Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right by Rosie Steppe

The moment my fingers brushed the fabric of the coat, I knew it was expensive. She handed it over so casually, and a wave of emotion hit me-gratitude tangled with guilt. I had come here with a calculated purpose, yet she responded with nothing but kindness and concern.

"Ma'am, this coat is far too valuable. I can't take it," I said.

"It's just a coat. There's no such thing as 'too valuable," she replied, her voice calm and steady, her easy dismissal of material things only deepening my guilt over my intentions.

But I couldn't back out. If I didn't follow through, Hayden's life-and mine-could be at risk.

I stood frozen, unable to move or speak, just staring at her.

"Is something wrong?" she asked, noticing the shift in my mood.

Pressing my lips together, I finally introduced myself. "Mrs. Drago, my name is Keira Kay."

She nodded slightly. "I know."

Her response surprised me. Before I could ask how, she explained, "I've seen your photo before."

That only added to my confusion. She sat on the edge of the bed and continued, "Some time ago, my son expressed interest in pursuing you. Naturally, I looked into you. But the moment I saw your photo, I knew he didn't stand a chance." So that was how she knew.

Her kind, approachable expression made it easier to breathe. I took a deep breath and said, "I came here because I need your help."

sit down and tell me," she said,

meeting her, I'd imagined she'd be distant and aloof, someone with an untouchable elegance. Instead,

didn't overthink it-I sat beside her. Sometimes, being

We conce.

help to save my life," I said bluntly. I didn't hold back, laying out the mess

finished, I looked her in the eye, every ounce of my sincerity on display. "If Mr. Drago and Cole can't get what they want, they'll make me-and the thing they're after-

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had a string of prayer beads in her hands, rolling them between her fingers. Her face

shocked. She

son were capable of. She couldn't stop them, so she'd chosen to live a life of quiet reflection, perhaps as

she said, her words simple and firm,

know what I'm asking?" I asked cautiously. The protection I needed wasn't something she could offer with just a

you need to do,

f

agreement caught me off guard, and guilt

I wouldn't resort to this if I had

need to explain," she said. In the dim room, her face seemed to glow-not from light, but from

I didn't know what to say. Then she asked, "Just tell me when

to cooperate so willingly made me feel small-manipulative,