The playboy crush

rn to an irresponsible man as a father. Her father was a gambling idiot and drunkard, whose sight was practically lost not to have been able to see what

e being ruined because of what George said about whatever the deal there is between you being over, I made inquiries, and I knew I had to help because, partly, I was the reason your life could have been ruined, and as a matter of fact, I doubted you were really in support of your relationship with that man as your fiance." He knew what the deal was about, and that was more of the reason why his desire to help her out of George's clutches was spiked. "But why?" She looked disbelievingly at him. His offer sounded just too good to be true. "Do you know how much it is we are talking about?" "Two point five million dollars," he replied smoothly. Lara shook her head. "You are crazy. Don't tell me you are just trying to prank me. I'm not in the mood to be played for a fool right now." He looked serious. "I'm sane, Lara. I told you I made inquiries, so you should know I'm fully aware of all that is going on, including the fact that you have an ultimatum this week to pay up the rest of the debt." Her mouth formed a silent O. Biting down on her lips, she gently took her seat, her bag, although still strapped over her shoulder. "Why?" She inquired, narrowing her gaze. "I don't understand. You don't know me. Why do you want to help me?" She really needed the miracle of his help right then, but she was still skeptical about the risks the miracle might entail. She didn't want to have to borrow from the devil to pay Lucifer. She wasn't a kid not to know a man's help wasn't rendered without a reciprocation, which essentially would not be monetary. "I believe you deserve better than to be with George or sold off to some Japanese merchants. You are a very beautiful lady, Lara. I see a lot of potential in you, and I couldn't just let that all go to waste." She pressed her lips tightly, still taking in his words and assessing them. Her mind wavered on making a decision to trust him or not. It kept bringing up scenarios that kept her having second thoughts and contemplating saying yes to his offer. Her mind was warped with fear, indecision, and impatience. There was no time for her to raise that colossal amount by herself. It had taken her mom and her years to pay up to that extent. "So, what do you say?" She looked at him, holding his gaze. She knew he wanted something from her. He wanted her body. It had been all over his face at the bar. "No," she said abruptly. Shane arched an eyebrow. "What?" "Look, Shane. Although I appreciate the offer, it's just too good to be true. There's no way you are offering to pay that much money just to express an apology. It's incredible." She bit down on her lower lip. "Who the hell does that, really?" She chuckled dryly. He tried as hard as he could to still the reaction her biting down on her rosy lips set in his body. It was definitely not the right time for that. "I doubt any man will pay that much money just for an apology without expecting something in return, and with the recipient being a lady, we both know how it goes, Shane. I'm