They all drove home in silence. What could be said about what had happen.
Ariel went and changed so she could give Lily a bath and when she found her in her father's study she was talking to her father.
"I'm sorry daddy."
"It's not your fault princess. It's just I know you will need another girl around to help you grow up." he hugged her tight.
"Daddy, I only need you and uncle. Ariel is also here. Even though she is only half girl she can teach me." Lily said.
Half girl? His little princess really thought Ariel was a mermaid, he let out a soft laugh. "You really like Ariel don't you?"
"Yes, she is the best. I am teaching her how to play my favorite games cause they don't play them under the ocean."
Ariel walked in, "Time for your bath."
"Ok" she went running to her room.
"Wait a second." Harrison said.
Ariel truned "Do you need anything?"
"When Lily is in bed please come find me. I would like to talk to you a moment." he said.
"Ok" she left room.
Ariel let Lily play and splash around.
"Ariel, do you take baths in the ocean too?" She asked.
"No, we live in the water so we are clean most of the time. We just wipe off the sticky stuff we may get into." Ariel said.
"Tell me a story about one of your adventures." Lily begged as ahe was putting on her nightgown.
"Ok, Once when I was about 12 I had a friend Jamie. We were best friends. We went on a swim down to a cave. We were very scared that a sea monster lived there.
Jamie doubled dogfish dare me to swim in and get a piece of rock from inside the cave.
I swam in very slowly and then a big old tentacle came out and ticked me all over." She tickled Lily making her laugh real hard.
"What really happened?" she asked covering up.
"I went in got the rock and some of the boys stole it from me and Jamie had to get it back for me. I'll show you the rock tomorrow." She said. "Good night Princess."
"Good night Mermaid." Lily said as Ariel turned off the light and shut the door.
Ariel then went back over to Harrison's study to meet with Mr. McKenna.
"She is in bed now Mr. McKenna."
"Have a seat. I asked you here because I want to get to know you better."
"What would you like to know?" She said.
"Tell me about your family."
"My Dad was Doulas Thomas and my Mom was Maria Thomas. Dad work as a night security guard. Mom was a homemaker.
When I was eight years old an officer came to my school to get me. The building we lived in collapsed killing 18 people. My mother, Father, and baby brother were among them.
I was sent to Saint Alexander Orphanage to live and attend school. I got good grades there but most of all I loved to swim. When I was 18 I could no longer stay there and I could not afford to continue my education.
I ened up in a halfway home where I learned to cook and do basic labor. A year ago it had to close due to money problems so I was left homeless.
I ened up in Saint Mary's Shelter. I have taken every Job I could get to save up for my own place working 6 jobs.
My Dad always told me to work hard and that nothing is for free; you always have to pay some price. So I donated money every week to stay in the shelter. It is taking me awhile to save the money I needed.
I will work just as hard here. I promise. I really like Lily."
"I'm glad. I think I was wrong about you."
"What do you mean?" She was puzzled.
"When Marcus told me you worked a lot of jobs and went to dinner with him I figured you were just some girl trying to get ahead by hooking up with a rich man. I'm sorry I thought that." He said.
"That hurts a little. Marcus would not leave me alone till I ate with him. I told him it was against the rules of the club to date it's members plus I work at the Aquarium Park were he is one of the bosses. Dad always said don't sh*t where you work."
"Good, I see why my brother and daughter like you." He smiled.
"Is that all?" She asked
"Lily will be starting school next month, She will still need a nanny. If you want I could help you get into classes at the local collage so you are in school the same time as Lily. Would that be something you would want to do?"
"Yes, I should have enough saved to take a few classes since I don't have rent."
"Good, I'll let you know the arrangements next month."
"Thank you." She got up to walk out and stopped and turned around and ran right into his chest.
He smelled so wonderful. Then butterflies filled her stomach.
"Sorry, I was going to ask if you would like me to cook for everyone, then you would not have to hire a chef and could eat fresh meals instead of day old food."
"That would be fine. We can talk later on your responsiblity and pay."
"Ok"
When she turned in to him he felt a jolt of electricity. He had not felt like that since Kimberly died. She was so little he felt as if he should wrap her up and protect her. He was not sure what she was saying so said that would be fine and that they would talk later. He had a feeling she would be a dangerous woman to be around.
They parted and he went to his room. As he showered he closed his eyes and seen Ariel in his mind and he pretended she was the one wrapped around his manhood pleasuring him. When he found his release he did not find the guilt that always followed him. Why was this woman different.
Ariel showered and changed for bed. This has been a long week and tomorrow she would get to swim. She reminded herself that this job was a must for her to someday have the life her father talked about having. Life is hard work and with hard work come happiness and family. She really wanted a family one day.
Marcus laid in bed thinking how beautiful Ariel was tonight. He wished she would go on a real date but every time he asked she would remind him that he is the boss and it was against the code of hard work.
What did that even mean. How could he get into her heart and make her his. He had to find a way.