LOGIN"Are you here to accept my proposal? That seems to be the only reason you'd visit my home. Unless, of course, you're here to beg for your job back – though that's not happening. If that's your intention, please leave. I have better things to do," Mr. Mckenney stated, taking a sip of his whiskey while closely observing Annette's actions.
"I'm not here to beg for my job. It was clear that I wouldn't get it back after being fired, Sir," Annette responded, maintaining her composure despite his unsettling gaze."Ah, so you've come to accept my proposal then? But remember, you were quite vocal about not wanting to be seen as a 'whore'." Mr. Mckenney remarked, a slight grin playing on his lips."I want to make it clear, I would never have considered your proposal under ordinary circumstances." Annette emphasized, her mind drifting back to her little sister lying in a hospital bed. Drawing strength from her sister's situation, she pressed on while facing the insufferable man before her."Could you enlighten me about the reasons that have driven you to such desperation that you're willing to set aside your pride and entertain the idea of becoming, in your words, my 'whore'?" Mr. McKenney inquired, causing Annette's brows to furrow at the derogatory term he had used.Annette drew in a deep breath, her resolve overshadowing her unease. "My sister's in the hospital," she disclosed, her tone now gentle yet unwavering. "The surgery she needs is expensive, far beyond our means. I've exhausted all other options, and I can't bear to watch her suffer or lose her life. That's why I'm here, ready to take any step to save her." Mr. Mckenney reclined in his chair, mulling over her words. His expression remained neutral, yet Annette detected a subtle change in his demeanor."You know," he began thoughtfully, "I never expected you'd actually contemplate this choice. But I suppose desperation can lead people down unforeseen paths." Annette locked eyes with him, her determination undaunted."Desperation can also make people realize the true value of sacrifice. And I would do anything for my sister's well-being." Annette said as he studied her for a moment longer before letting out a sigh."Fine, let's get down to business. But don't think for a moment that just because we will be fucking each other you have any entitlement to me. Nothing will change between us. It's purely a business arrangement." Mr McKenney explained as Annette cringed at the use of his colorful language, he didn't have to be so direct just because she was physically attracted to him doesn't mean she would give her heart to him, he meant nothing to her just a means to an endAnnette nodded, taking a deep breath and said . "Of course, I understand.""Good," Mr. McKenney stated, extracting a document from his desk and placing it before her."You had a contract ready already?" Annette inquired, taken aback by his confidence, assuming she would have sought him out only if the incident with Cassie had occurred."Indeed, is that an issue?""You're quite full of yourself, Mr. McKenney," Annette remarked, causing a slight widening of his grim expression."As the owner of a multimillion-dollar company, Miss Zachary, I'm accustomed to getting my way.""So, if I hadn't approached you, would you have devised a method to make me agree?" Annette queried."Yes, as I mentioned, I don't accept 'no' as an answer, Miss Annette.""I see, please let's just get back to the contract sir I have to get back to the hospital""I won't take more of your time Miss Zachary, you just need to sign here" Mr McKenney said with a grin as he pointed at the line where she was supposed to sign but she wasn't going to sign it that fast she still need to go through the contract to see what he wanted from her.As she skimmed through the contract, a sinking feeling settled in her stomach. The words on the paper confirmed her fears. Mr. McKenney's proposition was unmistakably clear that what he wanted from her was basically sex and nothing else. Her heart raced as she finally came to the realization of the predicament she was in.The weight of her sister's surgery hung heavy on her mind. The desperation to save her sister was suffocating, leaving her with little room to choose to flee because she was basically selling herself for money.The hospital bills for the surgery were too high, and her savings and their medical insurance were insufficient to cover the bills of the surgery and her recovery. The the only way out for us was to sign this contract and give myself to this bastard.Her hands trembled as she glanced back up at Mr. McKenney. His grin had turned sinister, as if he relished my predicament. "Miss Zachary, time is of the essence," he said, his voice dripping with implication. "You understand the terms, don't you?"She swallowed nervously, her thoughts racing. The image of her sister's face appeared in her mind, a constant reminder of the responsibility she held for her well-being. Clutching the pen tightly, her fingers gripped it so hard that her knuckles turned white.With a heavy heart, she slowly guided the pen towards the paper and began to sign her name.Once she finished, Mr. McKenney took the paper from her and gazed at it, a smile forming on his lips. He tucked the paper into a drawer before shifting his focus back to her."Now that you're mine," Mr. McKenney explained, "I have a trip to Greece planned. I'd like you to accompany me as my plus one."Annette's stomach churned at his words; he was already making demands even before the ink had dried on the page. Annette clenched her fist on her lap, her frustration evident. She couldn't believe he was asking for more so soon."May I ask when this trip is, sir?" Annette inquired."In two weeks," he replied."But sir, my little sister would still be recovering by then. Can't the timing be shifted, or could I possibly stay back until you return?" Annette's words hung in the air as she watched his smile contort into a scowl."Miss Zachary, perhaps my initial phrasing gave the impression of offering a choice, but let me clarify—it wasn't a request," Mr. McKenney's voice held a tone that almost resembled friendliness. "I assume you have parents or someone else who can look after her. Your presence isn't necessary."Annette opened her mouth to continue, but her words were cut off. "There's no room for negotiation here, Miss Zachary. Remember, you've already signed the contract. Your options are limited," Mr. McKenney interjected, his grip on her chin rather firm."As long as this contract stands, your existence is tied to me. You'll do as instructed without hesitation. Is that clear?"A sense of defeat washed over Annette as she bowed her head. "Yes, sir," she replied softly, acknowledging the reality of her situation."Come over here," Mr. McKenney beckoned, settling into his chair and gesturing for her to approach."Why?" Annette inquired, prompting Mr. McKenney to arch an eyebrow, questioning her."I apologize," Annette quickly said, rising from her seat and walking over to him. Before she could react, he smoothly pulled her onto his lap, situating her between his legs."You smell nice," Mr. McKenney remarked, his face nestled into the curve of her neck, planting gentle kisses from her jaw down to her collarbone."Excuse me, what's going on?" Annette questioned, her tone uneasy."Miss Zachary, you're an intelligent woman. Let your imagination guide you," Mr. McKenney responded, a hint of a smile apparent in his voice as he continued his affectionate gestures."I really should return to the hospital to check on my sister," Annette insisted, struggling to extricate herself from his grasp. Her efforts, however, only resulted in Mr. McKenney's grip tightening around her."You don't want to keep moving Annette if you don't want me to take you now on this desk" Mr McKenney said as a low growl left his lips, then a soft gasp left Annette lips as she felt him grow against her ass, no matter how hard she tried to rub against him, he still pressed himself against her, him his bulge on her ass..."I really want to fuck you right now but it can wait till we get to Greece then I will have you all to myself" Mr McKenney leaned in and whispered into Annette's ear causing a shiver to run down her spine, then placing on last kiss on her neck he let her stand to her feet."Feel free to leave. I'll arrange for someone to pick you up when it's time to go to Greece,""Okay, but concerning the money for my sister's surgery, when will it be sent?" Annette asked as she played with the hem of her top."As soon as you leave, I will credit your account, my dear goldilocks.""Thank you,""You're welcome goldilocks" Mr. McKenney stated, ringing a bell. The familiar butler entered the room."You rang, Master McKenney?" the butler inquired, avoiding eye contact."Please escort Miss Zachary out and inform a driver to take her wherever she desires," Mr. McKenney instructed. Annette hesitated. "I can take the bus." Mr. McKenney's stern look silenced her."Lesson one, Miss Zachary: You don't decline my requests. Understood?" he asserted."Yes, sir," she complied. "Very well, go on. I have work to attend to." Mr. McKenney concluded, prompting the butler to guide her out. As she followed the butler, Annette pondered what exactly she had gotten herself into with this insufferable but extremely attractive man.Mariah pushed open the office door and paused just inside, letting the heavy air settle over her. The sunlight poured in at a sharp angle, golden stripes cutting across the polished floor. It was barely 9:15 a.m. on a Wednesday, the city just waking outside. She didn’t stride straight to his desk. No. That would be obvious. Instead, her gaze slid over Hudson, the tense set of his shoulders, the fingers tapping on the documents, the faint crease between his brows. She lingered, savoring the quiet authority he radiated, before dropping her bag by the chair in the corner with a soft thud.“Morning, sir,” she said casually, sliding into the chair without waiting for permission. Her legs crossed slowly, the skirt riding subtly higher than usual, just enough to draw attention. “I brought the reports you requested, Q1 projections, market trends, and the European data flagged last week.”Hudson’s eyes flicked to her once, then back to the documents. “Good,” he muttered, clipped, unyielding.M
Annette’s suitcase clattered onto the terminal floor with a hollow thud, the sound echoing in the cavernous space as she exhaled for the first time since the plane had touched down. Her body still felt tethered to Athens, the warmth of the sun, the smells of the city, the memory of Sam’s apartment, and yet, here she was, back in New York. Her chest tightened with a mixture of relief, dread, and exhaustion. She’d flown halfway across the world to escape, only to return carrying the heaviest weight of all: the life growing quietly beneath her ribs.The moment she stepped out of the sliding doors into the late afternoon glare, she spotted Jane immediately. Her best friend’s eyes were wide, her cheeks flushed from running through the terminal, hair escaping in loose tendrils from the scarf wound haphazardly around her neck. Jane had that combination of shock and delight that made Annette’s heart ache a little, seeing someone care so much was comforting and painful all at once.“Annette!”
Annette hadn’t planned to stay in Athens this long. It had started as a brief escape, a few days to think and breathe, and somehow it had stretched into weeks. She no longer counted the days. Time moved differently here, slower, heavier, like the snow pressing against the windows had frozen her will to leave.She’d told herself it was just a break. Just until she could sort through her tangled thoughts. Yet, in the quiet of Sam’s apartment, sharing laughter and quiet domesticity, she’d allowed herself to feel. To let him in. And she had.They’d shared dinners at little cafés tucked in Plaka, wandered through streets thick with history and lights, stolen small moments of intimacy in doorways and rooftops. Sam’s laughter had become a balm, his presence a sanctuary. And each time, she had felt a little less guarded, a little more herself.But the night before had broken something she couldn’t patch.They’d been on the rooftop, city lights twinkling beneath them, music humming in the back
“Didn’t you say you’d marry the guy who baked you that cake?”Annette looked up from the bowl she was stirring, a brow arching suspiciously. Then she recalled.“That was a drunken exaggeration.”Sam leaned against the fridge, arms crossed, a smug glint in his eyes. “You said, and I quote, ‘I love you, Cake Man. I’ll marry you so I can eat this forever.’”She blinked at him.He grinned. “And guess who baked it?”Her eyes narrowed. “No. That was your grandfather’s recipe.”“And I’m his grandson. Legacy flows through these blessed hands.” He held up his palms with mock reverence.She tried not to laugh. Failed. “You’re so full of it.”“You’re in my kitchen, in my shirt,” Sam said, leaning against the counter with a smirk.Annette glanced down at herself—his oversized shirt dusted with flour. She hadn’t brought a change of clothes for their baking date, and somehow, borrowing his had felt… easy. Natural.They’d had a few of these cozy moments over the past week, low-pressure, oddly domes
2pm, New York.The city outside Hudson’s office window stretched like an ocean of glass and light, Skyscrapers blinked silently, each window a tiny screen showing a life that was different and wasn't his. He sat behind his desk, unmoving, the room was too still, too sterile. A half cup of Irish coffee sat beside him, gone lukewarm.His phone was in his palm, screen lighting with a photo that seemed to mock him. It was from weeks ago. A picture of Annette in winter light, bundled in a cream shawl, hair tucked behind one ear, smiling at something off-camera. She looked peaceful. Unaware. Safe. It had been taken a week before the mall attack that triggered her memory recovery.Back when he could pretend he was worthy of her.He stared at the image, his thumb hovering over her name. Her contact was still saved as "My Annette".But she wasn’t. Not anymore.He’d heard she left the country. Greece. With Sam. That part hurt in places he hadn’t known still existed.He had no right to reach out
The wind outside whispered through the lodge’s shutters, brushing snowflakes against the window panes like tiny fingers asking to be let in. Annette sat on the edge of her bed in her hotel lodge. It was 9: pm, the golden light of the antique lamp beside her made everything feel a little softer, like the world was holding its breath with her. Just as she was about to switch off her bedside lamb, her screen lit up with a video call from Jane. She hesitated for a beat, wondering what time it was in New York. 2pm. She swiped to accept. The screen came alive instantly with a chorus of overlapping voices. "ANNETTE!" "There she is!" "Took you long enough, stranger." Jane’s familiar grin beamed at her. George waved from behind, half-visible, tapping on a keyboard. Cassie popped her head into the frame with wide, sparkly eyes and a fancy bonny headband. “Okay, we’re all here," Jane said, crossing her arms dramatically. "You owe us a full update. And don’t you dare hang up in twenty m







