Temptation at the Doorstep

The thought that he had seen me squirming made my heart race. His eyes hooked onto mine in a way that made me uneasy. He was considerably more intelligent than the usual male.

  Every idea was tossed to Dad. If he knew I was thinking about Smith's suggestion, he would undoubtedly box my ears with his dry palms. Was my refusal to give up too self-centered? Where would I find the funds to cover my expenses? Somewhere. any place where Smith Mason's name isn't printed there. If necessary, I'll work for minimal salary and locate a suitable job. What if, though, Dad's condition got worse? What then will I do to ensure his survival?

  "Please give it some thought, please. I need a response by tomorrow.

  I tightened my smile at him before shaking my head. No thanks, please. Mr. Mason, I have to go somewhere else. I wish you a wonderful day and hope you discover the ideal match for your preferences. I got up from my seat one last time, ready to depart forever. If I had to, I would walk.

  Livia, take the cash, damn you. He yelled, "Your father is sick.

  My heart thudded against my chest, and I froze. Asking him how he learned about Dad was pointless. He is a multibillionaire. He has access to anything he wants, anytime he wants. not though, my heart. He won't ever possess that.

  He gave me such a close look that I shook. I partially covered my eyes as I rubbed my temples with my fingertips. Why did he need to break in to read my mind? I hated that I couldn't keep anything from him. I controlled my feelings, hunched my shoulders, and then sat down once more. "Thank you for your offer, but I'm afraid I can't take it. And kindly stop interfering with my life. You don't think I'm looking into your personal family matters, do you?

  Smith said in a dry voice, "You'd never be able to earn this kind of money, Livia."

  I blinked. "You are correct. But if my father learned that I had sold my body to cover his medical expenses, he would be devastated. I'd never act in such a way until... I paused out of concern that I could reveal a detail he didn't need to know.

  The question "Unless what?"

  Even before I had finished speaking, I had spoken too much. I promised to stop after that. He would never have allowed me to go home if he had even the faintest suspicion that there was a way into my pants. My lips tensed up. "Nothing."

  His eyes were impatient before he gave up, and I could see it. Am I a moron for declining the cash? How could I give up my self-respect, values, and dignity for money that would leave my hands after 30 days? I'll get work and make the minimum salary.

  I said, "Bye, Smith," and pushed through the throng on the sidewalk to get to my car. Shit. I should not have travelled here. I was now obliged to walk, which would take me at least 30 minutes. Did my father know I left? I was so engrossed in Smith's presence that I failed to inform my father of my plans to leave.

  Alongside me, a recognizable engine roar began to move at the same speed as I was walking. I kept a sidelong glance on the black SUV but never gave him the luxury of turning my head.

  He depressed the window and motioned for me to enter. "Livia, that's a long walk. I'll give you a ride home. Let me take you back since I'm the one who made you leave the house.

  I firmly stated, "No, thank you," disregarded the stares from onlookers.

  Aren't you being a bit over the top?

  "Pardon me?" I turned and halted. Who in their right mind would accept a position like that, Smith?

  He grinned. "Almost everyone."

  My body boiled over with hot blood. He was portraying me as the insane one.

  The crowded walkway reflected in his sunglasses. "Let's go, Livia. Come on in so we can talk about it while driving. We are the centre of attention, and I feel creepy for following you around.

  I snorted. I remarked, opening the car door, "Serves you right.

  As soon as I sat down inside, I informed him, "I don't want to talk about it. We remained silent while I rolled down the window. I was unwilling to even look at him. However, a part of me secretly mocked myself for being so ridiculously arrogant and unrealistic. But I was unable to accept the position. Not unless I had a strong desire to.

  I was going to rush out of my house when we arrived when I felt his touch on my arm. His hands were brown and strong, holding me firmly. Damn you, Livia. Abolish this game.

  Behind his gaze was something unpleasant. My body want to grasp him and stroke his hair. It also yearned to learn more. Anything to ease his suffering and bring him joy. But my brain was telling me to get out of the car immediately. I backed up, put one foot on the ground, and came to a stop. "I'll consider it,"

  I've said it there. The least I could do was what I did. In all honesty, I didn't feel comfortable leaving so much money on the table, and perhaps I just needed some time to calm down. I would speak with Lily, take a shower, and give it some serious thought. I got out as his driver pulled away, feeling a weight in my chest as I did so. Most likely, it would be the final meeting. Why did I feel so defeated if I had won?

  Why in the hell couldn't he date me like a regular man if he wanted me in his bed? Why so many agreements? And why did I need to be hidden away solely for his sex? He wanted to take me out on dates, sure, but these were scheduled appointments. He hadn't bothered to earn my heart, yet he wanted to parade me about like some strange valued property. He wished to skip it and get right to the sex. He was unaware of courtship. It is not this.

  As I turned the key in the lock and entered the silent house, my thoughts began to wander more. Dad was likely sound sleeping. I made the decision to go upstairs to his room to check on him as I always do.

  He didn't snore as softly as he usually did. As I entered the corridor, I called his name after taking a swallow. "Dad?"

  A chill rushed down my spine as a scream caught in the back of my throat when I turned the doorknob and discovered him lying on the ground, cold and lifeless. I grabbed him and quickly flipped his body around. He had no breath.

  Oh, god.

  No, please. Still not breathing.