Chapter 1

I was eighteen and an orphan with no degree, when a middle aged man came up to me at an alley while I was puffing on my second cigarette, and he gave me an offer that was going to change my entire life. I was desperate, with no vision for a better future. What can a lonely, poor girl like me do in a big city like Berlin? Benedict Slovak knew that the moment he laid his eyes on me and walked up to me. At the time I thought it was an easy way to make a living, until it wasn't.

As soon as I signed that contract Benedict gave me three days after our initial meeting at the alley, my entire life was uprooted. I never bothered to read through the fine lines, like I said, I was desperate. A week after, he came to my small, deadbeat one bedroom flat and told me to come with him.

      “Where you're going, you will not need a luggage. All your needs will be cartered to,” that is what he said, as he dragged me by the arm.

I had signed my soul to the devil, as I got shoved into his black SUV and driven out of the neighborhood I've called home all my eighteen years of living. Three hours later we were riding through black steel gates, the fencing dangerously high with bobwires.

Let's just say the experience I had eleven years ago was traumatic. We…I was stripped off all dignity and rewired into a pawn that served the government of Germany.

As I sit by the bar, manicured nails tapping the shiny wooden counter. My tongue stuck to my inner upper lip, as eyes sweeps the elegant bar area of the most luxurious, fancy hotel in Berlin. My body fitted in a white gown. I am here for a job. Eyeing for my prey to enter the room. He will. Soon. Because I did my research. Robert Hoffman checked into this hotel last night after the gala he was in attendance to stretched far too long. Regardless of him owning a house just a thirty minutes drive away, he still booked a room because he hates driving in the night.

My eyes subtle glances at the watch above the bartender working on a drink for the customer on my far right, the clock is nearing two in the afternoon. Usually, he checks out by one. He is an hour late. I tsk. For I hate it when things go off the script. However, my annoyance is cut short as I notice Robert descending the stairs with his chauffeur.

Quickly, I grab my red wine off the counter and quicken my steps towards Robert, almost jogging my way there. But as I got near, I start walking elegantly, brushing the crease on my dress down. Once I have located Robert's current position which is at the bottom of the staircase, I turn my head to the side feigning oblivion as I manage to crash into his back, tipping the wine glass more towards myself.

I gasp. Stumbling back as I stare at the vivacious red wine stain.

      “Oh mommy! Good lord! What have I done?” I gasp again feigning innocence as I lift my gaze to meet his angry scowl. “I am so sorry sir. Pardon me. Jeez! What can I do to…a napkin! I'll get you a napkin!”

I am so close to scurrying away to search for this napkin, when he grabs my wrist. His scowl has morfied into a look of concern.

     “Please, calm down. Accidents like this happen all the time. How about we get you a new dress. The one you have on is completely ruined,” he says, his eyes sweeping down my body, tongue darting out to lick his pink lips and swallows hard.

When his eyes look back to mine, I notice that they were a tinge darker than they were seconds ago. Lust. I know that look. From the homework I did on Robert Hoffman, I already knew he is a womaniser. And from his last girlfriend April Anderson, whom he is still taunting, he loves his women a little desperate and in need.

       “But sir, I ruined your tux,” I say, eyes darting unfocused, voice cracking, and body slightly trembling.

He laughs sweetly, now gripping my hand close to his chest, fingers massaging the inside of my palm. He is very handsome but dangerous as a viper.

       “I have many where this comes from, sweetheart,” he swoons at me, face a little close to mine and I can smell his minty breath. “Luckily for you, I have not checked out yet. How about we head to my room and change into something without a wine stain on it,” he says, but before I can respond he is already digging into the inside of his tuxedo blazer and pulls out a black card, without a glance flicking it towards his chauffeur who was standing behind him. “Get the lady a nice gown from the stores nearby. Make it sexy and beautiful as she is,” he orders.

I blush, biting my bottom lip.

     “Oh please no. I have already caused enough trouble,” I panic.

       “Nonsense! What kind of a gentleman would I be if I allow a lady like yourself walk around Berlin smelling like fermented grapes,” he says, prying the wine glass out of my grasp.

He shoves it to whoever was passing by. I am pretty sure they were a guest from the squeak and scowl they send his way, before quickly wiping it away with a fake smile when they register who they were glaring at.

        “Follow me,” he says to me, not really giving me much of an option as he pulls me with him up the stairs.

       “You are far too kind sir,” I say as soon as we reach the top of the stairs and start walking down the hallway.

He chuckles, his grip tightening around my hand for a brief moment. I have to stop myself from rolling my eyes at his tactic to seduce me.

   “Your voice is as sweet as honey, smooth like butter, and light as air. You remind me of my mother,” he says making me frown in disgust, as he finally let go of my hand to dig for the keycard from his pocket.

He works on getting the door open, and pushes it wide allowing me to enter first. The bed was still unmade as I walk in, my eyes taking in the unfamiliar surrounding. The plan was not to go into his room but only to get his attention. Enough to make him want more of me. I turn to face him, catching his eyes which were lingering on my butt as they now quickly shoot up finding my gaze. He holds no shame as he smiles sweetly at me.

   “You have beautiful eyes,” he compliments, rising his hand to tuck a loose strand behind my left ear.

       “Thank you,” I breathe out the words. 

His hand lowers, fingers tickling down my jawline, stopping beneath my chin as his thumb caresses my bottom lip which falls slightly open. Right now I am breathing deeply, chest heaving up and down as a result of nerves. My mind racing trying to find a way out of this situation.

     “What is your name sweetheart?” He inquires softly, almost seductively.

I take a deep breath, fixing my shoulders as to stand tall. Robert also loves a woman with an element of confidence.

     “Jennifer Schulz. You can call me Jen,” I lie when it comes to the first name, but even if he searches it online, I already have an entire profile ready. Even if he goes to home affairs the system knew of me.

I work for the government!

Robert frowns but still nods his head as he whispers, “Jen,” as if tasting the sound of it on his lips.

     “I am Robert Hoffman. You can call me prince charming,” he mocks, chuckling at his lame joke.

I smile softly as to not offend him. He tips my head up, eyes dancing around my face. I feel so small under his scrutinizing gaze.

    “You have striking features, Jen. Sharp and harsh, and yet soft and warm. I hope I am not being disrespectful to say, you make a lot of men excited,” he smirks, letting go of my chin, taking a few steps back creating some needed space between us.

I fix my gaze to the ground and clear my throat. Once I feel calm enough, I mumble, “I don't know what to say, Mr. Hoffman.”

He waves his hand as if there was a fly annoying him, his face scrunched up.

         “Robert. Just, Robert,” he says, right as a knock comes from the door.

He turns on his heels, yanking the door with more force than he should. I hear a few sentences being exchanged before, “thank you George,” and the door closes with a slight bang.

He walks back to me holding the shopping bag up, dangling it slightly.

     “I hope it will fit you,” he says.

I receive the bag gulping hard, my fingers twisting around the straps of the shopping bag. 

    “Thank you so much…Robert,” I fix a smile on my face before turning towards the only other door in the room which I assume is the bathroom.

Robert does not stop me, so I enter and close the door pulling the lock because I do not trust him. He is a dirty business man, who gets away with murder and robbing poor people off their cheques.

I slip the red, silk gown out of the bag. Apparently, the chauffeur took the ‘sexy’ comment a little too seriously. I slip out of the white cheap gown, and replace it with the red clearly expensive gown. It has a low back cut and has thin spaghetti straps. Since I am not wearing a bra, my nipples are poking at the soft material. I run my hands down the material, smoothing it out before fixing my bangs, and tucking a few strands back into my bun.

I draw a deep breath, shoving the white stained dress into the shopping bag before sauntering out of the bathroom. Immediately, Robert’s eyes are on me. Hungry and ready to maul me alive. I shake my hips side to side just to ensure that after today, he comes looking for me.

       “What do you think? Don't you think it is too tight?” I inquire innocently.

   “Nonsense!” He scoffs, his hands gripping my biceps, fingers digging deeper than necessary, eyes still on my figure never coming up to my face. “It fit you like glove. You look like a goddess my love,” he compliments, eyes finally meeting mine.

A trembling smile touches my lips.

     “I do not know how I can ever repay you for your kind gesture,” I say sweetly, almost emotional.

His eyes seem to sparkle brighter at my statement. He takes a step closer as if we were not already close enough. I almost choke on the strong scent of his expensive cologne, that is how close were are right now.

     “How about dinner? Tomorrow night, in this very hotel. Is 7 p.m okay with you?” He quirks a brow up, a slaunted smile carving his lips.