His hazel eyes darted around me like a predator meeting its prey, his arms folded as he rested on the wall scanning my body with interest and attention. I swallowed hard, my heart beat was faster than normal and I felt weak in the knees. I could feel his gaze all over my body as the hairs on my body rose up pointily. I literally had goosebumps. He was deadass handsome, even a hundred times better than the pictures and tabloids of him. His physique was gallant and exactly as he was described BUT - he'll be your worst nightmare if you ever cross paths. "What is this Asia? I told you I'm not interested in little virgin girls," He didn't stop looking at my body and then his eyes rested on my chest. He bit his lower lips and scanned me down again "they make too much noise in bed." "Be respectful brother. I told you I was gonna hire you an assistant and here she is" Asia stood next to me, her hands around my shoulder as I stood stiffly in shock. I was so glad she was there with me. Th
Wren's tiny studio apartment felt more claustrophobic than ever, suffocating her with the weight of impending doom. Clothes were scattered across the bed, half-packed into a battered backpack. She moved with frantic energy, hands shaking as she double-checked her flashlight. Her lips were pressed into a grim line, betraying the dread bubbling beneath her surface.Raya, her best friend, leaned against the doorframe, arms folded, worry etched deep into her features. “Are you sure that’s the best idea, Wren?” she asked cautiously.“I don’t know.” Wren’s voice cracked as she zipped her bag halfway. “But either way, he’s gonna have my head on a plate. I’ve tried everything, Raya. He’s not going to listen to any more excuses.” She shoved a pair of sneakers into the bag with trembling hands. “I can’t just sit here waiting for them to come. Running might be the only shot I have.”Raya sighed, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. “Wren, this isn’t just some random guy we’re talking about. Thi
Wren's tiny studio apartment felt more claustrophobic than ever, suffocating her with the weight of impending doom. Clothes were scattered across the bed, half-packed into a battered backpack. She moved with frantic energy, hands shaking as she double-checked her flashlight. Her lips were pressed into a grim line, betraying the dread bubbling beneath her surface. Raya, her best friend, leaned against the doorframe, arms folded, worry etched deep into her features. “Are you sure that’s the best idea, Wren?” she asked cautiously. “I don’t know.” Wren’s voice cracked as she zipped her bag halfway. “But either way, he’s gonna have my head on a plate. I’ve tried everything, Raya. He’s not going to listen to any more excuses.” She shoved a pair of sneakers into the bag with trembling hands. “I can’t just sit here waiting for them to come. Running might be the only shot I have.” Raya sighed, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. “Wren, this isn’t just some random guy we’re talking about.
Wren's tiny studio apartment felt more claustrophobic than ever, suffocating her with the weight of impending doom. Clothes were scattered across the bed, half-packed into a battered backpack. She moved with frantic energy, hands shaking as she double-checked her flashlight. Her lips were pressed into a grim line, betraying the dread bubbling beneath her surface. Raya, her best friend, leaned against the doorframe, arms folded, worry etched deep into her features. “Are you sure that’s the best idea, Wren?” she asked cautiously. “I don’t know.” Wren’s voice cracked as she zipped her bag halfway. “But either way, he’s gonna have my head on a plate. I’ve tried everything, Raya. He’s not going to listen to any more excuses.” She shoved a pair of sneakers into the bag with trembling hands. “I can’t just sit here waiting for them to come. Running might be the only shot I have.” Raya sighed, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. “Wren, this isn’t just some random guy we’re talking abou
One week earlier… Harper's heart sank the moment Asia leaned forward, her lips curving into a smirk that spelled trouble. "I'll give you a raise—ten times what he's paying you," Asia said, her arms crossed as she studied Harper like a hunter cornering its prey. Harper’s jaw nearly hit the floor. "Ten times?" she stammered, fumbling for her phone to calculate. The number stared back at her, ridiculous and tempting. $8,000,000! "If you can make him fall in love in sixty days." Harper’s laughter was sharp and incredulous. "You’re insane. Sixty days? That’s like two months. He's not even dating anyone right now!" She shot Asia an exasperated look. "Do you even know your brother? The guy’s a walking disaster when it comes to relationships. Women orbit him, but he never lets anyone close. And you want me to turn that into love?" "Exactly," Asia said, sliding an envelope across the table. "That’s why I’m hiring you. You know him better than anyone. You’ve been his assistant for two
The sharp clatter of Asia’s coffee cup hitting the table jolted Harper to attention. "So," Asia said, her eyes blazing with impatience, "how’s it going, Harper? Has he met anyone yet? What’s she like? Come on, spill it!" Harper sighed, slumping into the chair opposite her friend. The cafe smelled like burnt toast and fresh lattes, but all Harper could taste was the bitterness of her day. Asia had ambushed her the second she left the office, demanding an impromptu meeting. "Asia, it’s not as easy as you think," Harper replied, taking a long sip of her coffee, hoping the caffeine would dissolve her irritation. Asia leaned forward, her manicured fingers drumming the table. "What’s the problem? Has he not been seeing anyone? That’s so unlike my brother." "I think he’s seeing someone," Harper muttered, picking at her fries. "But I don’t know who she is yet." Asia gasped dramatically. "When? Details, Harper. Details!" "This morning, he mentioned a date. But then, of course, work
Eros watched her approach, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. Harper looked different, but he couldn't quite put his finger on why. It had only been a few months since he'd last seen her, but something about her presence felt unfamiliar today. Was it the way her hair flowed freely past her shoulders instead of being pulled up in a tight bun? Or perhaps it was the nervous energy in the air as she walked toward him? Whatever it was, it piqued his interest.She wasn’t the type of woman he usually entertained—too simple, too reserved—but that was exactly why she might just work for his plan. All he needed was someone to play the part of his fiancée for a year, to fool his parents and the board, to win the company for himself. He didn't have time for anything more. A quick contract, a few public displays of affection, and then it would all be over. “Harper.” The name slipped from his lips as she finally reached the table, her nervousness radiating off her in waves. “You’re late.”
Harper's eyes met with his from where she sat. She looked away quickly and got up to attend to other things.She opened the door of his office, adjusting and clearing her throat as she walked in. She would talk to him normally, go on with her job and everything will be fine, simple! No need to make anything awkward.Harper nervously shifted her chair, avoiding Eros' penetrating gaze as he leaned back, his icy eyes fixed on her. "I trust you've come to a conclusion and reviewed the terms. Time is money, and I don't appreciate wasting either.""Oh absolutely," Harper replied, feigning ignorance. "The contract was a riveting bedtime story."He arched a brow, unimpressed. Harper continued to evade eye contact, her fingers tapping nervously on the mahogany table."I'll take that as a yes.""I haven't decided yet.""This deal could elevate you. Don't let personal feelings cloud your judgment." He crossed his fingers. "Anyone would jump at the opportunity without even reading the terms.""O
Wren's tiny studio apartment felt more claustrophobic than ever, suffocating her with the weight of impending doom. Clothes were scattered across the bed, half-packed into a battered backpack. She moved with frantic energy, hands shaking as she double-checked her flashlight. Her lips were pressed into a grim line, betraying the dread bubbling beneath her surface. Raya, her best friend, leaned against the doorframe, arms folded, worry etched deep into her features. “Are you sure that’s the best idea, Wren?” she asked cautiously. “I don’t know.” Wren’s voice cracked as she zipped her bag halfway. “But either way, he’s gonna have my head on a plate. I’ve tried everything, Raya. He’s not going to listen to any more excuses.” She shoved a pair of sneakers into the bag with trembling hands. “I can’t just sit here waiting for them to come. Running might be the only shot I have.” Raya sighed, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. “Wren, this isn’t just some random guy we’re talking abou
Wren's tiny studio apartment felt more claustrophobic than ever, suffocating her with the weight of impending doom. Clothes were scattered across the bed, half-packed into a battered backpack. She moved with frantic energy, hands shaking as she double-checked her flashlight. Her lips were pressed into a grim line, betraying the dread bubbling beneath her surface. Raya, her best friend, leaned against the doorframe, arms folded, worry etched deep into her features. “Are you sure that’s the best idea, Wren?” she asked cautiously. “I don’t know.” Wren’s voice cracked as she zipped her bag halfway. “But either way, he’s gonna have my head on a plate. I’ve tried everything, Raya. He’s not going to listen to any more excuses.” She shoved a pair of sneakers into the bag with trembling hands. “I can’t just sit here waiting for them to come. Running might be the only shot I have.” Raya sighed, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. “Wren, this isn’t just some random guy we’re talking about.
Wren's tiny studio apartment felt more claustrophobic than ever, suffocating her with the weight of impending doom. Clothes were scattered across the bed, half-packed into a battered backpack. She moved with frantic energy, hands shaking as she double-checked her flashlight. Her lips were pressed into a grim line, betraying the dread bubbling beneath her surface.Raya, her best friend, leaned against the doorframe, arms folded, worry etched deep into her features. “Are you sure that’s the best idea, Wren?” she asked cautiously.“I don’t know.” Wren’s voice cracked as she zipped her bag halfway. “But either way, he’s gonna have my head on a plate. I’ve tried everything, Raya. He’s not going to listen to any more excuses.” She shoved a pair of sneakers into the bag with trembling hands. “I can’t just sit here waiting for them to come. Running might be the only shot I have.”Raya sighed, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. “Wren, this isn’t just some random guy we’re talking about. Thi
His hazel eyes darted around me like a predator meeting its prey, his arms folded as he rested on the wall scanning my body with interest and attention. I swallowed hard, my heart beat was faster than normal and I felt weak in the knees. I could feel his gaze all over my body as the hairs on my body rose up pointily. I literally had goosebumps. He was deadass handsome, even a hundred times better than the pictures and tabloids of him. His physique was gallant and exactly as he was described BUT - he'll be your worst nightmare if you ever cross paths. "What is this Asia? I told you I'm not interested in little virgin girls," He didn't stop looking at my body and then his eyes rested on my chest. He bit his lower lips and scanned me down again "they make too much noise in bed." "Be respectful brother. I told you I was gonna hire you an assistant and here she is" Asia stood next to me, her hands around my shoulder as I stood stiffly in shock. I was so glad she was there with me. Th
She lowered the book, staring down at its bold black cover. “You don’t even know what the hell is in this thing,” she muttered under her breath. Her voice was barely audible, but even that felt too loud in the oppressive silence. She flinched, looking around to make sure no one had noticed. No one seemed to. The workers kept moving, heads down, hands busy. But the eerie quiet still pressed in on her. “Okay, Wren,” she whispered to herself, shifting her weight carefully to ease the ache in her bruised ribs. “Be reasonable. Be smart. You can’t die here. Not now.” Her voice cracked slightly, but she forced herself to keep talking. “Play along. Clean floors. Scrub windows. Whatever they want. Just… stay alive.” The cleaning supplies were crude, old-fashioned brushes and rags tossed into a dented metal bucket. Wren grabbed them quickly, her movements stiff and jerky, and dragged them to the nearest corner. Her knees screamed in protest as she crouched down, running the coarse brush
Wren sank onto the bed, wincing as pain flared through her ribs. Her muscles felt like they’d been torn apart and stitched back together with barbed wire. But even through the haze of exhaustion and pain, her mind raced. She wouldn’t survive this place by chance. She had to be smarter, faster, better. And she had to escape before Riven decided her usefulness had run out. A sharp knock on the door snapped her out of her thoughts. She opened it to find a tall, scarred man with a permanent scowl. “Work starts now,” he barked, thrusting a thick book into her hands. She barely caught it, its weight nearly knocking her off balance. The words Rule Book were stamped in bold letters on the cover. “You’ve got one job,” the man growled, his voice low and dangerous. “Follow the rules. And don’t make me regret letting you live.” Wren’s grip tightened on the book as the door slammed shut. She swallowed the bile rising in her throat. This wasn’t survival. This was a game. And if she wa
The air in the shed felt oppressive, heavy with fear and the sharp tang of blood. Wren’s wrists burned where the metal shackles bit into her skin, her every struggle making them dig deeper. Her chest heaved as she fought to breathe past the taste of sweat and copper in her mouth. Bruises painted her arms and legs in shades of deep purple and sickly yellow, and her ribs screamed with every shallow breath she took. A figure stood before her, a shadow of death cloaked in cold cruelty. His eyes were like shards of ice, piercing and merciless, and his lips curled in a sneer that promised nothing but pain. "And if I put a gun to your head, do I become a bad person?" His voice was low, unhurried, like he was savoring the terror in her wide eyes. Wren flinched as the words hit her, each one slicing through the fragile thread of hope she clung to. She could barely see him through the blood matting her hair and dripping into her eyes, but she didn’t need clear vision to feel his rage and
Rain's head banged very hard with a very loud headache. It was morning and the room was lit with natural light. Last night had been a lot. She remembered the embarrassing breakup with that scumbag and bumping into a fine gentlemen, then at the club. But what she didn't remember was how she got home. She turned to the side of the bed to take her phone but the more she stretched, the more bed space she felt until... "Oh my God!" she almost shouted out loud. Beside her was a gorgeous stranger fast asleep. Rain rubbed her eyes, confirming if it was a dream or not. A one night stand? With a total stranger? She looked on the floor to find her gown, panties, bra and his clothes scattered all over the ground. The stranger grunted as he turned to his left side, directly facing her. His dark brown hair messily covering his face. He was huge! Rain leaned forward gently not to cause any sudden movements. His arm was ripped and strong. Then her eyes darted down to his waist; a fine b
“WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?” Rain's voice rang across the restaurant, causing a few people to turn their heads. “Whatever it looks like.” the masculine voice responded, standing up to eye her and then bend down to the level of the woman sitting next to him and kissed her with their tongue in each other's mouth. Rain felt bile rise up at the back of her throat as she watched in disbelief. “I didn't think you would be so cheap. I almost believed that a pig like you would actually be different but there's no amount of polishing a pig can get, it will always belong in the gutter!” This was her boyfriend of two years. The one who she had thought was different from all the playboys and jokers she had been dating in the past. She believed Julien was different. He cared for her in ways no man had ever done and yet here he was with another lady sitting next to him with no remorse on his face. “You see, that's the problem you have. I couldn't keep up with you not knowing what you want and