Free Wicked Obsession (Bend to My Will #6) by Emily Jane Trent Page B

at her as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
    Vivienne was going to say that he couldn’t just butt in and take over her mother’s life. But that was all wrong. Jacob cared, and he had done a really nice thing. “That’s way beyond what any of us expect. It’s, well…very generous of you. But…why would you do all of that?”
    “She’s your mother,” Jacob stated, as if that explained everything.
    And maybe it did, because his actions revealed what Vivienne had known all along. Jacob had a good heart. She was very touched, and her eyes welled with tears. “Thank you…so much.” Then she wrapped her arms around Jacob’s neck, relieved, and happy for her mother. Now she would be able to recover without having to worry.
     

 
    Chapter 9
    Jacob was glad that Vivienne didn’t give him a hard time about helping. He didn’t want her burdened with financial hardship, or concerned about her mother. With the new venture and the shop to run, Vivienne had enough to deal with. She didn’t have the resources to cover extended medical or living costs, and she’d likely be miffed that Jacob knew more about her personal finances than she thought he did.
    When Vivienne had talked about her parents, Jacob had gleaned certain information. Her father had worked in manufacturing for a long time, and although he supported the family, he certainly didn’t get rich at his job. But he was a good man, and even after the divorce he’d continued to assist Irene with the house payments.
    Irene Lake waitressed at a local restaurant to make ends meet. Even with tips, she probably didn’t earn that much. An extended disability could wipe her out, unless she had a lot of savings, which was doubtful. If she had managed to put some money aside, Jacob didn’t want her using it up for such things as nursing care, not when he could so easily take care of that.
    Jacob didn’t want Vivienne concerned about her mother, so he’d taken charge. He hadn’t always been wealthy, having come from a background of poverty. Depending on an alcoholic father for support had taught him at a young age that life was tough. The generosity of Vico and Sophia, and his later good fortune in business, had altered the course of his future. It wasn’t something he took for granted. So if there was a way to make the recovery easier for Vivienne’s mother, he certainly would.
    While Vivienne showered and dressed, Jacob replied to texts. His sudden departure had left a few matters hanging, so he issued instructions to his staff. Meg could reschedule any meetings or conference calls. He messaged with Zach about a couple of pressing issues that, as president, he could take over. He told him to coordinate with Grayson, the general manager, on a few other things that were less urgent.
    Jacob thought he’d be home in a couple of days, as long as Irene Lake progressed as expected. Vivienne emerged in white slacks and a lime-green cotton top, looking delectable. “How can you look so good in clothes that aren’t even yours?”
    “You must have told the concierge my style and taste,” Vivienne said, spinning around. “They fit well, too.”
    Jacob admired her innocent look. With her wavy blond hair, perfectly etched lips, and deep green eyes, she was a stunner. He assigned the innocence to her purity of heart, for Jacob had no doubt that was the case. That she could be a vamp in the bedroom was all the better.
    When he opened his arms, Vivienne came to him. Holding her close, Jacob breathed in the floral scent of a perfume. He’d requested everything that he thought they’d need, including personal items. Whatever the perfume brand, it was a good choice.
    He would have liked to hang around the suite, with Vivienne close. Jacob could think of many things they could do, especially in the king-sized bed. But family matters called. “Shall we go?” he said.
    Vivienne gave him a tender kiss, her eyes sparkling. “I’ll go anywhere with you.”
    Jacob