The contract signed

AMANDA'S POV

"You can't afford not to do this, Amanda. I'm sorry." Bane's voice felt like a cold knife slicing through my back. "We all have contracts to fulfill, and this is too much money to turn down." His words were final, and there was no escaping them. I turned away from Bane, my arms instinctively wrapping around myself, trying to suppress the chill crawling through my veins. I hated that he was right, but I couldn’t argue.

"We've arranged everything for you at the Divine suite at the New York Palace, fifteen minutes away. You have an hour to meet him, don't waste time," Bane added, standing in the doorway. His fingers drummed rhythmically on the frame as he waited for my response. Without a word, I simply nodded, a silent signal for him to leave.

Exhaustion gripped me. The performance had taken everything out of me, and the moment the curtains closed, all I wanted was to crawl into bed and forget about the world. But the other dancers had invited me to the after-party. The last thing I wanted was to be surrounded by too many people, each of them demanding a part of me. There was only one thing I wanted: peace and rest but they pleaded. 

I later joined them then I became more exhausted. 

My night became more worse when Bane ordered for my presence in his office.

I was so tired but fate, had different plans. Whether I wanted it or not, tonight I had a contract to fulfill. It was a contract I signed momths ago not because I wanted but because I needed the money, no matter how much it gnawed at me.

I accepted these meetings. This was my first, but it certainly wouldn’t be my last.

I quickly showered in the studio’s locker room and prepared myself for the night ahead. My mind raced as I got ready, wondering who would be meeting me. This was my first time to fulfill the contract I signed. I was now scared. The worst part was the uncertainty of who I’d meet tonight. The contracts were vague, and the terms were shady. But the money—God, I needed it.

I quickly dried my hair, grabbed an olive green sweater dress and boots, and pulled my hair into a loose bun. A quick application of makeup and I was out the door.

"I don’t want to do this," I muttered as I hailed a cab. The chill of winter nipped at my skin, and I shuddered against the wind.

"I don’t want to do this," I muttered as I hailed a cab. The air was cold and stung my skin, a harsh reminder of the contract I signed without being forced. The "meetings" were always like this, secretive, off the books, and yet impossible to avoid. This was the life I had chosen, the price I paid for the things I couldn’t afford.

The terms were murky, illegal even, but the incentives were hard to ignore. I had my reasons, of course.

As the cab sped through the crowded streets of New York, my mind wandered. The lights of the city blurred past, and I could feel my heartbeat quicken. My nerves were on edge, the uncertainty gnawing at me. I couldn’t help but wonder who would be waiting for me tonight. I was kinda scared. I didn’t know what to expect.

"Can you drop me off here?" I asked, my voice tight with anxiety.

The cabbie nodded and I paid him before stepping out in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Across the street, the luxury hotel loomed. It was my destination but for a moment, I paused. 

I looked up at the grand spires of the cathedral, sending a quiet prayer to the heavens. I wasn’t sure what I needed, strength, courage, peace but I hoped it would be enough to face whatever awaited me tonight.

I walked to the hotel entrance, keeping my head down to avoid drawing attention. The desk clerk handed me the key to the room, and I made my way through the lobby, heart racing. I was on the edge and I walked through the lobby while avoiding the gaze of anyone who might recognize me. It was late, and the hotel was nearly empty, but I kept my eyes on the floor.

When I reached the door to the suite, I felt a familiar tremor in my hand. I took a deep breath before swiping the key card. As the door creaked open, I found the room empty. The room was dark, empty, and for a moment, relief washed over me.

"Whoever he is, he's not here yet," I whispered, feeling the tension ease slightly. "Thank God."

I tossed my purse onto the counter and headed straight for the minibar. I needed something to calm my nerves. I made myself a drink and I downed three small bottles in quick succession, the alcohol beginning to strip away the final shards of anxiety. I was tired, but the buzz from the liquor made it easier to let go of my worries.

As the fog of alcohol clouded my mind, I no longer cared who would walk through that door. My body moved on autopilot, and I made another cocktail, letting the motions take over.

After getting myself a cocktail, I sat on the couch then I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the city lights twinkle outside.

Then, the door clicked open.

I froze immediately on the couch. The air in the room seemed to shift, a heavy presence filling the space. My breath caught in my throat. Leather shoes clicked against the floor, and my body reacted before I could think. I stood up, tension coiling through my limbs. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, trying not to let the tremors show.

When he stepped into view, all my breath left me in one sharp gasp. 

His presence filled the room, an overwhelming force that took my breath away. He stood tall and confident, his black hair styled back, a few stray strands falling over his forehead, giving him a wild edge. His jaw was strong, a neatly trimmed beard only accentuating his chiseled features.

He was devastatingly handsome, but it wasn’t just his looks that affected me, it was the aura around him, the power that radiated from every inch of his body. 

His eyes locked with mine, and an overwhelming sense of power washed over me. My heart pounded in my chest, racing like I had no control over it.

This man wasn’t just anyone. There was something primal in his gaze, something dangerous and alluring. Something...otherworldly.