Read Online The Billionaire's Forbidden Desire by Nadia Lee - Free Book Online Page B

you.’ This house has over twenty bedrooms, and I’m the only one living here. I’m sure we can spare one of them for you. Maybe even two.”
    She didn’t want to stay in this house, no matter how many bedrooms it had, after the mention of propositioning. Salazar might still try something. Without Chad, she was in a vulnerable position…just like she’d been with George.
    “I have a dog.” She tilted her chin up, watching for Salazar’s response. Chad had always said that being mean to animals was the surest sign a person was a jerk. If Salazar reacted badly to Roco, she’d leave and take her chances at a homeless shelter for the night and figure something out later.
    “Is it with you?”
    “
He
. And yes, he’s downstairs. Your butler said he couldn’t come up here with me.” Now that she thought about it, that might have been some kind of sign already.
    He shrugged. “As long as he doesn’t bark all night.”
    She cleared her throat. “Thank you for your hospitality.”
    Salazar nodded. “You’re too skinny. How bad is your situation, really? You look like you haven’t seen food in weeks.”
    “I’m not…” She pulled her lips in, embarrassed. She hadn’t eaten since she’d fled Seattle, saving her money for Roco. “I haven’t had much appetite lately.”
    “Well, that’s understandable. Why don’t we get you fed? One of my sons—Mark? Ring any bells?—owns a couple of restaurants in town. I’m sure he can give us a table, and we can do a quick, early supper.”
    “Sure. I’d like that,” she said, her shoulders sagging a bit. She’d noticed Salazar hadn’t said anything about not having a grudge against Betsy, but right at the moment she wasn’t going to bring it up.
    One step at a time.
    “Afterward, I need to stop by a charity auction. You should come along. It’s Elizabeth’s gig. You know her, right? Elizabeth Pryce-Reed?”
    Sophia nodded gamely, although she had a slightly sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Elizabeth was Salazar’s sister’s only daughter. This could get awkward.
    “Don’t look so torn. It’s going to be a grand affair. I’m getting old, so I gotta do my good deeds while I can. You know, to be able to sneak my way past the Pearly Gates when it’s my time.” Salazar laughed. “She’s going to hit me up to feed some children somewhere. No matter how much she raises every year, there’re always more hungry people somewhere in the world.” Salazar slapped both palms on his desk and stood up. “Okay! Why don’t you freshen up and change into something a little dressier? If you don’t have anything, Al can find you something acceptable. God knows the boys’ girlfriends have left enough clothes here over the years. And we can discuss how we can help you get back on your feet.”

Chapter Eleven
    Dane looked out his office window. On this day, three years ago, Shirley had died.
    Probably nobody else remembered. Nobody had been upset about her death but him anyway.
But the circus of grief was astounding
, he thought sourly. If it had been a movie, everyone would’ve gotten Oscars.
    Suddenly images of Sophia at her father’s funeral flashed through Dane’s mind. Her tears and open expression of loss. She’d dashed off all of a sudden, right in the middle of the ceremony, and Dane had hidden himself among the trees. Desperation and something else had driven her that day, but he still didn’t know what it was.
    And he had no idea why he’d felt the almost overwhelming urge to show himself and embrace her, tell her everything was going to be all right.
    A part of him wanted to check up on her, see how she was doing. He wouldn’t have to do it himself. The family’s PI on retainer, Benjamin Clark, would be more than happy to put a man on her.
    Except that would be so damn stalkerish.
    Dane grimaced.
    Besides, what was there to check? Given how well off Rick Reed had been, she was going to be fine. She’d find some nice schmuck to marry and