ey'

lobby for three hours, watching the entrance

," Lily whispered

I'd bought her with my last five dollars was hou

eir laughter echoing off the marble walls. Designer gowns, expensive suits, the kind

I saw

crowd like a shark through water. His dark hair was perfectly styled, his gray suit probably cos

y. His assistant, a sharp-faced man with military bear

to Lily, though she was ha

This was insane. I was about to approach one of the most powerful men

e I ha

main exit. This was my ch

led out, my voice e

e across the space, and I felt like a butte

rds stepped forward. "M

need a

ng to have to a

rd his jacket. I clutched Lily tight

"She needs surgery, and I don't have the money. I hear

step b

arm, but Brett's voice

to

uld see him taking in every detail. My tangled hair, my chea

His voice was smooth, cultured, but th

about..." I swallowed hard. "About a busine

y guards snorted.

studied me for a long moment, and I felt l

There was amusement in his voice, but not t

said quietly. "My daughter needs surgery that costs

rd hung between us

my chin.

ering urgently. Brett listened without t

e said, his voice carrying the kind

professional smile that didn't reach

ett's reflection in the polished doors. He was

hat I'd just go

t her fever burning through her pajamas,

ed, and Marcus gestured

level," he said