Chapter 4 Sophia

It was strange being inside that enormous house, with that imposing man and his intense honey-colored eyes on me, as he continued talking about the craziest offer anyone could ever make.

"Are you telling me you won't do anything to me that I don't want?" I asked, needing to be sure he had no other intentions.

"I would never touch you without your consent," he replied, his voice as low as mine. "All I want is for us to be friends and for you to carry the future of the Donavans. Is that what you want too?"

I had no idea how to answer that, but my eyes drifted down his flawless face, tracing the thin beard that framed his full lips, which seemed to always wear a slight smile.

William was a mix of power, money, and beauty-men like that were dangerous. But I didn't know why he gave me a sense of trust. Maybe it was because he'd stopped me from falling off the building, or simply because he'd quickly gotten me off the streets. The fact was, I didn't usually trust anyone-my instincts were sharp-but something inside me was pushing me toward him.

His body moved closer to mine, and his fingers rose to my face, tracing the contour of my cheek and sending shivers down my spine. Heat spread through my body, my heart raced in my chest, and my breathing grew uneven.

"I think I can do this," I whispered as his eyes focused on my lips.

I couldn't let something like that happen. He'd just said we'd be friends, and that's how we should act.

"You think?"

He was asking for a child, not my body. I could help him have an heir, get rid of that sick monster for good, and have far more than I needed. There was just one thing I had to make sure of.

"But I will never give up this baby. You have to put it in writing that under no circumstances will you take him from me!"

"I would never do that. My child will need a mother-especially after I'm gone. And as I said before, someone who's not just interested in money will be perfect to teach him everything he needs." He smiled, taking a step back without breaking eye contact. "I'll let you take a shower and change. Just don't take too long-lunch is already on the table."

It was strange to think that a man like him, who had everything, was dying. William seemed full of life, and he undoubtedly had more money than I'd ever see in my lifetime-a fortune he couldn't even spend, and a legacy with no one to pass it on to.

No matter how uncertain everything he'd told me was, I couldn't help feeling sad for him. The man had just saved the life of an unknown waitress who slept on a park bench. How could I think badly of him?

"Thinking about jumping from there?" The question made me jump before I even turned to see who had come in. The driver was staring at me with narrowed eyes, as if he didn't like my presence in the mansion. "William asked me to bring your backpack."

He held out the somewhat dirty blue bag, more patched up than I'd like. I didn't think twice before stepping forward and clutching everything I owned in this life. But the man didn't let go, keeping me close to him.

"What..."

"I don't know what you're up to or what you want from Mr. Donavan, but I won't let you take advantage of him in a vulnerable moment," he said lowly, staring at me up close. Before I could say anything, his hands released the bag, leaving me stumbling backward as he left the room.

What had just happened? How could I want to take advantage of his boss when it was William himself who had dragged me out of the diner and brought me to his house?

I shook my head, took a quick shower, and-feeling immense shame-put on the only dress I owned. It was either that or keep wearing the jeans he'd seen me in when I arrived.

"I was about to come look for you." William appeared at the bottom of the stairs as I reached the second-to-last step, his eyes scanning my body from head to toe.

He was surely regretting bringing a poor girl home now. The lilac summer dress covered in cupcakes-one I'd had since I was fifteen-was worn out. The straps were so thin they barely held up my breasts, and the skirt only reached mid-thigh.

"Is something wrong?" He didn't answer, and I felt even worse, wearing such old clothes while he was in an impeccable dress shirt, perfectly tailored pants, and polished shoes. "I can change if you want..."

I turned to go back up the stairs, but I tripped over my own feet and fell forward. It all happened in a split second-I closed my eyes, bracing to hit the floor. But strong, firm hands gripped my waist, holding me steadily facing him.

"I got you," William murmured as he lifted me, but instead of letting me go, he kept me pressed against his body. "I'm not letting you go, cupcake."

I swallowed hard, feeling his body against mine just like on that rooftop. I could feel his chest pressing into me while his strong arm stayed around my waist. I took a deep breath to compose myself, but his scent filled my lungs, causing the exact opposite-it made me want to slide my nose along his neck and feel every inch of his skin.

"Sir, Miss Megan is here to see you," his driver said, making us pull apart in the same instant.

"Thank you, Brian." William smoothed his shirt and took another step away from me. "Show her where lunch is served. I'll be right back."

He quickly left the room, leaving me behind with that brute who eyed me suspiciously, while I wondered who Megan could be and what the hell had just happened on those stairs.