hal

ding deep into my bones. Pushing the door open, my eyes immed

reeted her, closing

halie?!" she asked, her co

the three racks of dollar bills the mystery man had given me.

ries are running low, too, so we can restock," I exp

"I need more money for my medications. And don't forget, Natha

o. And Mother, I just got your medications last week." My voice came out small, my b

t felt a tight, painful twist at the sight of her

thers, and you know if they were in your shoes, they would do the same for you. Wh

No, Mom. I'm not complaining. I really just thoug

sinuating, Nathalie?

own in front of her, holding her hands tightly. "Nothing, Mom! Please,

by a tight, strained smile. "Tr

stood upright, rubbing my temples

d with my younger sister, Emily. I peeled off my dress, wa

rifying question of where and how I could raise thousands of dollars fo

ow someone could have such beautiful, piercing blue eyes. His parting words still confuse

to think about than a man I mig

ting. Every day after my shift, I would pore over them. It was a small way to feed the flicke

again, giving me tips that were able to cover my

ano

n ni

rivate

silent

tacks o

his eyes le

at my face every night, and goodness, it makes me uncomfortable. It makes me wonder why he pays for what he doesn't e

is strange acts out. But one thing

ugh the walls, Zack came in and announced that he was here again. I sighed and strutted out, making a silent promise t

alm, and with his intense gaze al

. I swear I almost broke my waist trying to do a wide, dramatic split,

iou

act as if my

d up and came closer to me, his rich masculine scent immediately engulfing my senses. His eye

like the entire world slowed down to a crawl, and I couldn't comprehend what he was trying t

erfectly tied the straps, the unexpected gentleness pulling me so deep into shock that my ears could only hear

ur eyes locked into an electrifying gaze. Striking blue eyes stared fiercely in

up at him in awe, confusion, and pure wonder, while he just stood there with a bla

ars, and my face tightened into a har

for dances you don't e

t, I genuinely thought he would ignore me completely and walk righ

ou're in here...

!" I blu

, breathless vulnerability. Before I could recover from the messy feelings

t thumped violently against my ribs. What the heck is this

dedly, my thoughts spinning in every direction

essing room, I pulled out my pho

contact for barely a sec

tly what to say whenever