I couldn't even believe I'd actually done it-I'd picked up a stranger off the street and brought her into my home.

I could tell from Brian's look-my driver and bodyguard-that he thought I was losing my mind. I couldn't blame him. I'd never done anything like this before, never dared to step out of line or do something that strayed from what was expected of an oil magnate.

At least I could blame the illness. I could say the news had shaken me up and led me to make a crazy decision.

But the truth was, I didn't know what I'd seen in her, but something had stirred in me and driven me to want to take care of her, to give her a different life.

That's why, when I saw her on that rooftop about to jump, I didn't think twice before running to save her.

The idea of having a child had been somewhat random-I admitted I'd said it more as an excuse to get her to come with me. But now, watching Sophia enchanted by every corner of the house as I showed her around, the idea was starting to settle in my mind.

"I need to go back," she said, snapping my attention back to the present.

"I thought we'd moved past the part where you want to keep running and that you'd finally let me help."

"Of course we've moved past that. I don't want to go back, but I need to get my backpack-my documents, my clothes. Everything I own is still there."

Oh, so that's what it was. I breathed a sigh of relief and pointed to the other door for her to enter. This would definitely be her room-of course, she could choose any of the others scattered throughout the house, but this one, besides being next to mine, also had a magnificent view.

"As for clothes, we'll buy new ones. But Brian picked up your backpack-it's in the car." She tore her gaze from the light pink walls and looked at me in surprise.

"How did he get it? There's no way you could have known I'd come with you!"

"No, but a prepared man is worth two. Now come see this view." I strode across the room and opened the doors leading to the balcony. But Sophia stood frozen in the middle of the room, eyeing me suspiciously. "I didn't know if you'd come with me or not, but I wasn't going to leave you there knowing you were being pursued."

I didn't know what had happened in her life, but I knew it couldn't have been easy, given how wary she was of everything. I hoped to find out soon. I'd already put some men on digging into her family background-even though I'd prefer she tell me herself, opening up to me-but I couldn't afford that luxury. I needed to know who Sophia was and what she was running from.

"I need my backpack," she murmured without taking a single step toward me.

"I'll have it brought to your room. You just have to pick one." I extended my hand toward her, realizing I'd have to treat her like a frightened little animal that had just been rescued. "Come see the view-I'm sure it'll convince you."

She glanced at the open door, then back at my hand, before taking a step in my direction. Sophia didn't take my hand, but she came out onto the balcony, and in her eyes, I saw pure wonder as she took in the expanse.

The view encompassed the entire property-she could see the tennis court, the field, the greenhouse, and the whole garden.

"Oh my God, this is... beautiful." Her eyes darted everywhere, trying to take it all in. "Is all this yours?"

I smiled at the shock in her voice as she asked if it was all mine. Sophia truly wasn't familiar with my world, and for some reason, that made me like having her around even more.

"Yes, everything here is mine. But this isn't my largest property-the biggest one is in Italy..."

"Italy? Like, the country Italy?" She interrupted me in surprise, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Yes, Italy-the country. You'll see it. I'm sure you'll love the place." I stepped closer to her, grinning at her wide eyes. "I'll take you there myself. I'll show you the whole country."

The wind blew stronger, tousling her hair and sending the blonde strands across her face. On impulse, I raised my hand to her cheek and tucked the hair behind her ear.

Our gazes locked for a second. Sophia stared into my eyes almost as if they held all the answers she needed. The most intense blue irises I'd ever seen-like a damn natural pool inviting me to dive in.

Then she quickly turned her face away, brushing my hand aside and breaking our connection.

"But I don't have a passport. I've never traveled anywhere."

"That's not a problem. We can get one today if you want." I turned to face forward, taking a deep breath and staring at the landscape and the blue sky. "Now that you can travel wherever you want, you'll need a passport."

We stood there in silence for a while, just looking ahead without saying or doing anything. Even though I had a million questions for her, I didn't want to scare her off-after the craziness of today, she'd easily run away.

I don't know how much time had passed before Jenna came into the room and called me.

"Oh, sir. I didn't know you had company." She hurried to say when she saw Sophia.

"Come here, Jenna. This is Sophia, and she's going to live here from now on." I stated, catching a somewhat uncertain glance from the blonde. I knew she still had doubts-it would be strange if she didn't. "Sophia, this is Jenna, our housekeeper."

The woman I'd known for half my life gave one of her warm smiles and shook Sophia's hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, miss. I just came to let you know lunch will be served soon. If I'd known we had company, I'd have made something you'd like."

"Mine? Oh, no-don't trouble yourself over me. I eat absolutely everything. I'm not picky at all." Sophia responded quickly, and Jenna's eyes flew to me.

I could imagine what was going through her head-that Sophia wasn't like the spoiled, fussy rich girls I usually brought home.

"Okay then, dear. I hope you enjoy lunch." She smiled and turned to leave. "I'll leave you two alone."

I'd have to clarify to her that nothing was happening between Sophia and me, or Jenna and the rest of the household staff would assume she was just another one in my bed.

"So, what do you think of the room?" I asked, and once again, she looked around, taking it all in.

"It's beautiful. I think I'll stay in this one."

"You think?" I questioned, intrigued by her hesitation in choosing a place to sleep. "You can try a few rooms until you find your favorite."

"It's not about the room-it's about you being kind, generous, and all smiles." Okay, I hadn't realized that. "Why do you want to help me, be kind and friendly? None of that makes sense in my head. You have all this-" she pointed to the view in front of us. "Why would you want to help me, give me access to all of it?"

I didn't understand it either-I didn't know why she'd awakened this in me. But still, there we were.

"I have this too." I pulled my phone from my pocket and opened the photo showing the tumor in my brain. "And an expiration date. One year-that's all I have."

"I... I'm sorry." She murmured, looking at the phone and seeing the spot in my brain.

"I understand your insecurity and fear, but I promise I won't harm you. I don't know what made me want to help you when thousands of people out there need it too, but something about you did. I just want the time I have left to be used for something good-something that will last, something to be remembered. I want my family's name to have a future. That's all!"

Sophia sighed, her eyes roaming my face, lingering for a second on my lips before focusing back on my eyes.

"Are you telling me you won't do anything to me that I don't want?" The whispered question veered through my mind, and I couldn't help looking at her pink, slightly parted lips.

Was she really trying to tell me that?

It was strange being inside that enormous house, with that imposing man and his intense honey-colored eyes on me, as he continued talking about the craziest offer anyone could ever make.

"Are you telling me you won't do anything to me that I don't want?" I asked, needing to be sure he had no other intentions.

"I would never touch you without your consent," he replied, his voice as low as mine. "All I want is for us to be friends and for you to carry the future of the Donavans. Is that what you want too?"

I had no idea how to answer that, but my eyes drifted down his flawless face, tracing the thin beard that framed his full lips, which seemed to always wear a slight smile.

William was a mix of power, money, and beauty-men like that were dangerous. But I didn't know why he gave me a sense of trust. Maybe it was because he'd stopped me from falling off the building, or simply because he'd quickly gotten me off the streets. The fact was, I didn't usually trust anyone-my instincts were sharp-but something inside me was pushing me toward him.

His body moved closer to mine, and his fingers rose to my face, tracing the contour of my cheek and sending shivers down my spine. Heat spread through my body, my heart raced in my chest, and my breathing grew uneven.

"I think I can do this," I whispered as his eyes focused on my lips.

I couldn't let something like that happen. He'd just said we'd be friends, and that's how we should act.

"You think?"

He was asking for a child, not my body. I could help him have an heir, get rid of that sick monster for good, and have far more than I needed. There was just one thing I had to make sure of.

"But I will never give up this baby. You have to put it in writing that under no circumstances will you take him from me!"

"I would never do that. My child will need a mother-especially after I'm gone. And as I said before, someone who's not just interested in money will be perfect to teach him everything he needs." He smiled, taking a step back without breaking eye contact. "I'll let you take a shower and change. Just don't take too long-lunch is already on the table."

It was strange to think that a man like him, who had everything, was dying. William seemed full of life, and he undoubtedly had more money than I'd ever see in my lifetime-a fortune he couldn't even spend, and a legacy with no one to pass it on to.

No matter how uncertain everything he'd told me was, I couldn't help feeling sad for him. The man had just saved the life of an unknown waitress who slept on a park bench. How could I think badly of him?

"Thinking about jumping from there?" The question made me jump before I even turned to see who had come in. The driver was staring at me with narrowed eyes, as if he didn't like my presence in the mansion. "William asked me to bring your backpack."

He held out the somewhat dirty blue bag, more patched up than I'd like. I didn't think twice before stepping forward and clutching everything I owned in this life. But the man didn't let go, keeping me close to him.

"What..."

"I don't know what you're up to or what you want from Mr. Donavan, but I won't let you take advantage of him in a vulnerable moment," he said lowly, staring at me up close. Before I could say anything, his hands released the bag, leaving me stumbling backward as he left the room.

What had just happened? How could I want to take advantage of his boss when it was William himself who had dragged me out of the diner and brought me to his house?

I shook my head, took a quick shower, and-feeling immense shame-put on the only dress I owned. It was either that or keep wearing the jeans he'd seen me in when I arrived.

"I was about to come look for you." William appeared at the bottom of the stairs as I reached the second-to-last step, his eyes scanning my body from head to toe.

He was surely regretting bringing a poor girl home now. The lilac summer dress covered in cupcakes-one I'd had since I was fifteen-was worn out. The straps were so thin they barely held up my breasts, and the skirt only reached mid-thigh.

"Is something wrong?" He didn't answer, and I felt even worse, wearing such old clothes while he was in an impeccable dress shirt, perfectly tailored pants, and polished shoes. "I can change if you want..."

I turned to go back up the stairs, but I tripped over my own feet and fell forward. It all happened in a split second-I closed my eyes, bracing to hit the floor. But strong, firm hands gripped my waist, holding me steadily facing him.

"I got you," William murmured as he lifted me, but instead of letting me go, he kept me pressed against his body. "I'm not letting you go, cupcake."

I swallowed hard, feeling his body against mine just like on that rooftop. I could feel his chest pressing into me while his strong arm stayed around my waist. I took a deep breath to compose myself, but his scent filled my lungs, causing the exact opposite-it made me want to slide my nose along his neck and feel every inch of his skin.

"Sir, Miss Megan is here to see you," his driver said, making us pull apart in the same instant.

"Thank you, Brian." William smoothed his shirt and took another step away from me. "Show her where lunch is served. I'll be right back."

He quickly left the room, leaving me behind with that brute who eyed me suspiciously, while I wondered who Megan could be and what the hell had just happened on those stairs.

For a moment, I had her far too close to me-so close that I could see the little green flecks scattered in her blue irises. We were so near each other that I could have kissed her. The idea crossed my mind, and I quickly pushed it away. Sophia had agreed to the baby, and I needed to keep things friendly. I had to stick to that, no matter how difficult it was-especially after seeing her in that dress, which made her look even sweeter.

"She's off-limits to you, William. Get a grip!"

"Who's off-limits to you?" Megan's voice snapped me back to the present. "It's so good to see you after all this time, Will."

"Good to see you too, Megan." I approached and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.

"I have to admit, I was surprised by your call-especially with Amber out of the country." Megan said, sliding her nails down my shirt in an irritating way. "We only ever meet when it's with her."

"Well, today is a different occasion." I stepped back to escape her touch, just as I dodged the topic of Amber. "A friend needs a complete wardrobe overhaul, and I knew you'd be the best for the job."

After seeing everything Sophia had in that backpack, I couldn't put off buying her new clothes until tomorrow. She had nothing besides that dress and a couple of t-shirts.

"Of course-it'll be a pleasure to help. Any friend of yours is a friend of mine!" she said enthusiastically. "But just so you know, I brought some things that Amber would love as a gift. After all, her birthday is coming up."

"Amber's been in Milan for over two months. I'm sure she won't come back wanting clothes." I smiled at her just as Brian entered the room. "I'll let you get settled, and I'll be right back. If you need anything, Brian can help you."

I left eagerly, anxious to have lunch with Sophia. Something stirred inside me, urging me to go to her-the same way it had when I'd left her in the room to get ready.

I didn't want to think about Amber right then. We hadn't seen each other in far too long. The last thing I wanted was to worry about what gift to give someone who already had everything. I was more interested in seeing what Sophia would think of the clothes when she saw them.

"Oh my God," I heard her murmur with her mouth full before I even entered the dining room. "This is divine, Jenna."

I leaned against the doorframe, watching the two of them. My housekeeper had a proud smile on her lips while Sophia chewed the food eagerly.

"Starting without me." I walked in, seeing those beautiful eyes widen at me as she swallowed with difficulty.

"Sorry, sir..." I gave her a censuring look, and she quickly corrected herself. "William-I couldn't resist the smell."

I smiled, sitting at the head of the table with her to my left. Her cheeks were red, as if Sophia was genuinely embarrassed for not waiting for me. It was so refreshing to see all that innocence and wonder in her eyes with every new discovery.

"I'm just teasing. You didn't have to wait for me to eat." I glanced at her plate and back to her face. "And from the moan I heard, the risotto is definitely approved."

Sophia blushed even more as the words left my mouth, and Jenna laughed in a way I hadn't heard from her in a long time.

"Let the girl eat before she chokes, William," Jenna murmured, still smiling as she left the room.

"Looks like you've already won an ally there."

"Jenna's been so kind to me, and she has magic hands. This is the best food I've ever had in my life." She raised her fork to her mouth, hypnotizing me as her lips wrapped around the silverware, taking in the food.

It shouldn't have been that fascinating, but I couldn't look away-not even when she started chewing. I had a vague notion that she'd said something, but my mind refused to process anything except her image.

When she brought the wine glass to her lips and a little dribbled down her chin, I leaned forward, grabbing the napkin from my lap and standing to wipe it for her.

"Oh!" Sophia exclaimed in surprise, and only then did I realize what I'd done.

It would have been sensible to pull back and apologize-say it was an impulse or a cleaning habit, which I clearly didn't have. But I couldn't say a word. I just stood there staring at her face, her eyes locked on mine, while my thumb held the napkin against her chin. What was I doing?

"Am I interrupting something?" Megan's voice broke the moment. I turned to see her entering the room with Brian, her eyes shifting to Sophia. "You must be the girl getting a whole new wardrobe. What's your name, sweetie?"

Sophia glanced at me quickly, a small crease forming between her perfect eyebrows. She was clearly confused by what Megan had just said, and I didn't blame her-I hadn't had the chance to tell her yet.

"Yes, that's her." I took the lead in the conversation. "Sophia is staying here and didn't bring any luggage, so she needs a new wardrobe."

"I can see that." Megan raised her eyebrows, looking Sophia up and down in a way I didn't like at all.

"You don't have to do this, William." Sophia's low tone brought my eyes back to her and her figure shrinking against the chair. "I have some savings. I can buy clothes later."

"I insist, Sophia. You're my friend, aren't you?" I asked, trying to convince her to accept, even though her face was tense.

"I am, but..." I reached my hand across the table, taking hers and interrupting her whispered refusal.

"Then there's no discussion about it. As my friend, you have to accept the gift without arguing. Megan will show you everything, and you can choose the entire collection if you want-even order more!"

Sophia lifted her gaze to the brunette at the door and lowered her shoulders. Megan looked like a model, just like the women she dressed-tall, slim, wearing very high, thin heels, always in high couture.

"Don't worry, cutie. I don't bite."