I don’t know a mother alive who won’t always try to make things better for her children, no matter how old they are.

For God’s sake, don’t hug me.

Because they weren’t you.

I need your dominance, your strength. Your control. I need that structure. It centers me. It reminds me that I have a place in this world. With you.

He was better than any drug, any remedy for her illness.

Let’s just say I’m use to getting my way.

My job is to be in tune with your wants, needs and desires. I’m not worth much as a man if I can’t do that for the woman in my care. The ultimate power rests with you. Because you control my actions. I want to please you. It’s very important to me that I please you. I want you to be satisfied. I want you to be so spoiled, pampered and cherished that you don’t want to be anywhere but with me all the time.

I love you, Serena. Stay.

She touched a part of him he’d thought was inaccessible. A part that had been jealously guarded for years. And she’d gotten there with no effort whatsoever. She’d walked into his life and heart like she belonged.

I love you, lass. There is not a single part of my heart or soul that you do not own.