Edgecliff Point, 2013

Imani watched her mother as she ticked off item after item in an imaginary list in her head. "Ma, don't worry. It's only an hour away!" She couldn't help but adore her mother as the older woman ensured she had everything she needed before moving out of the guesthouse they lived in. Her heart skipped a beat as she thought of the owner of the guesthouse. Richard Bassette. At first, she'd thought him a gentleman, he had helped them when they were close to living on the streets, he'd given them a roof over their heads and food in their fridge... But Richard was no gentleman, he'd never once uttered a pleasant word in her direction, Imani would go as far as to say the man almost despised her.

She hadn't known him long, a mere two years. At the age of sixteen, of course, she was curious about the kind of man her mother worked for, she always expected him to be an old man and not the incredibly handsome and mysterious billionaire that showed up on their front porch one night. In her young eyes the man almost blended in with the darkened night around them, that night was the one and only time she'd seen a different side to Richard. He had helped them vacate their small one bedroom apartment and given them refuge in his guest house.

Had it not been for her mother's devotion to his sick father, Imani knew Richard wouldn't have battered an eyelid in her direction. She bit her bottom lip and frowned, she never understood why he'd glare her down, but she knew one thing; those dark brooding eyes caused an unfamiliar heat to rise up in her system. She was glad she'd get to live on campus, glad she'd kept her grades up high enough to gain a scholarship— glad she could get away from the dark man that haunted her dreams at night.

It was beyond wrong; he was on a different level than her. He was older, wealthier and so much more attractive than her. In comparison, she was nothing but a shadow. It was that understanding that forced her to accept her coming future, she promised herself to never be with a man as masculine and strong as he. Never put herself in a position where she relied on a man or felt worthless in his company. No, Imani knew she needed to find someone on her level, someone gentle and kind. Not rude, arrogant and forceful.

Breaking out of her wondering thoughts, Imani stood up. She grabbed her mother's hand and paused the older woman's movements. "What Imani?" Leela questioned in a fuss. She was worried about her daughter, fearing the worst of nightmares. She couldn't stand sending her daughter out into the big bad world, and the only reason she did was because she knew Richard would keep Imani safe. Even if her daughter was unaware of the protector in her shadow, Leela wasn't. Sometimes she hoped that even after she was gone, Richard would always protect Imani.

Imani squeezed her mother's hand and gained her attention. "We need to make dinner; Richard will be home soon," she spoke softly, making sure to keep her tone neutral. She didn't need her mother knowing about her obsession with Mr. Bassette, that was for damn sure. "You know what he's like after work," she continued. Richard was not a man to be messed with after work, he was snappy and blunt, ending his nights at the bottom of a scotch bottle. Not that Imani expected any less from someone as arrogant as Richard.

Leela nodded at her daughter, refusing to upset the man that had done so much for them. She felt worthless, Imani believed she'd financed their livelihoods like a normal mother would. But little did Imani know the man she feared most, did. One day the guilt would surface and Leela would tell her daughter about her failures, but until then she refused to stop her daughter from becoming the strong, independent woman that currently brimmed just below the surface.

Imani followed her mother out of the guesthouse, they made their way across the large lawn and up the back porch. Entering directly into a massive kitchen, Leela got to work straight away. Imani took a seat on at the island on the bar-bench and assisted her mother as she whipped up a full course meal for the owner of this massive manor.

Leela was in the middle of cleaning up when she heard the front door slam closed, "let him know dinners ready, Imani." She looked up at her daughter, praying she'd give the man a chance to at least speak to her without fleeing from the room like a little mouse.

The young woman's breath caught. Normally they'd leave the dinner on the table or in the fridge for Richard to heat up. Unfortunately, tonight he'd come home early. Gaining strength, Imani slipped off the stool and made her way through the kitchen and living space to the hallway that led directly to the entrance. Her footsteps were silent and the hall was dark, but despite this, she could still see his built frame hunched over as he stepped out of his boots.

Her nerves took a spike as his scent mixed in with the earthy scent that drifted in from the open door, accompanied by a harsh wind. Imani was surprised at the strength it took to remain upright and not crumbling to the ground on her weakened knees. He slammed the door shut and she jumped slightly. Steeling her spine, she used the wall as support. Imani forced herself to believe he was just a normal man.

Richard never worse suits, he was a jeans and boots type of man. It was humbling to see such a successful man remain the same even after he hit the jackpot. She released a shaky breath and broke the silence, "dinner is ready." Imani swore she wasn't just imagining the sudden change in the air, tension clenched at her fingers and she almost ran from the scene before gauging his reaction or taking in his response.

The soft, husky voice jerked Richard upright. He knew exactly who was behind him, shit his cock knew exactly when she was within his premise. At thirty you'd think the man would be able to control his own body, but when it came to her he felt like a fucking teenage-boy. Ready to bust a nut at the sight of her hourglass form. Dammit! It wasn't always like this. When he first saw her at sixteen he felt protective of her, didn't want her hurt, other than that he'd never felt any sexual desires over her. But then she grew and reached the cusp of womanhood, at eighteen the girl was enticing, to say the least.

It was only recently Richard had felt the need to take her on every surface imaginable, his erection seemed to constantly seek Imani out. But she was still too young. Shit, she didn't even realise just how beautiful she was. "Mhmm," he grunted his response, knowing if he said anymore she'd run. So he kept his reply limited in hopes to keep her from scurrying away, he needed something to ease the stress that came with a multi-million dollar business and already her presence alone was soothing him.

In that moment she received a glimpse into the man that was Richard Bassette; she realised just how alone he was. Imani shook the thoughts and focused on the situation at hand, she didn't know what to make of his grumble, so she questioned further. "Will you eat now?" Her gentle tone seemed to ease the tension that corded the muscles in his back.

She was adamant, he'd give her that. Of course, she didn't know what kind of monster he really was. Richard turned around and in the darkened space he could see her large eyes blink up at him, he took a step forward and immediately she retreated. He was sure she hadn't even realised she'd taken a step back. "Yes," he replied, lengthening his stride towards her. He couldn't help it, he needed her to know that she was his— even while she was away at college.

College, the word felt bitter in his mind. She'd be surrounded by thousands of horny bastards, all looking for a chance to get between her thighs. Richard was tempted to demand she remain within his reach, but he knew she'd hate him if he did that. He'd rather suffer nights without knowing where she was than her hating him. He had to keep reminding himself that she was only an hour away should any idiot try and make a move on her. Still, she had to know.

So before Imani could disappear, Richard reached out and gripped her wrist. The sensation of her smooth, silky skin against his sent a current of need down to his member. Unable to control his actions, he brought her back into the dark and pressed her against the wall. "No boys, Imani. You study and then you come home." He ordered quietly. Knowing that her promise wouldn't be the only thing that kept him from chaining her down to his bed. Yeah, he was one sick fucker... But no other woman appealed to him in the manner Imani did.

Shocked, Imani could only stare up at him as he crowded her in. She could have sworn that was the most he'd ever said to her in one sitting, hell the most she'd ever heard him mutter. The possessive tone he used tugged at her heart, she shouldn't feel like this, but dammit she craved his touch as wrong as it was. Then she felt him press more forcefully against her, waiting for her answer. He was so much bigger than her, his entire frame covered hers and then some. "I-

No, not good enough, he didn't want to hear excuses. He needed her to promise him she'd keep clear of any distractions. "Okay." He forced out through clenched teeth. He wasn't about to discuss the matter with her, either she agreed to his terms or she remained at Edgecliff Point. "I won't ask you again," he continued when she remained silent beneath him.

Tentatively, she nods. "Okay, Mr. Bassette." Imani knew that if she wanted to make it out unharmed she needed to give the man the answer he craved, besides somewhere deep inside her she desired to please the brute.

"Richard, Imani. My name is Richard. Say it." He suppressed a moan at her submission.

Imani was in a state of pure shock, she wasn't sure if she was still asleep or if this was really happening. Absently, she pinched her thigh and released a quiet hiss as the assault stung. His dark eyes found hers and she knew he was waiting, "Richard..." she whispered out, afraid that his seductive gaze would shatter into one of hatred.

She'd never seen such an expression on his face, she liked it.

"Good, sweetheart." His deep voice rose goosebumps along her skin. "No boys," he repeated before releasing her and leaving her in the dark, not sure of how much restraint he had left. He was one sick motherfucker and would surely end up in the pits of hell, but he'd spend an infinite amount of time in hell if it meant he had her in this lifetime. Her scent still flared through his nostrils as he slammed into his bedroom.

That had been the most he'd touched the damn woman and the longest he'd remained within the same room as her. It was enough to send his arousal on a high and he knew that if he remained pressed against her supple body any longer, he'd end up flipping her over and ramming it in from behind. Not the most ideal of situations... at least not at this point in time, he looked down and groaned as his cock pressed painfully against the rough material of his jeans.

Fuck it.