___
It had been a quiet few days , I sat on my balcony , holding a cigarette between my fingers watching people walk down the street with their children. I wished my childhood was like that , my hair up in a messy bun as I sat in my underwear , the cold tiles against my bum. **Ring Ring** I could hear my phone from my bedroom , I rarely get phone calls, I wonder who it could be , my heart racing through my chest. I made my way toward my room , picked up my phone and heaved a sigh. "private number" I muttered I knew who was on the line. my finger swiping to the green icon "hello?" my voice echoed through the empty room , which suddenly felt emptier "hello Hailey ," the raspy voice at the end of the line said , I could make out a bit of an accent in it. "the boss requests an audience, if you would be kind to meet us outside" A chill ran down my spine, outside? , what does he mean outside? , am I in trouble? . Thousands of scenerios raced through my mind. "don't keep us out too long" *call ends* My stomach churned as I reached for my trousers, hastily putting them on , I walked my way downstairs towards the door , I could make out a shadow of someone through the light that looked blocked under my door frame . A lump formed in my throat as I twisted the door knob slightly revealing three men in black coats. I quickly forced a smile and they let them selves in, one of the men taking a seat on my couch and the other two took rest behind it. " hello miss Carter " the guy on the couch called out , I recognized the Australian accent and raspy voice from the phone call earlier, through his glasses I could make out a scar on his left eyebrow. forcing a smile in response, he continued, " I know you usually get a couple months off , but the boss requests something else" . he licked his cracked lips , signalling the other to pull out a bunch of envelopes from a bag . placing them on my table I could make out several pictures of a man , seemingly unaware . "this is Tristan Agress, the CEO of one of the largest tech companies in the country." the man said simultaneously picking up a photo and waving it in my face. " now Tristan here has something big planned for next year , he has a revolutionary idea of some shit.... he stopped to lick his lips again. which made my hairs stand at the back of my neck. "Now your job is simple Carter , you're gonna work your magic and get us the blue prints to this big idea " his hands stretched forward to meet mine. he was handing me the pictures. I reached for it , glancing at the photos of this man, he was alright. " I'm gonna entertain your little questions for a few minutes" " how am I supposed to carry out this job?, and do I have a time frame? " I asked seemingly looking for a good answer or a bargain outlet. " good question....the man took out his glasses and placed them on the table looking directly at my eyes , his gaze made my stomach churn . " take a much time as you like love, whatever you do just make sure this big project gets stolen before he releases it " . ".........might I ask what this big idea is..... and why does he need it ?" I managed to ask. Staring at me for a few seconds , the man adjusted himself forward expressionlessly "you shouldn't be sticking your nose where it don't belong love,.....all I know is someone big is paying the boss for this job , now be a good gal and make it work , be thank full it wasn't your organs he wanted hahaha" he rasped , picking up his glasses from the table he stood up to leave . standing up as well he gave me a wink and proceeded to walk out the door , breathing a sigh of relief as I closed it . I looked down to realize he stuck his foot through . He leaned In through the gap and said " now everything you'll need is in the envelope, no more questions" I nodded in response, heaving a deeper sigh as he left. watching them drive away I made my way to the table containing the envelopes , opening them one after the other. "Tristan Agress....age 27....6,5......" I muttered glancing through his portfolio. the other envelopes consisted of a flash drive , phone and check of 3 million dollars. "dang , least I don't have to worry about expenses" I thought. I quickly took a shower and proceeded to make dinner...... ___ My alarm rung at 5am , waking me up , I groggily went to the bathroom to take a shower , the cold water running down my back jolted me awake. staring at my naked self in the mirror I thought of all the luxurious things I would buy once I got paid from this....it might even pay off my dept for good........******** My flight arrived at 4pm at NYC. I made my way downstairs, amazed at the capital city , nothing on me except a bag filled with papers , two phones and a flashdrive. I halted the next the next cab to come my way , taking me to my next stop . --- The cab pulls up to a massive wrought-iron gate, and I can already feel the unease creeping up my spine. This place is nothing like the cramped apartments I’ve called home before. The driver’s eyes widen as he peers out the window, and I can’t blame him. Even I’m not sure how to react. I step out, the gate creaking open as if it’s been expecting me. The air smells different here....cleaner, almost sweet, like something foreign. Flowers? I hesitate, looking up at the towering mansion in front of me. It's a stone fortress, beautiful in an intimidating, "you don’t belong here" kind of way. My feet feel heavy as I move toward the front door. The door swings open before I even knock. Of course. He controls everything. Insi
-- My eyes flicker to the sound of my alarm **6 a.m.** I have to be fast. I push myself out of my cold new bed, feeling the weight of sleep still clinging to me with each reluctant step. The beautiful bathroom greets me, its luxury a stark contrast to my mood. I can tell it’s well-equipped, even through my sleepy haze. With a groggy sigh, I turn on the cold shower. The water jolts me awake, revitalizing my senses as I untangle my hair. I need to hurry. According to the portfolio, I need to be at Du'Lumiere Café right about now. I glance at the clock, anxiety bubbling in my stomach. I fling open the wardrobe, my eyes scanning the tailored clothes my boss had chosen for me. To my surprise, he has a good eye for style. I quickly pull on a pair of fitted suit trousers, slipping into my red bottoms—sharp and striking. A crisp white collar shirt completes the look. I throw my hair into a messy bun, trying to strike a balance between effortless and polished. After applying just
--- fuck! I face-palm myself..... I deserve it. Kayla Smith??......Smith?!. What kind of name is that? I really need a break. I let out a sigh, my frustration seeping into every breath. Clutching my papers in one hand and his lukewarm coffee in the other, I hurried out of the café, my heart still pounding from the awkward encounter I wish I could erase from my mind. And then, I smell him..... Ugh" I mutter to myself I close my eyes for a second, trying to steady myself, but it’s no use. His scent is intoxicating, pulling me in with every whiff. Something about it is maddening—clean, sharp, with a hint of something rich. It wraps around me, reminding me of how close I was to him just moments ago. I mutter under my breath, “Get it together, Hailey,” and wave my hand to hail a taxi, praying the cold air will snap me out of it. I climb into the cab, my fingers tightening around the stack of papers in my lap. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll forget about this cringeworthy encounte
--- I tossed and turned throughout the night, each minute stretching into what felt like an eternity. The ceiling above me became my only companion my eyes darting towards it's details as I replayed the events of the day before in my mind. The envelope sat on my desk, illuminated by the soft glow of my desk lamp , a constant reminder of the opportunity and the risks that lay ahead. As the first rays of sunlight filtered through my window, they kissed my face gently, coaxing me awake. I squinted at the brightness, wishing I could hide from the world. With a reluctant sigh, I swung my legs over the side of the bed, my feet hitting the cold floor jolting me totally awake. The morning felt heavy with anticipation, the only sound being the birds that flew across the garden. ..oh I wish I was a bird.. After a quick shower, the warm water washed away some of my anxiety, if only for a moment. I took a deep breath, letting the steam wrap around me like a comforting blanket. Once
--- The day broke peacefully, but the tranquility felt deceptive, like a calm before a storm. Sweet bird songs drifted in from the garden, their cheerful melodies jarring against my restless thoughts. "Stupid birds..." The cold morning air crept through the walls of the empty mansion, amplifying the oppressive silence that wrapped around me. I shuddered involuntarily, the chill seeping into my bones. "Gosh, I can’t even get a good night's sleep in this fucking house," I muttered, tossing and turning in my sheets, gripping the fabric tightly as if it could shield me from the unease settling in my stomach. Perhaps it wasn’t just the cold that unsettled me. Maybe it was this place...the loneliness of it....or the weight of the job looming ahead. Whatever it was, it didn’t matter, I needed to shake it off, and quickly at that. With a sigh, I rolled over and reached for my phone, desperate for a distraction. As the screen lit up, I began scrolling through adult videos, try
--- **buzz** The gate made such a horrible sound. Stepping outside, the cool evening air kissed my skin, a contrast to the warmth that still lingered from my hurried preparations. The sky had deepened into a soft blue, the kind that signaled nightfall was fast approaching. I took in a breath, cooling and steadying myself as I began my walk toward the open road. The sound of my heels clicking against the pavement echoed sharply in the quiet suburban street. Each step felt calculated, deliberate, the rhythmic *click-clack* cutting the silence like a sharp knife. I could feel eyes on me. People were staring, their gazes following me as I strode past, their curiosity obvious. It wasn't hard to imagine why. I wasn’t exactly blending in. The dress I wore clung to my body for dear life in all the right ways, the sleek fabric shimmering under the fading sunlight. My curves were accentuated, my skin glowing against the cool tones of the evening. I could feel the weight of e
--- As the sedan pulled up to the hotel, I could feel my nerves tightening in my chest. I could see the lights through the tinted windows. The place was massive—marble pillars, red carpet, the whole deal. I was already late, which made everything worse. The driver opened the door, and I had to will myself to step out, heels clicking loudly as I hit the pavement. The guests inside looked so at ease, champagne glasses in hand, laughter floating through the air like a melody I didn’t know the words to. Except they stopped to glance at my direction. "shit" I face palm myself inwardly "hello ma'am" the person at the entrance greeted me , jolting me back to life. " hello" I force out with a tight-lipped smile, instinctively fumbling through my purse for my invitation. My finger handed the glossy card to him ,and he nodded in response, still keeping his smile like he had been programmed to do so. My heartbeat quickened. but I tried to play it cool, adjusting my dress as
--- The auction hall buzzed around me, but I couldn’t focus. The lights were too bright, and everything seemed to blur. I took a slow, measured breath, but even that felt like a task. I could still feel the burn of the champagne in my throat, the heat spreading through my body, making everything….fuzzy. Something was seriously wrong, but I couldn’t figure out what. “Go ahead, kayla,” Mr. Price’s voice slithered into my ear again. “Make another bid. Don’t be shy.” I swallowed, my throat dry despite the champagne. I glanced at him, his smile never wavering, but now it looked more like a predator’s grin. My hand shook, but I raised it anyway. " Why the hell was I bidding?".... "What was I even bidding for?" The auctioneer’s voice dragged on, acknowledging my bid, and suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Tristan’s hand go up. He was bidding against me? My heart thudded in my chest. I hadn’t even noticed when he’d moved seats, but now he was closer, directly in m
I leaned back as well, trying to mimick his movement . Tristan hadn’t stopped watching me, his gaze a mix of amusement and calculation, like he was waiting for my next move. I had to be careful , not too eager, but not too guarded either. He was playing his game, and I had to stay one step ahead. "I wonder," he said, breaking the silence, "how often you play these games." his voice thicker than before. Was he trying to seduce me or something?. I arched an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "Games?" He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "You know exactly what I mean." I took another sip of coffee, letting the moment stretch. "I think we’re both playing the same game, Tristan." i called his name , damn it sounded good on my lips. He seemed to consider that, his fingers tracing the rim of his cup. "Perhaps," he said softly. Then, after a pause, "But I’m curious , what’s your endgame?" I felt a slight tremor in my chest. His words were gentle, but the intent behind them was raz
--- a light pat of lip stain.... a careful diffusion of curls , a peek of cleavage..... I arrived at Lumiere Café ten minutes early, but Tristan was already there, seated by the window. The sight of him sent a wave of heat through me, despite the chilly morning. He looked relaxed, legs crossed, his arm draped casually over the back of his chair, his dark eyes already focused on me as though he had been waiting for this moment. I tugged my coat tighter around me, steeling myself before walking over. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I wasn’t going to let him get the upper hand so easily. "You're early," I said, sliding into the chair across from him. His gaze didn’t waver, pinning me in place with that intense, unreadable expression. "I prefer being prepared," he replied smoothly, his voice low, like velvet. "I like knowing what to expect." A small smile tugged at my lips. "And here I thought you enjoyed surprises." He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he gestured towa
My boots clicked as I walked down the sidewalk, a smirk crept my lips, I couldn't help but feel excited,paying for his coffee in return was just the right move to go for , very unexpected and bold. It would possibly knock him off balance. I adjusted my coat , feeling the morning chill get to me . I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.I was starting to like my job. my head bobbed left and right as I waved down a taxi, feeling I couldn't stroll anymore cause of the cold. I rubbed my hands together vigorously trying to create warmth."you the girl from the papers?" I heard someone say.it was the driver...? "who?" I replied stopping my hands in their tracks."the girl from the papers , uh Kayla smith?" his voice grunted ."oh no " I replied with a slight chuckle feeling the awkwardness creep my cold spine." ah you do look quite similar though, you're pretty, I would've sworn you were her " "oh ? ....thank you?" I managed to say. pulling out some money and dropping on
--- Three days had passed since I had stormed into the mansion, leaving behind the dizzying whirlwind of the gala and Tristan’s infuriating absence. During that time, I had thrown myself into a series of distractions, determined to erase the sting of rejection from my mind. The first day, I indulged in a spa retreat, basking in luxury as I let the soothing hands of the masseuse work out the tension in my shoulders. I pampered myself with aromatic oils and calming facials was that made me feel like royalty, if only for a moment. I flipped through glossy magazines while sipping herbal tea, trying to ignore the nagging thoughts of Tristan and the chaos that had ensued since that night. The next day, I splurged on a personal chef, enjoying a lavish meal prepared just for me in the mansion’s expansive kitchen. The scent of truffle oil filled the air as I savored each bite, indulging in flavors that made me forget the harsh realities of my life. "This is what I deserve,"I told myse
--- I woke up to the softest sheets I’d ever felt, the kind that practically swallowed you whole. My eyes cracked open, and for a second, I forgot where I was. But then it hit me, fast and hard. This wasn’t my bed. My body jerked upright, my head whipping around as the memories of last night came flooding back—Tristan, Mr. Price, his arms around me pulling me away. *He saved me.* I gasped I hadn’t needed saving, or at least that’s what I kept telling myself. Yet, there I was, alone in a bed that wasn’t mine, in a room far too big and far too cold for comfort. I kicked off the covers and swung my legs over the side, my feet hitting cool marble. The room was massive, sleek, and sterile in that way only people with too much money could appreciate. It was the kind of place that screamed luxury, but it lacked warmth--just like the man who owned it. Tristan....where was he? I stood up slowly, feeling that familiar sting in my chest as I glanced around. No note. No sign
--- The world blurred again as I tried to focus, but everything felt off too bright, too loud. My heart pounded in my chest, sending blood rushing to my ears as Tristan’s hand stayed firm on my arm. He was calm, steady, in control. And fuck, wasn’t that ironic? Here I was, in a room full of people I was supposed to be conning.....and especially him, my damn target—and here he was saving me from whatever nightmare Mr. Price was dragging me into. God, if he knew. If he knew why I was really here, what I was planning... No. I couldn’t think about that now. Not with Tristan so close, his scent filling the space between us—clean and masculine, with a hint of something woodsy. It made my head spin in a completely different way than the drug that was making me feel , like I was sinking into quicksand. The auction hall buzzed around us, but it felt far away, like the entire room was fading into the background. It was just Tristan and me, his hand warm against my skin, grounding me,
--- The auction hall buzzed around me, but I couldn’t focus. The lights were too bright, and everything seemed to blur. I took a slow, measured breath, but even that felt like a task. I could still feel the burn of the champagne in my throat, the heat spreading through my body, making everything….fuzzy. Something was seriously wrong, but I couldn’t figure out what. “Go ahead, kayla,” Mr. Price’s voice slithered into my ear again. “Make another bid. Don’t be shy.” I swallowed, my throat dry despite the champagne. I glanced at him, his smile never wavering, but now it looked more like a predator’s grin. My hand shook, but I raised it anyway. " Why the hell was I bidding?".... "What was I even bidding for?" The auctioneer’s voice dragged on, acknowledging my bid, and suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Tristan’s hand go up. He was bidding against me? My heart thudded in my chest. I hadn’t even noticed when he’d moved seats, but now he was closer, directly in m
--- As the sedan pulled up to the hotel, I could feel my nerves tightening in my chest. I could see the lights through the tinted windows. The place was massive—marble pillars, red carpet, the whole deal. I was already late, which made everything worse. The driver opened the door, and I had to will myself to step out, heels clicking loudly as I hit the pavement. The guests inside looked so at ease, champagne glasses in hand, laughter floating through the air like a melody I didn’t know the words to. Except they stopped to glance at my direction. "shit" I face palm myself inwardly "hello ma'am" the person at the entrance greeted me , jolting me back to life. " hello" I force out with a tight-lipped smile, instinctively fumbling through my purse for my invitation. My finger handed the glossy card to him ,and he nodded in response, still keeping his smile like he had been programmed to do so. My heartbeat quickened. but I tried to play it cool, adjusting my dress as
--- **buzz** The gate made such a horrible sound. Stepping outside, the cool evening air kissed my skin, a contrast to the warmth that still lingered from my hurried preparations. The sky had deepened into a soft blue, the kind that signaled nightfall was fast approaching. I took in a breath, cooling and steadying myself as I began my walk toward the open road. The sound of my heels clicking against the pavement echoed sharply in the quiet suburban street. Each step felt calculated, deliberate, the rhythmic *click-clack* cutting the silence like a sharp knife. I could feel eyes on me. People were staring, their gazes following me as I strode past, their curiosity obvious. It wasn't hard to imagine why. I wasn’t exactly blending in. The dress I wore clung to my body for dear life in all the right ways, the sleek fabric shimmering under the fading sunlight. My curves were accentuated, my skin glowing against the cool tones of the evening. I could feel the weight of e