The air in the VIP lounge of The Obsidian was thick with the scent of expensive cigars and even more expensive secrets. I adjusted the hem of my borrowed cocktail dress, my heart hammering against my ribs like a trapped bird.
I wasn't here for the party. I was here to save my father from a prison cell.
"He's ready for you," a stone-faced security guard muttered, gesturing toward the heavy oak doors at the end of the hall.
I took a breath and pushed them open. The office was vast, lit only by the glowing skyline of the city through floor-to-ceiling windows. Standing by the glass was a man whose silhouette alone screamed power.
Silas Vane. The Viper of Wall Street. A man known for tearing down companies—and lives—without blinking. He didn't turn around when I entered.
My father's debt, I started, my voice trembling despite my best efforts. I have the first installment. Ten thousand...
Ten thousand is a rounding error, Elena, he interrupted.
His voice was a deep, smooth velvet that sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. He finally turned, his silver eyes piercing through the dim light. He was devastatingly handsome, with a jawline sharp enough to cut glass and a coldness that felt like a physical weight.
He walked toward me, his movements slow and predatory.
He stopped just inches away, his shadow completely swallowing me. Your father owes me five million. He gambled with my money, and he lost.
Please, I whispered, looking up at him. Give us more time. I'll work. I'll do anything.
Silas leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear. The heat radiating from him was intoxicating. Anything?
He pulled back, his thumb tracing the line of my jaw, forcing me to meet his gaze. A dark, ruthless smirk played on his lips. I don't want your money, Elena. I want you.
My breath hitched. What?
One year, he stated, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You stay in my house. You play the part of my devoted fiancée. You give me your nights, and in return, your father walks free. The debt is wiped clean."
"You want to buy me?" I gasped, my face flushing with a mix of anger and something far more dangerous.....attraction.
"I'm a businessman," he said, his hand sliding to the nape of my neck, pulling me slightly closer. "I'm just making an investment. Do we have a deal, or should I call the police?"
I looked into those cold, silver eyes and realized I was standing at the edge of a cliff. Behind me was my family's ruin. In front of me was a man who looked like he wanted to devour me.
"Deal," I choked out.
Silas's smirk widened as he leaned in, his breath hot against my skin. "Good girl. Now, let's sign the contract."