page9 (1/2)
The word “over” echoed in her head, which suddenly felt empty, like a stretched balloon
“There’s no reason for it to be over,” Quint said “You’ve still got me”
She disot to offer Or should I say, how I feel about what you want to take But hey, it’s you or nothing, right? I guess I don’t have any choice” She hated how bitter she sounded, but it was an accurate reflection of her feelings, so it couldn’t be helped
Quint’s brow came down in confusion, and maybe a little surprise “Is that so bad? I’ve had an earnest change of heart Your anger after our parting made me reconsider my motivations I realized after a feeeks of research and inquiry that a ood for everyone — not only ethically, but monetarily as well”
Amara found it hard to believe he could have had such an abrupt change of heart
He continued, undeterred by her obvious skepticiser, they can better ih the industry capitalists want to create for thelobal economy as equals in all senses”
Aet donations out of rich kinds like Quint
“I’m not concerned with my own profits,” he said “It’s always troubled me that an area so rich in natural resources was so destitute, monetarily and medically I now realize why It’s not only a remnant of colonial exploitation, but also a consequence of the hunger and desperation they face on a daily basis I’d like to help you change that, Amara”
“The university will certainly appreciate any donation you give, and I’m sure they’ll use it wisely, whether I’ Dean Wilson should be proud of her Maybe he’d be proud enough to let her keep her job now that her last sponsorship was pulled
“I’ even h a little inside “I want to make a direct, measurable difference in their lives, and I want to help you do that We’re on the sae this time, I swear”
Amara nodded slowly as he neared the end His sincerity was obvious, the regret all over his face as he spoke about his change of opinion and his desire to help Still, she was on edge, considering what happened the last ti her precarious position at theher everything
When she didn’t verbally respond, Quint went on “I do genuinely want to help, of course More specifically, I want to help you to help them Unfortunately, I findI need to ask of you in return for this assistance”
Ah, there it was, Aht It all made sense now The catch The quid pro quo She’d known ajust because it was the right thing to do Men like Quint always had ulterior motives
She crossed her arave her best disinterested expression “What do you want?”
“I suppose there’s no easy way to say it” He paused for ait out “I want you to have my baby”