The next morning, Richard found himself glaring at Imani. He raised his hand, palm facing up and halting any words or excuses that tumbled out of her parted lips. As he stood opposite her in front of his sleek black vehicle, he couldn't help but have second thoughts about letting her leave. She was too damn tempting, he clenched his free fist by his side at the thought of another man touching her drifted through his mind.

God, he knew this would torment him every night until she returned. His dark eyes focused on hers and with as much control as he could muster up, he finalised, "get in the car, Imani." And when she didn't move, he continued, "or would you rather I force you in?" He'd definitely rather that, but he knew she wasn't as willing on the matter.

That was probably the first time she'd heard him give her a choice rather than simply order her around. It was every bit surprising and even a little disappointing, she knew a sick part of her enjoyed his dominant persona. She bit her bottom lip and her eyes flicked up to her waving mother. The older woman stood on the porch and grinned down at her daughter, "please, Mr. Bassette." She tried once more, not wanting to create a scene in front of her mother, but one last try wouldn't hurt... Right.

Richard clenched his jaw, she'd be the death of him. He needed to see where she was staying, had to know it was safe. He took one threatening step forward and instantly he saw the submission in her eyes. He watched her small frame quickly move to the passenger's side, she slipped inside without uttering another complaint. Good girl. Already, his patience and control were slipping and the brief fire that fluttered beneath her eyelids didn't help.

Holding her hands together in her lap, Imani watched the large man as he leisurely made his way to the driver's seat. He slid in unconsciously gracefully and she almost had the nerve to scoff. Such a big, brutish man... Biting her tongue, she smiled weakly at her grinning mother— who seemed completely oblivious to the situation— as Richard drove out of his compound. She remained perfectly still and silent, refusing to speak to the man beside her.

Richard tightened his fingers around the steering wheel until his knuckles lost blood circulation, his cock twitched within his jeans and his nostrils flared. Her scent was everywhere, invading his system in the most toxic manner possible. She was like a shot of heroin; prolonged and insanely pleasurable. He had to focus, so he found a distraction. "You comin' home this fall."

It wasn't a question but Imani was inclined to respond, "maybe." It was different now that she was alone with Richard. In his house, she'd comply— wouldn't think twice about giving him the response he wanted, but she wasn't under his roof in the literal sense.

"Maybe," Richard hissed, "you are coming home, Imani." He was careful, making sure his emotions didn't play an effect on the wheel between his fingers.

She felt the atmosphere shift, "Mr. Basset-

"Richard, Imani. Must I pry my name from your lips every fucking time," she could tell her response had him on edge, his unsettled behavior fueled the wicked woman in her head. Thankfully she was a lot wiser than that woman, she knew nothing good would come from an angry Richard. Unsure of how she could sedate him, Imani simply rolled her lower lip between her teeth and kept a steady gaze on the faded vehicle in front of them. "Fuck," his sharp curse startled her, it came suddenly and instantly drew her attention.

Was she trying to cause an accident! Richard pulled off the highway and instantly Imani sat up straight, "what are you doing," she knew her voice sounded weak. She had no idea what her little actions did to him, something as simple as rolling her lip between her teeth played with his arousal. She unmanned him without even realising it.

"Petrol," is all he muttered back. Angry that she seemed so fucking reserved. Pissed that he wanted her to submit to his every whim. And, beyond fucking livid at her for leaving him! Dammit, he needed air. Space to breath outside of her tantalising odour.

Richard had lied. There was enough petrol to make it to Westridge Valley and back. But any more miles with her lip biting and he was sure they'd become scrap metal. Detouring, the sexually frustrated man followed the closest exit until they came up to a town center.

His pride took a hit and as to not alarm her, Richard pulled up at the petrol station and brought his half-a-tank to a full. As he made his way back to Imani he knew he needed to lay down the ground rules. Some sort of order would surely give him reassurance.

Imani couldn't keep her eyes off him, his long stride and broad shoulders. She waited for him to pay for the petrol, he returned to the vehicle and turned to face her. She held her breath and knew he was waiting for her, so she twisted towards him. "This is how it's going to work. You're going to be a good little girl and study; no boys, no parties and don't even think about doing anything remotely dangerous. Then, you're going to come back home. And, I swear to god if you're not home the day you complete your degree..."

Her eyes widened at his words and the threat he'd left open. He was crazy, demanding such things. Of course, she hadn't planned to go to college to party and get her freak on, she knew how important studying was. His words were insulting. Her shock crafted into a glare, one she didn't bother hiding or softening anytime soon.

Richard watched in awe as a fire he'd only ever glimpsed at before lit up her irises. "No." He wondered what it'd feel like to have her angry, aroused and bound to his bed... Fuck! As much as her anger played with his arousal, the refusal to meet his requirements encouraged anger of his own. She had to understand that this wasn't debatable.

"This isn't a negotiation, babe. You either do as you're asked, or I turn this car around and drive back home." Richard didn't wait for an answer, he simply buckled up and began driving out of the station. He could see her nails dig into the soft skin of her palms, he knew she wanted to rebel against him, hell he wished she would.

Imani knew he wasn't joking and her small bravado act was quickly vanishing, "okay," she gave in after a small pause, one that she knew drove him mad. She was so close to freedom as if she'd let her stubborn pride get in the way of that.

Richard knew the conversation had simply been put on the back burner, but her agreeance calmed him and that's all it took for him to drive back onto the motorway.

The remainder of the ride was talk-free, neither said another word and before long Imani found herself clinging onto the door and looking out at the campus around her. Richard felt his mind splinter as he glanced over at Imani, she had the most infectious smile on her lips and he knew that letting her study was a good decision. Even if it'd take her return, for him to fully accept it.

"You've got everything set at head office, right?" Richard broke the silence. He already knew she was settled, he'd made sure to call ahead, but he craved to hear her voice.

Imani spun to face him, she nodded too excited to worry about her lingering annoyance at his behaviour, "yeah." She couldn't believe she was finally here.

Richard continued past the college and towards the backs of mini apartments that doubled as dorms, he knew his way around the campus... after all, he practically funded the remodeling of the university, he kept this piece of information to himself. It'd be a lie if he said he wasn't pleased, knowing that she'd be studying in a college he'd invested in. Oh yeah, he loved knowing she was reliant on him, even when she was miles away from home.

A couple of minutes later, Richard parked in front of the four-story unit that would be Imani's home for the next three years. He'd made sure to get her a single, studio apartment, unable to stand the thought of her chancing a male roommate. "First floor, huh?" He questioned innocently as if he hadn't pressured Imani's mother into letting him pay for the most expensive accommodation option.

"Mhm," Imani replied already opening her door and moving out of the vehicle. She loved it already.

Richard popped the boot and Imani instantly shuffled through her bags until she found the keys to her room. "Go open the door, I'll bring everything in." He ordered. He could see how much she wanted to see inside the place.

Only then did Imani realise she'd let her guard down. She paused, "it's okay, just leave it here and I'll take it in. You've already spent too much time with me," she frowned, knowing the man was beyond busy but still demanded he drop her off.

Richard wanted to tell her that he couldn't ever spend too much time with her, but he knew he'd scare her off. "It's fine," he settled within an empty tone. He knew she'd only move if he began lifting the suitcases from the back of the vehicle. So he did just that.

With a soft sigh, Imani made her way to the front door. She pushed the key through its hole and twisted while moving forward with the door. The space was clean, white and open. From where she stood at the door she could see a kitchen, small living space, and a bed pushed against the furthest wall, opposite another door which she guessed to be the bathroom. Wow. No way could this have been as affordable as her mother had continued to reassure.

She put a small reminder in the back of her mind to grill her mother further, something seemed off. She took the first step inside and already saw herself personalising the space. Leaving the front door ajar, she decided to return to Richard's side before she got too carried away.

Approaching the rear end of the vehicle, Imani found Richard. His biceps and triceps flexed under the dress shirt he wore, she admired his muscular form as he lifted her suitcases from the boot. His eyes flickered up to hers and she felt her face heat. Taking hold of one of the smaller suitcases— that he pushed in her direction— she led him inside.

Systematically, they emptied the expensive vehicle and dumped everything on the carpet in the living room. Holding the last bag, Richard kicked the front door closed behind himself and made his way into the room. He dropped the bag with a dull thud and clenched his jaw at the sight of Imani; crouched down in front of her suitcase, the curve of her spine had him fisting his hands at his sides. She looked far too vulnerable.

Richard scanned the room and felt his mood drop, she'd be completely alone. Although he'd made sure of that fact for his own selfish, caveman reasons, he couldn't help but worry about her safety. He decided it'd be best he speak with the university and triple security along with upgrading the alarm systems.

Narrowing his gaze, Richard personally saw to analysing the windows and locks detailing the interior. It was only when he was positive they were secure and strong, that he then made his way to the cause of his concerns.

He stood above her, "stand up Imani. I need something before I leave..."