The Homeless Billionaire

Chapter 7

"Jaimie is okay. Thanks again for nursing me. If not, I wouldn't have been able to produce milk. I've been feeding him with baby formula for a while now," I said, looking at him shyly and still a little bit scared.

Men scare me these days, even though I try not to let them. But after living with a man like Dale, it's not almost impossible not to be afraid of men and the things they are capable of.

"That's good to hear," he replied.

I finally mustered up the courage to speak about the obvious reward I knew he was expecting.

"Um... To repay you, you can have my body," I offered. I quickly put Jaimie, who had fallen asleep after breastfeeding, on the bed.

"I know my body isn't much, but it's all I have to offer as payment. I'll forever be grateful for the way you helped us out. You're free to do anything you want with my body," I whispered, my voice trembling.

Dread filled me and bile rose in my throat at the intimacy I was inviting. But I was ready to go through with it. After everything Dale had done to me, this was a small payment for the help the drunkard had rendered me.

He seemed genuinely surprised this time around. He stared at my face for a few minutes, then spoke up.

"Listen, we went over this the previous night, you don't have to pay me for anything I've done for you. I did it because I wanted to. You don't need to give me your body because of it," he said slowly and gently.

I was baffled and confused. Men don't just do things for free. It's as simple as that.

He probably saw the confusion and uncertainty on my face because he added, "You don't owe me anything. I just wanted to help, and I'm glad you're feeling better. You and your baby needed to be taken care of."

This drunkard is really confusing me. My face said so.

"I mean it, lady." He groaned.

What he called me reminded me that I didn't even know his name.

"Please what's your name?" I asked him at last. He has helped me a lot and I don't even know his name...

He shrugged, "You don't need to know. We won't be seeing each other again anyway."

"Oh," I tried to hide my disappointment and also, I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. This man, who I barely knew, had shown me more kindness than anyone had in a long time. And he didn't want anything in return.

"Thank you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for everything."

He smiled at me and said, "No need to thank me. I'll leave you to rest now. Take care of yourself and your baby." And with that, he turned and left the room.

I lay there, staring at the ceiling, feeling a mix of emotions. I was grateful, relieved, and also a little bit confused. But most of all, I felt a sense of hope. Maybe not all men were like Dale. Maybe there were still good people in the world, who were willing to help others without expecting anything in return.

TANNER

As I stood in the empty room, I couldn't help but wonder why I was still there. I had brought this girl and her baby to this house, a place I knew I would never have use for again, a place I didn't want to be in if I could help it. But, despite my desire to leave, I found myself reluctant to go until I knew she was stronger health-wise.

I grabbed two bottles of beer and prepared to leave. I had made the decision to help her secure a job and then leave. With that thought in mind, I stepped out of the room.

As I walked into the living room, I saw her sitting on the bed, freshly bathed and dressed in a simple but well-fitting dress I had bought for her. I couldn't explain why, but seeing her in the dress brought a sense of satisfaction.

"You're done with your bath and that of Jaimie's?" I asked, nodding towards the sleeping baby on the bed.

"Yes, I'm done," she replied in a soft voice.

"I've decided to help you get a job," I stated.

Her eyes widened in fear and she shook her head, "No! I can't."

It was clear to me that she was on the run. "This job will be safe for you. You'll be working in a library. The owner, an old keeper, is looking for a bookkeeper. If you're running from the law, that's the best place to work. Only a few customers go there."

She thought about it for a moment. "Why are you helping me?" she asked, looking bewildered.

"I just want to," I replied automatically. My gaze shifted to the sleeping baby on the bed and then back to the mother.

"Thank you so much. I really appreciate it," she whispered, gratitude evident in her voice.