The Offer

Rheya’s POV

You could cut the tension in the room with a knife. I am struggling to process the predicament I have landed myself in. 

Standing across from me is a living legend, the kind that makes grown men pee in their pants upon hearing his name. 

I have heard tales of him; some I even mocked were exaggerations until I saw the expressions on my uncle’s face while he told me the man was no joke.

I want to leave, but Kendra’s gorilla grip is solid.

The little girl is strong and scared. She’s just a child – his child.

“Let me put her to bed,” I said as I walked toward the staircase.

He blocked my way. His eyes looked menacing and determined. 

Of course, he wanted me gone. 

Does he think I don’t want to leave? The man just called me a slut!

“Kendra’s grip is tight, and she is not letting go,” I whispered. “Either you let me put her to sleep so I can sneak out, or you pull her off me. It’s your call.” I continued.

He let out a defeated sigh and stepped aside.

I walked up the stairs with Kendra. She pointed to her room and we went in.

Her grip remained strong.

“We have to put on some pajamas so you can go to bed."

She shook her head, determined not to let go.

“Kendra, it’s been a long day. We should both get some rest.” I tried coaxing her.

She still wouldn’t budge. I opened up the blankets, kicked off my shoes, sat on the bed, and covered my legs with the blankets. 

Kendra let go of my neck and slid down on the bed under the blankets. She hugged my waist. I sat in silence. 

She didn’t sleep. I didn’t expect her to fall asleep quickly, not when she thought I was about to leave her.

I kept patting her back while humming a soft tune. After a while, she finally fell asleep. I waited a few more minutes before I tried to remove her hands from my waist.

But they tightened. A sound of protest came from her. Even in her sleep, I can’t win.

I felt defeated.

My eyes felt heavy. The weight of exhaustion of the day was starting to catch up. 

Just five more minutes, and I’ll try to get these little hands off me.

Luke’s POV

I washed my face and looked in the mirror. Her hand was printed on my face.

This firecracker has a mean backhand.

In my domain, it’s rare for anyone to dare look me in the eye.

But she did, berated me, and slapped me.

She’s trouble, but I can’t get rid of her.

For some odd reason, Kendra likes her so much that she looked disappointed in me.

I called my assistant. “Investigate Rheya Wilson, and find surveillance footage from all cafes in the city. I want to know what happened to my daughter and if meeting Rheya was actually a coincidence. I want results by 9am tomorrow morning,” I instructed before hanging up.

If I am going to keep her around, I need to know that she is not a danger to my daughter.

She seems to like Kendra too. The way she held her was protective.

But when she whispered in my ear, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up.

The heat of her breath felt intoxicating. I must be crazy to think that.

I made my way to Kendra’s room. I opened the door quietly.

Kendra was fast asleep. She looked peaceful today, more peaceful than I’ve seen in a very long time. 

My eyes darted to Rheya, who was sleeping beside her, not comfortably.

It looked like she fell asleep trying to get her to fall asleep.

I went to wake her up but noticed two tiny hands hugging her waist firmly when I uncovered the blanket.

It surprises me to see my daughter this clingy toward another person.

I must admit, she looks angelic when she’s asleep. Wake up, Luke; potential threat here!

I plopped myself on the pullout chair beside them. 

I guess this is going to be a long night.

…………………………………………………………………………………..

I woke up to the rustling of chains. It was Rheya picking up her bag and shoes before trying to tiptoe out of the room.

She didn’t notice I had woken up.

Somehow I didn’t want to startle her, so I watched quietly as she left.

I followed her.

“Where are you going?”

She looked startled, like she didn’t expect to see me.

“I have work to do. Besides after last night, I’m not expecting any hospitality,” she spat.

Yep! There’s that fire again. I swear if Kendra didn’t like her, I wouldn’t even be wasting my time.

"Stay."

“What?”

“As a live-in caregiver,"

She chuckled sarcastically.

“This is a joke, right?”

“Clearly I can’t stand you,” I said firmly

"Likewise".

“But Kendra likes you. I don’t know why. So name your price."

“Mr Raygan, I would love nothing more…” she paused.

Just as I thought. There is a motive. How much is she going to ask for?

“You’d love nothing more?” I asked, my mind keen on hearing more.

“Than to never see you again."

My mind went blank for a second. Is she trying to drive a hard bargain?

“Ms Wilson, you have to understand. I don’t make the same offer twice and I don’t beg."

“And Mr Raygan, you have to understand. I don’t make deals with narcissists, especially the kind that accuse me of being a manipulative slut,” she said firmly before walking out the door and slamming it shut.

This is rather interesting. No woman has ever rejected my offer like that.