Mortification reddened her cheeks. “Yes.”
I winced. “I never imagined your impression of me was t-that bad.”
“Excuse me for thinking the worst. You’re obviously a very rich and very powerful man. Considering the way you look, I’m sure you don’t have to pay anyone for sex, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have some weird kink.”
The corners of my lips quirked. “A kink for fucking speech p-patholgists who t-treat me?”
She rolled her eyes. “It’s possible.”
“No, D-Dr. Whitfield, my offer comes without strings.”
Sarah stared at me before finally nodding. Apparently, curiosity got the best of her because she undid the prong on the envelope. After peeking inside, she gasped. “There’s really money in here.”
“I t-told you there was.”
“I can’t believe it,” she murmured.
“The one t-thing you can t-trust is I’m a man of my word.”
Rolling her eyes, Sarah replied, “You’re so full of shit.”
“I can assure you it’s the truth.”
“Remember that pesky part where you kidnapped me?”
“My associate did that.”
“Whatever,” Sarah grumbled, as she ran her fingers over the hundred-dollar bills sticking out from the envelope. Silence hung heavy around us. “You’re really offering to give me this money and let me walk away?”
“Yes.”
Others would’ve thought I was taking a huge gamble. What person wouldn’t have taken the money and run for the hills after being kidnapped? Sarah would have to be insane to stay.
But I remained wearing my poker face because I knew who she really was. She was someone with overwhelming empathy. Even though she hated herself for it, I knew my story affected her. The decency within her wouldn’t allow her to walk away. Although she wasn’t a medical doctor, she certainly believed in the Hippocratic Oath when it came to treating those in need.
With brows furrowed, Sarah raised her gaze to pin me with an intense stare. “If I stay, I have some requests I’d like granted.”
Fuck me. My insane plan had actually worked. While my heart began beating erratically at her statement, I kept my expression impassive. “Such as?”
“Every Wednesday I have a standing dinner with my brother. He…” A frown creased her brows as she fought her emotions. “Even though he has high-functioning Down Syndrome, he won’t understand me canceling on him for a week or two. It would hurt his feelings. And I refuse to make him worry if I said I’m sick or something.”
“I don’t see why that would be a problem.”
Her eyes popped wide in surprise. “It won’t?
“As long as one of my men accompanies you.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes, Dr. Whitfield.”
“And who is lacking in trust now?”
“It’s not only about trust. It’s ensuring your safety.” At her questioning look, I added, “As I’ve told you, I’m an important man–one with enemies. While you’re in my home, I want to ensure your safety at all times.”
“That makes me feel so much better,” Sarah huffed.
Although I hated ignoring her discomfort, I changed the subject. “What was another one of your requests?”
