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step. She had a natural beauty about her that shone with innocent pleasure. This was the first time he d
seen an expression of happiness on her face.
No. I can very happily tell you that I was offered an incredible job yesterday with a wonderful
company. She took a step closer to him and poked him in the chest. He was so surprised by her surge
of confidence that he didn t think to stop her.
You can take your prostitution job and shove it up your a
That s enough, Rafe interrupted as he grabbed her hand and forced her to take several retreating
steps. He followed, speaking in a controlled voice barely above a whisper. I may like the fire in
you, Ari, but don t take my interest in you, my curiosity, as weakness. If or when I truly want to
possess you, it will happen. Leave no doubt about that. You can have your small victory, but be very
careful with what you say to me. There s nothing on this planet I like more than a challenge. Just
remember that when you play with me you will lose.
With those words he turned and walked away, leaving her standing in the hallway with her mouth
hanging open. He d taken her small victory and squashed it.
Chapter Eight
I have a meeting with the board of directors today, Mom. I m excited. I think things are going to
turn around for us, Ari said with a big smile.
That s great, darling, and I think you re right. I m feeling much better I even ate most of my
breakfast today. How was your night?
I got a job, a really great job, as an assistant to the vice president of a prestigious electronics
company. I may even get to do some traveling, but not for a while, Ari answered excitedly. Her
mother s concerned expression confused her.
I thought you were going to re-enroll in school, Ari. You won t be happy working as someone s
secretary. You re far too talented and smart for that.
I promise you I ll get back in school as soon as all this is over.
Ari, most college students who drop out for one reason or another find it impossible to return to
their studies. Life gets in the way. I will get my medical stuff figured out on my own. I want you to go
to school and finish what you started.
I give you my word that I ll go back. I can t concentrate on doing homework and attending
classes when I know you need help. Think of it from my perspective, Mom. Would you be able to just
go on living your life if the situation were reversed? If I were the one lying in the hospital bed
needing surgery, could you just pretend it wasn t happening? Ari challenged.
Her mother looked at her for a few minutes as if trying to come up with the correct words, then
glanced down. Ari knew her mom wouldn t lie to her, so she instead chose to say nothing.
I ll be back by to visit with you, but I have to run right now. I m going to charm those board
members and then we ll get you into surgery and back on your feet before you know it. Everything has
turned around now that you re awake. Can t you feel the good karma in the room? Ari said with
another smile. She bent down and kissed her mother s cheek, then walked from the room and made
her way to the elevator.
She admitted only to herself that she was shaking inside. She was intimidated at the idea of
meeting with the panel of board members who could grant her pro bono surgery, but she wouldn t
show that. If she gave the appearance of confidence, then they d see that the only right decision was to
give her mother the operation she not only needed, but deserved.
I m here for a meeting with Mr. Coolidge and the board members, Ari announced to the
secretary stationed on the executive floor.
Name, please?
Arianna Harlow.
They re waiting for you now. Go through the door on the left.
Ari tightened her purse on her shoulder and made her way to the door. She stalled when she
walked through, seeing all the exceptionally dressed men and women sitting around a large oval
table. One chair was available at the end. She assumed it was for her, but she didn t want to sit until
invited.
Ms. Harlow. Thank you for meeting with us. Please, have a seat over there so we can get
started.
I appreciate your taking the time to see me, she murmured as she made her way to the empty
chair. She should lift her head and make eye contact with each person there, but suddenly her nerves
were getting the best of her.
Each member of the board was a doctor, retired doctor, or important member of the community.
They had high-powered jobs and loads of cash, and Ari and her mother were nothing to them. For the
first time she accepted that the outcome might not go the way she needed it to.
We ve reviewed your mother s case and we have a few questions for you.
Ari glanced up at the stern-looking man sitting at the head of the table. The name plate before him
announced him as Mr. Coolidge, who was the chairman of the board. If she could get him on her side,
things would go a lot more smoothly for her. She d done her research.
I m willing to answer anything, Mr. Coolidge.
Our pro bono budget has been maxed out this month. We have many cases where patients don t
have enough insurance, or certain procedures aren t covered. We take pride in offering more
discounted surgeries than other places, but we do have to set a limit. After all, we are a business, and
if everyone had free surgery, we would go under. We ve looked through your application and can see
here that you aren t currently working. How do you expect to contribute to your mother s medical
costs?
I was hired for a new job yesterday with Sunstream Electronics. I have an excellent salary and
very few expenses right now. I can contribute 70 percent of my earnings each month toward my
mother s care, she answered proudly.
That s a step in the right direction, but it still won t be enough. The daily costs of a hospital stay
add up quickly. Your mother has already been here for two weeks now and her bill is& he paused
as he flipped through some papers. & a little over fifteen thousand. With the surgery she needs,
we re looking at a final bill of well over two hundred thousand dollars. Even if the hospital managed
to contribute funds, you d be expected to pay well over a hundred thousand of that. Do you have a
way of obtaining a loan, or possibly selling some personal property?
Ari s throat closed. There was no way a bank would lend her that kind of money. She had nothing
to back up the loan, no credit, and barely any work experience. Up until six months ago, she d only
been a college student. A financial institution would have to be crazy to give her the cash.
I ve filled out all the forms you gave me. I haven t heard back from the businesses yet, but expect
to at any time, she squeaked past the tightness in her throat.
I m going to be honest with you, Ms. Harlow. This doesn t look good. If we don t have a solid
plan within the next few days, we re going to have to discharge your mother.
You can t do that! You can t just send her away when you know that she ll die, Ari begged.
As I told you, this is a business, Ms. Harlow. We don t like denying treatment to anyone, but as I
already told you, we can t afford to offer surgeries to patients who can t pay for them.
Ari s heart was breaking as she struggled with what to say next.
Do you have another possible way of obtaining the funds possibly a& friend who could lend
you the money?
Ari s head whipped around as she recognized that voice. Her startled glance clashed with Rafe
Palazzo, who was sitting at the far corner of the table. She d had no idea he was a part of the hospital
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