Page 44 of Nick: His to Claim

“Don’t cry, sweetie” he crooned. “You just made a prefect case for why I’m taking over. You need some help. Not that you haven’t done a hell of a job on your own, but things seem to have spiraled out of control. There’s no harm in accepting a little help now and then, and that’s what I’m going to give you.” Titling her chin up with a finger, Nick pushed her hair out of her face and looked into her eyes. “This isn’t negotiable, Maggie. For the next six weeks I will be in charge,” he told her firmly. “You need to give me a chance.”

Maggie could see how serious he was. Numerous butterflies suddenly invaded her tummy.

This is not the time to argue,an inner voice whispered, and for once she listened.

“What exactly would your being in charge entail?” she asked, swallowing nervously.

“Unfortunately, exactly what you’re thinking it will. I will be here every day to make sure you are doing as I say. I don’t plan on micromanaging your day, but you will take better care of yourself. I will be involved in the kids’ lives, making sure they have everything they need, helping with homework, and assisting in their care. That means cooking, housework, laundry,grocery shopping, and appointments, whatever. Basically, if I see a need, I will take care of it. Any financial obligations that need attention I will?—”

“Now wait just a minute,” she sputtered. “If I agree to this, I will not be accepting any financial?—”

Nick held a finger to her lips, effectively shushing her.

“Maggie, for fifteen years my son has been denied my financial support. I will provide anything I think necessary for this family. Is that clear?” he demanded.

Maggie’s tummy clenched, but she kept her silence and nodded.

“I want to make sure you understand. I will not be sleeping here, but I will be here as much as possible. And I will be making love to you every chance I get,” Nick continued grinning. “Any other questions?

“Just two.” she asked her mouth as dry as dust. “Will you be spanking me?”

“You mean after tonight?”

Maggie gulped and managed to nod.

Nick sighed.

“It is not my intention to hurt you, honey; however, you need to know that I won’t put up with any blatant disregard for my rules. If you have a problem with anything I say, you can come to me and we will discuss it.

“In the end, if it concerns the health and well-being of anyone in this family, I will have the final say. Is that understood?” At her nod he continued.

“You know what kind of man I am, Maggie, and you know what I believe in. Much as I love you, I will have no problem paddling your ass if you defy me.”

A shiver coursed through her at his words. Nick was exactly as he seemed: a firm, determined man who wasn’t prepared to tolerate what her Da referred to as ‘shenanigans’.

Could she go six weeks without getting her butt roasted? Maggie sincerely doubted it. The first thing she needed to do was go to confession. Maybe a fresh start would help.

Nick gathered her to his chest and kissed the top of her head. “You said two questions, honey,” he reminded her.

“Um… what happens at the end of the six weeks?” she whispered, her mind trying to absorb all that he had said.

“You marry me.”

And that apparently was that.

The rest of the night went relatively smoothly. Her spanking consisted of two crisp smacks on a bare butt which, although painful, were a great relief to Maggie. It could have been much worse considering all Nick had learned after talking with Mason and Rory. Not doing a background check on Jack Harley had been incredibly foolish.

Nick made cheese omelets, toast, and coffee and made sure Maggie ate it all. When Jason called, Nick found a reason to run out to the store, giving her the privacy she needed.

Jason assured his mother he understood. After talking with Nick and her Da, he’d come to the conclusion that she’d done what she felt was right at the time. Angry as he was, he was able to forgive her, a testament to the influence Nick already had over him. Maggie realized she could have lost her son over this. At his age, a judge was sure to give him the option of living with his father if he so desired, and she cried when Jason told her he and the kids would be home tomorrow.

Nick spent the night, knowing it would be awhile before they could be alone again. He told her she needed to be in Mason’s office at nine in the morning and not to set foot on the site until she had spoken with him.

They tried to watch a movie, but Maggie was so fretful about losing her job, despite his reassurances, they finally gave up. Shutting off the TV, he carried her upstairs and loved her untilthe early hours of the morning. Exhausted, Nick spooned her until they fell into a peaceful sleep.

The alarm on his watch woke him, and he studied the beautiful woman in his arms. His hand was cupped around her breast, and her hand was holding it there. Every little while she would wiggle her butt against his now raging erection and sigh.

This was how Nick wanted to wake up every day of his life. He loved everything about her, her scent, her taste, the way she snuggled up to him, even her obstinate nature. God willing, at the end of six weeks she would know that this was the way it should be and agree to marry him.