Twelve Nights with the Ruthless Billionaire: His Christmas Captive

Five

Omarion Montgomery walked into his daughter’s room that morning with his nightshirt still open across his chest, the strong lines of muscle showing beneath the light. His hair was a little messy from sleep, and when he spoke, his voice came out husky in a way that made me look away as though I'd been caught doing something wrong.

Patricia, unfortunately, didn't seem bothered by his appearance.

"Mr. Montgomery, I was just trying to get Zara dressed and ready for breakfast, but your new hire keeps interfering and encouraging her to become dependent on her."

I kept my attention on Zara, who was still crying beside me. I picked up the outfit Patricia had chosen and leaned down to whisper to her.

"We're going to be playing outside today, right? Then these are actually perfect. We can run around without worrying about getting your pretty dress dirty."

Zara nodded, rubbing her cheek with the back of her hand. She looked down at herself, then back at me.

When I looked up at Patricia, all I saw was raw hate. I swallowed the cheeky smile threatening to show.

Behind me, Patricia continued.

"Zara is a little girl who's allowed to cry and get upset. That doesn't mean she needs a stranger brought in to handle every little thing. I've been caring for her since she was born. I know what she needs."

Omarion listened without interrupting. Patricia took his silence as permission to continue.

"But now I'm being made to feel as though I don't know how to do my job because she doesn't want to brush her teeth or wear the clothes I picked out. She runs to her teacher, and suddenly everyone thinks that means something."

Omarion straightened.

"I've heard your concerns, Patricia. And I'll tell you what I said earlier. This isn't about you or Miss Bennett. It's about my daughter. I understand why you're unhappy and might feel your job is threatened."

Patricia's lips parted.

"That's not true."

"No one is replacing you. I hired her because Zara responds to her teacher, and the therapist believes that matters. I don't hire domestic staff, so that should tell you how seriously I take this."

Patricia looked uncomfortable but said nothing.

"But she's five and is allowed to cry and be disciplined."

"I agree," Omarion said. "But discipline doesn't mean making her teacher the enemy. Lisa is here for twelve days. If you can't adjust and make this easier for Zara, then I have to question whether you're putting Zara first."

Patricia stared at him as though he'd personally betrayed her. Her frustration had become almost childish. She was defending her position as though someone had threatened to take away her favorite toy, when nobody had suggested removing her from the household. Thankfully, Omarion seemed to have reached the same conclusion.

Zara moved toward the closet and searched through the lower shelves, apparently satisfied that the argument had nothing to do with her anymore.

"I just don't want her becoming too attached to a stranger. It will affect her progress," Patricia mumbled.

"I've tried to explain that I mean no harm. This house is big enough, and there are enough people watching over her that if I fall short of what Mr. Montgomery expects, he'll have plenty of evidence to make that decision himself."

Patricia ignored me.

"I'm sorry for the noise, sir. I'll leave you to it."

There was nothing apologetic about her tone.

She left.

I stared at the doorway after it closed.

"Don't let her bother you," Omarion said. "If it happens again and you're clearly not in the wrong, tell me."

I kept my eyes on the door. "It's fine, sir."

He glanced at Zara, who was now arranging several toys on the floor.

"How are you settling in?"

"Very well, sir."

"You don't have to call me sir."

I glanced at him. His gaze was on my neck. I looked away and adjusted my sleeve.

"You can join Zara and me for breakfast."

"Thanks, but I'd rather eat with the staff. I don't want anyone thinking I'm getting special treatment."

"You're not staff. You're Zara's teacher."

"I'm still being paid by you."

"I insist."

I was trying to play it safe and minimize my time around him, but refusing might make it seem like I was uncomfortable around him, and I didn't want that either.

"Of course," I said.

His gaze moved slowly over my face before settling on my lips. He kept staring until discomfort crept over me.

I hadn't imagined the way he'd looked at me a few days ago at the school. He was attracted to me, and it was glaringly obvious.

I cleared my throat.

"Mr. Montgomery?"

He blinked, as though he'd been somewhere else entirely.

His mouth curved.

"I can see why Zara likes you."