Shadow Of Reality

on the street waiting for her to be out. Immediately he saw her coming throu

the window, casting a glow over the leather seats. Her heart pounded as she realized the gravity of what she was about to do. She had calle

ecisions because her life was too structured and filled with responsibilities. Yet here she was, going into an

tra care tonight, tying her auburn hair into a sleek ponytail and wearing her only nice dress-a simpl

s building, Hailey's stomach churned. The driver sto

e driver said, o

about the place screamed luxury showing the marble floors, crystal chandeliers, expensive art. It

, with her nerves growing by the second. When the doors finally o

ppearance. He was dressed casually in dark slacks and an open-collar

barely man

he said, st

agined, it's spacious, modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city. The luxury

e lock sending a chill down her spine. "Would you lik

ough she had stepped into a role she wasn't prepared for. Meanwhile, Damien seemed perf

walked over to her. "You look

dmitted, twisting her fingers

on softening. "I'm not here to make you u

t then she remembered the check in her purse, the money that could fin

id quietly.

owing a relief, satisfaction, maybe both. He ste

Hailey had felt from the beginning. Despite her nerves, she couldn't den

ear, his touch sending a spark through her. "Y

," she lied, he

down her arm before he stepped back. "I had dinner prepare

to unfold differently, more directly. But he wanted to talk,

greed, trying

he couldn't pronounce half of them, much less afford them. She sat across from Da

st. He listened attentively, never interrupting, his focus entirely on her. It was both unset

, a fragile thread between them. Hailey knew why she was here, and Damien hadn't invited her for casu

amien stood and extende

room, where the city lights cast a soft glow. They stood for a mo

y, still holding her hand. "I'm not ask

whispered, h

entle against hers. The kiss sent a shock through her, and for a moment, everything else i

rings attached.

eling that nothing about this

was sipping like her life depends on the dr

walked into his well furnished room. But, Hailey

her statement