The Proposal

But her response was in contrast to her thoughts.

“Not like I had much of a choice,” she said, trying her hardest to hide the noticeable rudeness in her voice.

“I sincerely apologize for my unusual method of approach. It just had to be this way.” He spoke in a manner that hit Claire in all the right places, and in a moment, he was standing directly in front of her. Claire was drenched.

“That’s… that’s okay,” she said, much softer than she wanted, but still managing to keep her composure.

“I’m Lucas. Lucas Benetti,” he said stretching his hand to hold hers.

“Nice to meet you Mr Benetti,” she responded, gulping inaudibly and returning the handshake.

“Please, Lucas is fine,” he corrected, with a subtle smile, as he walked back to the other side of the table.

“I just want to know what I’m doing here,” Claire said, still unsteady.

“I’m sure you do, we’ll get to that right away. Please, have a seat,” he said, gesturing to the chair on the opposite side.

When they were seated, Lucas turned slightly and gestured with a subtle nod to the hefty man who had brought her there. The man left the room without a word.

Moments later, he returned, carrying a tray with two crystal glasses and a bottle of fine whiskey. Just what Claire needed in that moment.

‘Can he read my mind?’

Lucas took the bottle and filled each glass to the brim, his actions fluid, almost captivating.

Claire could feel the compelling energy he radiated, a blend of charm and authority that made it impossible to look away. His silent mastery over the room was evident. As he handed Claire the glass, his fingers briefly brushed against hers, sending several sensations through her body, which she managed to contain to the best of her ability.

As his hand withdrew, she noticed on his finger, the same ring she had seen with Big John earlier.

‘Is this some kind of cult?’

Claire wrapped both of her hands around the glass, her mind swirling.

“It’s just crazy how I’m even here right now. How do I even know I’m safe?” She spilled, as the thoughts got too much to be contained in her mind.

“Oh darling,” Lucas started, with a slight chuckle.

‘Darling?’

He continued, “There are currently one hundred and twenty trained men guarding this building. If they’re here to protect you, trust me when I say… you’re safe.”

In that moment, Claire realized the depth of Lucas’ control and influence—not just over the situation, but over her emotions as well.

His ability to command so much while saying so little left her both intrigued and cautious, aware of the powerful dynamic at play.

“But to answer your question as to why you’re here,” he said, reclining in his chair, “I need you.”

That statement left Claire speechless. She imagined he did that on purpose.

‘What an asshole.’

“Your skills, that is. I need someone to accompany me to a significant event—a gala, to be precise. It's crucial for appearances and the business connections I aim to solidify."

Claire's facial expression revealed uncertainty.

"You need me to be your date for a gala?" She asked.

“Not just a date,” Lucas clarified, his eyes never leaving hers. “I need you to pose as my wife for this event. We’ll be meeting some very important people and I’d want to impress them with my Arabian wife-“

“Arabian?” Claire cut in.

Lucas smiled slyly, as if expecting that reaction. Claire hated how well he managed to stir her curiosity, but she at the same time -weirdly enough-, enjoyed it.

“Yes, Arabian. We’re looking to expand to the Arab sector, and to do that, we need to impress the people that hold the keys to that sector.”

‘Expand what?’ Claire thought to herself.

“Expand what? You may be thinking.”

‘What the fuck?’

He continued, interrupting her thoughts, “I can’t bore you with the details now. All you need to know is, this is unlike any other role you’ve ever had to play, and best believe you’ll be well compensated.”

Claire nodded her head slightly, staring blankly into space. Following another subtle nod from Lucas, Big John left the room, and this time, returned with a sleek leather briefcase which he set down in the middle of the table right in front of Claire.

Lucas continued, “I understand your hesitation Claire,” his tone reassuring.

“But this arrangement is temporary-just for the event, and you’ll never hear from me again.” Claire didn’t like the fact that that statement made her feel a tinge of sadness.

“Why me?” She finally asked after gathering her thoughts. Lucas got up from his chair, paced slowly to the near open window and stared out of it at the serene night skies.

“Do you remember Dark Chains?” he asked, not looking away from the window.

“Uhmm yeah, my debut movie as the lead, how could I forget?”

“Right. You see, towards the end, your character made a statement just as she was about to pull the trigger, she said-“

“-‘As I do this, I do this for you’,” they both said in unison. Lucas turned away from the window to face Claire, who was already staring intently at him.

He slowly walked up to her, and when he was directly standing over her, causing Claire to shrink into her seat, he said in a firm, gentle tone, “You’re perfect. That’s why.”