He had something to hold over her head. If she didn't suck up to him, she wouldn't even know what hit her.
"So, you're saying you like me?"
Nora Ainsworth froze. 'He said "like," not "love,"' she thought immediately. 'Besides, how could I possibly like a man who uses both threats and enticements to control me?'
That was what she thought, but reality was merciless.
"Like you? Of course I like you! While I admit I can't fall in love with you right now, and I'm self-aware enough to know you won't fall in love with me either, you're such an outstanding person! You're handsome, your family is rich, a total diamond bachelor, a gilded tycoon! You said it yourself, there are so many women who want to be with you they can't even get in line. What did I ever do to deserve—"
Her voice trailed off.
Because for Nora Ainsworth, uttering those words felt like a violation of her morals and conscience—even though everything she said was the truth.
