“I hate it because the hours are demanding and sometimes it can be very stressful, but I love it because I can give out so many jobs to people across the world. I can help single moms who can’t afford childcare—it’s why I have an in-house daycare. I opened up programs for people who are mentally ill or physically disabled, so if they can’t make it to work, they still will be able to pay their bills.”

I turn my head sideways, glancing up at him. I’ve never seen Gunner’s face light up like now when he talks about helping people.

“You’re a giver. You enjoy helping others.”

That explains why he was adamant about helping me. I smile as he strokes my belly.

“Yeah, especially women and kids.”

I scrunch up my nose. “But you don’t respect women.”

“Correction, I do respect women. I respect my momma, my sister, and you. It’s the women who try to milk every dime out of me I don’t respect.” He tucks some of my hair behind my ear and kisses the tip of my nose.

We’re quiet for a few moments, listening to his next-door neighbor yelling at his kids to come inside.

“Well . . . I’m using you for your penis,” I joke, trying to make light of the conversation.

“That’s it, huh?”

“Yep. Money is overrated.” I shrug. “Big penises are where it’s at.”

“You cut me real deep, Gia. Real deep.” He presses his hand to his chest and fake-pouts.

“Might as well enjoy the ride until this experiment is over,” I tease.

Suddenly, his demeanor morphs from a smile to a frown. “You want to head back inside?” he asks.

“Sure.”

He helps me off the ground.

* * *

Loud banging and glass shattering make me jerk out of my sleep. I slip out of bed and head down the hallway, following the sound. I climb a set of stairs to the third floor. It takes me a few minutes to find the noise because Wolf’s mansion is so big. We spend Fridays and Saturdays here. On Sundays he drops me off at the condo in New York City, and I usually spend it by myself, listening to music or taking a stroll at a park, snapping pictures of the diverse New York City landscape.

When I make it to the third floor, I follow the noise to a room down the hall. I slowly twist the metal knob and push the door open.