Chapter One

Erika's POV

Inside a room filled with pricey, elegant furnishings and opulent interior decor that shouts how expensive everything is. My gaze was transfixed by the beauty of the old paintings and vases.

I never imagined that this man would enjoy the arts because, as far as I am aware, wealthy men tend to be more concerned with seeing their businesses flourish and prosper. I've never seen a room this magnificent before, and I can already tell how much money he spent.

This is effortless for me because I've previously done it better.

The young man smoking in the corner caught my attention as I was passing by; his eyes were fixed on me. Geez, he's creepy!

"I'm already bored, and you shouldn't let this lady face your back instead of your face," he said, adding, "How long do you plan to remain mysterious?"

"Why are you here by the way? I don't quite remember inviting you, Asher," the man who was in front of us groaned.

He chuckled, "Who said I needed an invitation?"

So Asher is the name of this creep? fit him perfectly.

"Never mind. Fidel, I'm really amazed with how precise this data is.

Fidel responded, "Of course, young master. They come from the best clubs and bars in the city, and I need to take their profiles seriously." He is my recruiter, and I believe he doesn't just recruit one female, but he recruits several.

I cast a quick peek at the five women seated next to me; this surrogacy business felt competitive.

"I assumed that a prostitute was no longer a virgin, so why is there a virgin among them if they came from clubs and bars?"

Is he talking about me?

"Young master, she's not a prostitute. She used to be a stripper, dancing on stage naked and satisfying every man's fantasies, but she retired for some reason."

"Interesting."

"Certainly, sir."

"Come on, Gray. You shouldn't keep these ladies waiting. They might require assistance in being watered like flowers, don't you think, ladies?"

Someone said from the opposite side of the room, which caused me to turn to face him, "Let him select whose the right one, Asher. It was his choice not you so stop being persistent for once."

It's another guy, but unlike this guy. He's more interested in books because of the way he look and the way he talked to this guy, he's wearing a white polo paired with black slacks and black shoes that can normally see in businesses.

He also wearing glasses, that's why I thought about that.

"Here's our genius talking," Asher said.

"Enough. Why are you here, Nicho?"

"Nothing, just chilling."

I shrugged before turning my gaze on the man to listen from his words, and in my surprise he was already looking at me. I suddenly nervous for a moment, as if looking at him is forbidden.

Gosh! This guy almost freak me out!

"At last, we've met."

"Pardon?" And my eyebrows creased together.

"Fidel, you purchased me some stunning womens like I instructed you to."

"Even the girl I told you to find," he says with a tiny smile on his lips.

He got out of his chair and came over to us. He began to scan us as though we were criminals who had escaped prison just to be here. He carefully examined every aspect of us, from our features to our bodies and to our spirits.

I lowered my head because I was experiencing uneasiness for no apparent reason. Until a pair of black leather shoes came to a halt in front of me, and someone lifted my chin enough to see how lovely his eyes were.

"You are Erika," it's not a question, this guy telling me my name, possibly because he read it in my information.

"Y-yes..." I respond even though he didn't ask for it.

"I see. You're beautiful and attractive, and it's no surprise that my trusted seeker found you; I know he can find me better than the women he's sent before."

"Your red, soft, yet untasted lips calling my name," he said, "will you let me taste them, Erika?"

Yes! I mean no!

"What can a woman like you do for me? Maybe I should rephrase my words, can you do what I asked you to do?" He inquired, "Will you be able to provide me with an heir?"

"I a-am..." I nodded slowly.

"How about pleasure? Can you provide it for me?"

"Yes..." I nodded once more.

After asking me questions, he smirked and walked away, as if he was finished investigating. He sat at the table, his hands in his pockets, and silence enveloped the entire room.

My hands are trembling for no apparent reason; I sensed something was wrong but couldn't figure it out. To calm myself down, I take a deep breath.

Don't overthink it, Erika. Okay, you came here for your brother, not for yourself. Sure, I am.

"Ladies, have you ever thought about the consequences of coming here?" he asked, but we just shook our heads.

"Very well. Then you came to my den without even thinking about what would happen to you. I'm not surprised because every woman wanted to serve themselves on my table," he said, pulling a gun from his behind and pointing to us, "Sadly, I'm not interested in tasting raw foods. I'd like them cooked by me."

"But you're also not a food."

He then shot the four girls in the head and crashed lifeless on the floor. I didn't see that one coming, and my body froze, as if I were witnessing a merciless execution. My legs were shaking and my mind couldn't process what I had just witnessed.

I can even feel their eyes on me, as if they're laughing at me. What did I do?

Someone lifted my chin again, revealing the merciless man's eyes; he has a blood stain on his face but didn't bother wiping it away, as if he wanted to show me the consequences he was talking about.

"Welcome to my world, Erika Grace Hamilton."