Chapter 03

I would have laughed at this man’s audacity if this were under normal circumstances, but I couldn't because no matter how absurd the whole thing was, I could see the seriousness in his eyes and knew there and then that he definitely meant what he was saying.

Slowly I stood up, “I'm sorry, what?” I asked and he chuckled.

“You heard me right, tiger. Become mine for one year and all shall be forgiven.”

I laughed now, “You've gotta be kidding me. You want me to sell myself to you like some sort of commodity? Because of money?”

“Plus an extra 50 million dollars.”

I stopped instantly, chewing my lip because okay, that was definitely a lot of money.

But submit myself to this man, totally? Is it worth the price?

“And if I say no?” I raised my chin stubbornly and he grinned.

“I do not believe you have a choice. THe offer stands, but your n o means your father will die. So actually you do have a choice. Become mine, or bury your precious father.”

How exactly is it that someone so beautiful could be so evil and cruel at the same time.

How could he just sit there so casually, threatening lives without a flinch?

I guess they do call him the devil for a reason.

And there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. I know what he was trying to do. To humiliate me, to prove that he could be able to get me after what happened in the club the other night.

Fine!

If that is how he wants to play it. So the devil loves playing games? I'll give him one.

“Fine,” I answered and lifted my chin stubbornly, “I will need the money sent immediately. Yes, i fucking be your pet.”

De Luca’s triumphant smile had my skin crawling but I said nothing as I stood up, walked over to me and his hand fisted my hair.

“Good girl.” There was that glint in his eyes and I had no idea what it meant, not that I was interested in finding out.

His eyes locked unto mine as he bent his head slowly leaning closer and closer to me.

And by heavens - I wanted to kiss him. The realisation shocked me just as much as it marvelled me.

He had beautiful full lips and I wanted - no, needed to know what it feels like.

Where was it coming from? This sudden heat that has made its way into my blood and was rapidly burning me up as I felt myself getting lost in his ocean of deep blue eyes.

De Luca’s lips inched closer to mine and I could feel his warm breath on my face.

I took a sharp breath pulling myself and senses together before jerking away from him.

“Sorry, demon. Service comes after payment.”

He grinned and let go of my hair.

“Fine. Write down your details before you leave. Do not try any funny moves on me, Montgomery. I have my eyes on you - don't forget that.”

All he got in response was a glare from me, before I turned and wrote down my details and left.

The moment I hit the street, the fresh air that hit my face was accompanied by a slap of reality and followed by a gush of shame.

What have I done?

Traded my freedom, my dignity for money?

But it wasn't just for money right?

It was for my father - it was for my dad’s life because I could not just let him die.

Besides, it's just for a year.

But that didn't in any way make me feel better as I walked down the streets slowly to our house.

******

The money got in that same night before I went to bed and as I stared at the multiple digits in my phone, I was shivering. Really shivering, because it was so unbelievable and like a dream come true.

Is that how rich this man was? He could go this far just to have a woman for one year?

50 Million dollars?

I went to sleep, while I was mentally calculating all the ways I could spend the money.

Of course after the one year service was over.

The next day, before evening, I was standing before a gigantic house with two huge men behind me and maybe the demon in there waiting for his prey.

“This is it.” My journey to loss of self worth begins here.

It hasn't been easy lying to my father about where I was going to - not easy at all.

And I knew some sort of instinct might have made him suspicious when my urgent notice came after he got a ca;l from De Luca’s men cancelling his debts.

But after several hours, and lots of carefully weaved lies, I finally managed to convince him.

For all he knows, I was in Detroit on a one year job contract which I already accepted an installment payment on.

I am really doing this.

I followed men inside the house and saw the bastard leaning casually in a and oh looking so beautifully hot.

“Claire - I was half suspecting you to make a run for it with my money.”

I shrugged, trying to mask my nerves with nonchalance, “I ain't gonna lie. You would be shocked by how many times the thought crossed my mind.”

“A loyal lady. I like you, claire.” He grinned and stood up.

I swallowed as he took long strides towards me covering the distance between us and grinned, “Now - i have just one thing to do.”

Before I could ask, he captured my lips with his in a heated kiss