9

"I'm back from lunch, Mr. Ashwood. Do you want me to continue training Violet?" Stacey said.

Violet glanced up at him. His eyes pierced her with a look causing her to shiver. Such need reflected back at her.

"I'm sending her home. She's taken sick. She'll finish her training off next week."

"I can still work," she told him, but he pressed a finger over her lips, silencing her.

"All right."

She heard Stacey leave.

"You're in no fit state to work. You'll stay in my office until I'm ready to escort you back home." He walked her to the two-seater chair along a plain wall.

"I'm going back home?" Happiness and a niggling tinge of sadness enveloped her.

"No. My home is your home."

He picked up the phone before she could question him. The phone call sounded important, and she sat down. Her whole body relaxed into the comforter. His voice sent a wave of peace through her body.

Her eyes drooped as tiredness swamped her. A yawn. Before long her head fell back as she collapsed into slumber.

****

Demon finished his call keeping an eye on Violet. He watched as sleep claimed her. As soon as he finished with his business with another tycoon he walked over and laid her out on the two-seater. In sleep, she looked peaceful and so young. Running his fingers through his hair he went and stared out over the city. He had so many offices spread around several companies. England, New York, Italy, Spain to name but a few. The Ashwoods had become very wealthy several generations ago. It had started with a vision of making a bunch of small individual businesses and making them expand and grow. Over the years the collection of industries Ashwood Enterprise owned was extraordinary. He lived a good life, a life of wealth where he clicked his fingers and he could have whatever he wanted. Before Violet had walked into his life, he did have what he wanted. Models, actresses, and young heiresses were queuing to become the next wife and inherit some of his fortunes.

He shook his head at how quickly his life had changed when a young brown-haired woman had entered his office building. Moving to his desk, he sat down and started reading through some business proposals and signing his name off on some contracts that needed to be placed in a file.

He thought about the club, Possession. Every person who went was like him. A man trying to control his instincts. He saw some of the married men, saw the look of love and passion on their faces as they escorted their wives around. Married men with mistresses weren't allowed. Neither were men with many women. It was an exclusive club meant only for one man and his one woman.

Glancing over at Violet he knew he needed to visit soon. Having the woman he wanted with desperation within touching distance was sending him insane. He'd noticed the kisses he was giving her and the way he touched her as he passed. Already he was leaning toward her as a constant in his life. Closing his eyes he went back to work.

When he got her home and settled for the night he'd visit. For the rest of the afternoon, he signed checks and made phone calls. His voice kept quiet so he wouldn't disturb her sleep. At some point towards the end of the day, she began to become fitful. A whimper escaped her, a sound of pain and fear. Getting up from his seat he walked over.

"Don't leave me, Mummy," she cried.

Frowning, Demon placed a hand on her shoulder. She cried out in fright and jerked awake. Her hands wrapped around her knees, and she stared at him panting for breath.

"What do you want?" she asked.

"It's me, Demon. You were having a nightmare."

Both of her hands went through her hair, and she kept glancing around the room.

"No one is here. It's just you and me, baby." He put his hands on her arms. Instantly, he felt her tense up. Without waiting for a response he picked her up and seated her on his lap. She began to squirm away, but he held her steady. "I've got you. No one is going to hurt you."

"Thank you," she whispered, obviously grateful for his support and his strength.

"Are you ready to walk out of here? I'll take you home." Violet nodded and Demon grabbed his phone and keys. Taking her hand he pulled the door open and made his way down to where his limo was waiting. He felt the stares, but he refused to let go of her hand. Holding her was his only pleasure.

His driver was waiting, and Demon opened the door, letting her get in first. Like the time before she settled in the limo as far from him as possible. Her head rested against the tinted glass. She looked pale and sick. He flipped open his phone and sent a quick text to Tate for an update.

"You shouldn't have let me sleep so long," she said. Demon stared across at her. She looked so small and fragile.

"You needed the sleep, and I finished my work." His phone buzzed. Tate wasn't any closer to finding out any information about his woman.

"When will you take me home?" she asked.

"My home is your home." He reached across the space and cupped her knee. The skirt she wore had ridden up. Her legs looked incredibly pale in the light from the street lamps shining in the car.

"It's dark out, and I could have worked more. I don't want people to think I'm slacking off or something."

"I'm the boss. My employees are told to think what I want them to think. If I catch anyone bad-mouthing your situation, they'll be sorry."

"You can't get rid of someone for not liking me."

"Baby, I'm the owner of the company. I can do what the fuck I like." She went silent, and he put his phone away. Tate needed more time. What was it about Violet Moore that made him nervous? She didn't scream or shout. In fact, she seemed scared of every little thing.

His house came into view, and she tensed.

"I'll work tomorrow," she said.

"Tomorrow is Friday, and you'll sit in my office while I work. You're not working, and that's the last I'm going to say on it."

The limo pulled up outside, and Anne stood waiting for them. Demon got out first and reached in, offering his hand. Violet stared at his hand, not taking it. She looked at her door as if she could make a quick escape.

Why couldn't he let her go? She deserved to be courted and have him kiss her on the doorstep. The truth hit him. He was too damned impatient to wait that long. He wanted her, and in his world, he didn't have to wait to get what he wanted. Spending time with her would make her grow accustomed to his closeness. His touch. His possession.

She took his hand, and he breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe she was beginning to trust him.

He smiled as he helped her out of the car. She looked beautiful. Anne took their coats as they walked inside.

"I've prepared some food. It's ready in the dining room," Anne said.

"I'm not hungry," Violet said.

Demon ignored her, took her hand, and led her through to the dining room. Two places were set. Steak with boiled potatoes and vegetables awaited them. He helped her into her seat even as she protested. He took the seat next to her.

"You've got to eat something, and you're not leaving this room until you do."

"You can't order me around like a child."

"Then stop acting like one. Your health is my top priority."

"Why?" She hadn't picked up her knife and fork.

"Because I look after what is mine. Do you want me to feed you?"