. Her fire is what drew me to her, but if I keep pushing, there’s a chance I could snuff it out. And that’s not what I want at all.
What the fuck do I want? G won’t be able to answer that question, so there’s no use making him stand here waiting in the hallway.
“Thank you. I appreciate your candor.”
“Of course, sir. I am always at your service,” G says, and continues down the hall.
His words have me thinking as much as J’s did earlier, but their advice pushes me in opposite directions.
I head toward my garage, more intent than ever on getting the hell out of here so I can try to sort my head out somewhere that doesn’t remind me of Keira Kilgore.
