“Baby,” Judy said. She moved behind Tom, her long fingers digging expertly into his back, kneading and pushing at the muscles around his spine. He was so tense. But she knew what she was doing, and despite himself, he sighed with pleasure.

Judy, efficient as always.

“You have to relax. I know you love your mom,” she cooed. “But this is all a part of growing up. Becoming a man.” She used her most reasonable tone. “Later on, she’ll thank you for cutting the apron strings. No matter what she thinks right now, I’m telling you, hon. No woman wants to raise a mamma’s boy. . . .”

That was the wrong thing to say. He tensed again, and moved away from the bed.

“I’m not a pawn of my mother,” Tom said flatly. “And I’m not a pawn of my girlfriend, either.”

His eyes looked so like Pierre’s when he got angry. Judy felt weird; instinctively she gathered her legs back into her body. She dropped her gaze, not liking it.

“I will protect my family,” Tom said, self-importantly. He looked at Judy, who had lowered her head, and softened his tone. “I know you mean well, chérie,” he added.

“I do.” She lifted her head again, defiantly. “I love you. I want only the best for you.”

“And I appreciate that,” he replied, with a touch of Pierre’s arrogance. Judy flushed with annoyance; why didn’t he say he loved her, too? “I have arranged for you to have your job back,” he said.

Ah! Anger forgotten, she jumped off the bed, beaming. “Really?”

She was truly beautiful, Tom thought, when she smiled. It wasn’t often; there was a solemn core to Judy Dean, despite her soft words and hot body. It fascinated him. When she smiled like this, though, she showed some vulnerability; it was as though something shattered in her. Tom wasn’t sure he liked it.

“You got me my job back? You’re a doll!”

“And at a responsible salary,” he said, ignoring the Americanism. “Half a million euros per annum.”

Judy sucked in her breath. She felt a little light-headed. She would not have to trade in her car or her jewellery, after all. She was rescued. She was safe.

It had worked.

“That’s fine, darling,” she said, lightly, trying not to sound too excited.

Half a million today, a million tomorrow. Why not? Anything was possible.

“Of course,” Tom said. He laid back, lazily, on the bed. “If you perform sufficiently well.”

There was a heavy emphasis laid on the word “perform,” and Judy gave him a brittle smile.

“Baby, you know I will,” she said.

Tom smiled and pulled her to him. Judy arched her back, displaying her buff, strong muscles for him.

Both of them ignored their unease.