“The longest slave I had was for eighteen months. Most of them last eight to ten. But there is one thing in common here.”
“What’s that?”
“They are the ones who chose to leave.”
“So…”
“So, if you choose to stay, if you keep doing well, I can’t imagine why this wouldn’t work for as long as we need it to.”
“You’re serious?”
“Quite. And if it will make you feel better, when the six months are up, we can sign a contract for a year. This way if anything happens, you’d still be guaranteed the money.”
He jumps to his feet, a bright grin on his face. “I could kiss you right now,” he blurts.
I huff a laugh. “Not necessary.”
“Right. Yeah, sorry.” Clearing his throat again, he sits back down. “Sorry. This is… it’s a relief, you know? No, of course you don’t.” He laughs again.
“Do you need more money?”
“No, of course not. It’s not about more money now, it’s the long run. Stability. That’s all.”
“Not to get into your business, but have you considered looking at houses? These days mortgages are about the same and—”
“We did, yeah, but it didn’t make sense for us.”
I raise a brow. “Why not? Buying is smart, especially if you plan on staying for a while.”
“Well,” he begins, licking his lips. “To be honest, I don’t think we’d qualify, and the houses in the area we were looking in were overwhelmingly expensive.”
I watch him, see the hope in his eyes, see how badly he wants this. I know he would do anything for it. Not for a house, but for a place to live.
I easily could buy him a house, but that feels like it’s too much. The way he reacted over the money and the car? Buying him a house may come across as creepy. Though, it could be his annual bonus…
“Are you safe now?”
I don’t know why I ask. The words just come out of my mouth.
“Yes. Well, sort of. I mean, it’s fine. Same thing I’ve been dealing with since I was born.”
“What if I told you that I—”
My cell rings, stopping me mid-sentence. When I see it’s the office, I grit my teeth but answer.
“This better be good,” I answer.
“Diamond Russo is requesting an immediate meeting, sir.”
“I can take the meeting at home, Oliver. You know I have an office here.”
“Yes, sir, I do know that, but she’s actually here.”
“Here?”
“She’s in the office. She’s threatened to cut all funds if you aren’t here in twenty minutes.”
“I live thirty minutes away!” I bark.