Chapter 438

• Ben sat up and looked at the two ladies to ensure he had their attention. "Because I'm defining our relationship in terms of what you need not what you want. You are both beautiful young women but you've had half of your lives stolen from you by a... very bad man. I'm willing to help you regain what was taken from you but if you accept my help we will do it on my terms. Unlike how Shakir treated you, from me you will only receive honesty and respect. I expect the same from you. You aren't pets. You have far more potential than that. If you accept my help you will have a say in all matters that concern you. My role in your lives will not be that of lover. You won't flirt with me. You could think of me like... an uncle-"
• "Father," Penny blurted, her eyes welling with tears.
• Ben smiled gently. "Sure. Father works too. I will protect you, guide you, and support you until you are able to take your lives under your own control. But like I said it's your choice." He looked at the two ladies and saw Karen was having more difficulty with the idea than Penny who seemed completely onboard.