Ruthless by Shelia M. Goss Page B

to move you to another room.”
    â€œBut I’ve been paying my insurance. I worked for William Trusts Company,” Delilah responded. “I’m no longer working there, but my insurance should still be good.”
    â€œMs. Baker, if you had signed up with COBRA, then we could keep you in this private room, but because you didn’t, we will need to move you.”
    David made himself known. “Ms...” He squinted his eyes to read her name badge. “Ms. Lindsay, I’ll take care of her bill.”
    â€œWho are you?” Delilah asked.
    â€œI’m King. David King,” David told Delilah, then turned his attention to the hospital administrator. “I’ll take care of all her charges.”
    Delilah eyed him curiously.
    David gave the hospital administrator all the information she needed. She felt very satisfied because she couldn’t believe that David King, the media mogul, was talking to her. “Can I have your autograph? My friends will never believe this.”
    â€œYou can, but on one condition,” he said.
    â€œAnything,” she replied.
    â€œIt must not become public knowledge that I’m taking care of her bill.”
    â€œOf course. We here keep everything under strict confidentiality,” she assured him.
    David knew about the HIPAA law, but he also knew people. Laws were meant to be broken, or else folks wouldn’t break them.
    David wrote something special on a blank sheet of paper and signed it. “Just in case your friends don’t believe you, I’ll give you one of my business cards.” He handed her one of his gold-trimmed business cards, which contained only his office information.
    â€œWow. Thanks, Mr. King,” the hospital administrator said.
    â€œIt’s David. Now, remember, this is between me, you, and Ms. Delilah over there.” He nodded toward Delilah.
    â€œYes, sir. My lips are sealed. Thanks again.”
    David, assured that for now his secret was safe, held the door open for her. After she was gone, he walked over to Delilah’s bed and took a seat. “No need to thank me,” he said.
    â€œWhy did you do that? You don’t know me,” Delilah said.
    â€œNot yet. But hopefully, we’ll get to know each other better.”
    â€œNo one has ever put themselves out there like that for me.” Delilah seemed stunned.
    â€œYou didn’t ask to be in this situation. I don’t see why you shouldn’t be afforded the best health care.”
    â€œDon’t get me started. I have money in the bank, but the time I’ve spent in here is going to wipe that clean. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you,” Delilah said.
    That was the opening David had been waiting for. “Actually, I do. I need a favor. And you’re the only one who can help me.”
    â€œFrom me?” Delilah pointed at herself. “I don’t know you. I know who you are. You’re David King, but I don’t know you. How can I help you?”
    â€œI was here the night you came to. The night Sheba told you she was your sister.”
    â€œYou’re Bathsheba’s husband. Wait a minute. The man she introduced me to was named Ur something. I would have remembered if it was you.”
    David laughed. “Her husband’s name is Uriah. I’m their friend.”
    â€œOkay. Fine. Now that’s been established. How can I help you?”
    â€œYou’re feisty, aren’t you?” David asked. His eyes sparkled.
    â€œThat’s one word to describe me,” she responded.
    â€œI can trust you, can’t I?” David asked.
    â€œIt depends. What am I going to get out of it?” Delilah asked.
    â€œI think a paid hospital bill is a good down payment on more to come, if need be.” David eased his chair closer to the bed.
    â€œSpell it out. A man like you comes to a woman like me only for one reason. Being that I’m not looking my best and I am