Chapter 19. Alpha’s Proxy

VENUS

I was immediately taken back by his confession. I had expected anything but this talk about feelings. Not that I had not noticed his subtle admiration of me, but I had hoped that was all to it. My wide-eyed reaction to his sudden confession prompted him to continue.

"I don't want you to think that I only agreed to help you because of my own selfish interests. I just wanted you to know. Gosh, maybe Emmaline was right, after all. You look tense like I asked you to donate a vital organ."

He sighed deeply, his shoulders rising and falling in line with his troubled breath. I felt sorry for him and I had no wish to lead him on with false promises. I took his hand, the contact not too intimate but enough to hold his attention. I was running late for lunch but I had to handle the present problem first.

"Maybe she is right. I am so grateful for all your help, taking me off the streets and finding me a job. Your sister opened her home to a str