“Don’t you ever get lonely, Rebecca?” Slade asked the question in a soft insidious drawl that wound around her brittle defences. “Perhaps that’s why I want a child.” “Exactly.” He walked toward her, his eyes holding hers in challenge. “Doesn’t it seem wasteful to turn me away when I’m right here on your doorstep? On your own admission, you find me attractive enough to consider having a child by me. So why not take this opportunity, Rebecca? Why not go for what you want?” She could not wrench her eyes from the hypnotic challenge in his. She could feel her heart hammering wildly. Her mouth had gone completely dry. She knew she would somehow deny all he said, but she could not find the will to take that critical step away from him. “You can tell me to go or ask me to stay. Make your choice, Rebecca.”