Shadow Of Reality

en

ce of paper. Her eyes widened as she saw a check for more money than sh

," Damien said softly, watching her. "And then so

wn on the table before them, her mind spinning. It was too much to be too

eyes unreadable. "Because I

act and there it was the catch. Hailey's stomach churn

to spend more time with me. Just

f if there could be anything this simple to ease the struggle of her life. But she knew better. Nothing was ever that easy.

king her head, her voice thick with e

p her calm . "I'm not asking for anything you don't

at that moment, and she knew she had to keep things real. It was too much to turn down. She had to think about her mother and the medical bills that had consumed their lives, not to talk about her personal needs and some kind of lifestyle s

spoke gently, his tone disarming. "I'm not a monster, Hailey. I'm offering to help. You don't have to do anything

asn't as heartless as he appeared.The kind of man Damien has always been could surely make everyone to

rning signs in her mind. Hailey couldn't figure out what she needed o

softly as he rose from his seat.

ouldn't even figure out if she has any options, not after she had been left alone with the check. The check remained, a symbol of everythi

of thoughts running through her mind. She didn't want to owe anyone, especial

minated by the soft glow of the TV. Hailey stood in the doorway, watching her for a long time

what she

out Damien's business card, hesitated, and dialed t

n Will

d. "It's Hailey.

ight's rest. Hearing your voice e

to this morning?"

a night and nothing more?" Hailey

ys a winner and I never give up on anything." A smile ran through his cold face as he dropped his

ged some needs for her sick mother before leaving for work. She knew she'd be back very la

. She's well arranged to meet Damien tonight despite her long hours at work. Hailey