by Piper Stone
“I assure you there is no catch.” He picked up another set of papers, leaving them in front of him. “While my client has the autonomy to make the final selection, it is my belief that after your initial meeting, he will request continuing. You suit every one of his needs to perfection.”
My God, the man was pouring it on thick. I wasn’t certain whether to be giddy or insulted.
“And exactly what does that mean?”
Daniel smiled, the gesture far too provocative. “A good number of the details are between you and my client; however, I can tell you that you should be prepared for significant changes to your life.”
“Changes that will require my flexibility.”
His smile indicated I was still winning points. “Absolutely. As I mentioned, if selected, you will be well compensated.”
“Meaning what, Mr. Darke? While I don’t mind jumping through certain hoops, I do value truth in the reason behind my sudden change in behavior.”
He hesitated for a few seconds as if debating whether or not to answer me. “My client is prepared to offer you one million dollars initially. Once your required task has been completed, you will be given another one million dollars. Does that suit your expectations?”
I was floored, my mouth suddenly dry. I found it difficult to breathe, my throat almost entirely closed off. “Are you kidding me?” This had to be a joke. No one offered that kind of money for a few dates.
That meant there was a hell of a lot more that would be asked of me. I wasn’t certain I could stomach going through with it. But what if I could? The money would go a long way to providing a new life. I was shaken, trying to pull myself together. There had to be something wrong with his client.
“No, Ms. Winters. I am not in the habit of joking about money.”
“What’s wrong with him? There has to be something horribly amiss in order for him to go to such expensive lengths in securing a date.”
Exhaling, he studied me for several seconds before answering. “Not only are my clients powerful as well as wealthy, they prefer no attachments. This isn’t a date, Ms. Winters. This will entail several weeks of your life. As far as my client, he is… particular.”
“Particular.”
“Which is why I am convinced you are exactly what he requires. Is this something you are interested in?”
The man obviously was getting off on our conversation. I took my time before answering, weighing all the pros and cons that I could think of. A single meeting. “Why not, Mr. Darke? As you said, I have nothing to lose; however, this initial meeting will be a public location.”
“Absolutely. That is one of the rules, Ms. Winters.” He shoved another black envelope across his desk. “Inside you will find the details of your meeting with my client occurring this evening, including a recent photograph. Given my requirements for initial privacy, you will only know each other by first names. While my client was provided with a basic fact sheet regarding you, I suggest you refrain from providing too many additional details until the contract is signed. Do you understand?”
“Yes, that’s crystal clear.” The wealthy client had the advantage of knowing about some of my background while I’d been told nothing. The perks of the affluent.
“In addition, money will be wired to your account later this evening. Hopefully, that will cover any expenses you may incur as well as compensate you for your time. My personal and very private email is enclosed, which you will use only once, detailing your experience with the evening’s event. Then you will have until noon tomorrow in order to finalize your decision. At that time, you will call me at the number provided inside this envelope with your decision. If you choose in the affirmative, then you will be provided with further instructions and requirements as well as the final contract. At no time will this offer be discussed with anyone. Do you understand me?”
While I’d already signed the confidentiality agreement, I had a feeling his words weren’t a simple request.
They were a threat.
Whatever I’d gotten myself involved in, I had a terrible feeling that I wouldn’t be able to get out of it.
“Yes, sir. I understand completely. And I’m certain you understand that as a practicing attorney, I will go over the contract with a fine-tooth comb?”
His expression didn’t change to any degree, yet his eyes shifted in color, the light creating a dark shadow. “Very well, Ms. Winters. While both my client and I enjoy finding a woman of such vigor as well as power, you should realize early on that you will be required to follow the terms of the contract without question. If you break those terms, there will be consequences.”
A cold shiver trickled down my spine, but I refused to allow Daniel Darke to realize he’d gotten under my skin. “I look forward to the challenge.”
Chapter 2
Houston
“Your father is going to die.”
The words continued to reverberate in my mind, the call in the middle of the night initiating a chain of events that I could no longer avoid. There’d been no explanation, no idea of the caller’s identity. The number had been blocked, likely a burner phone that had been tossed seconds after providing the warning.
After the first thirty seconds, I’d laughed it off. When anyone calls you at two in the morning, they’re usually blitzed out of their mind. While I certainly didn’t advertise the fact that I was the son of a powerful man, it was also no secret. For all I knew, one of the other assholes at the brokerage firm made the call just to piss me off. Within days, I’d forgotten all about it.
Then my sister had left a message that couldn’t be avoided. She was worried my father was heading for a breakdown or worse.
Ready to be carted off to prison.
Not that I gave a shit about his welfare, but I did give a damn about Ashley. She was far too young, perhaps blissfully innocent to the true ruthless nature of my father. Still, even that hadn’t shifted my life’s objectives or altered my way of life one damn bit.
Until the final call from my father’s attorney.
Yeah, that had set things in motion. And here I was, honoring my father’s demands that I return home or else.
Fuck him.
I could beat him at his game.
Ridiculous.
I’d reflected on the single word more than once since my meeting with the owner of Dark Overture. Sadly, I felt I had no choice but to use a firm who could provide exactly what I needed in the short term. I’d heard of Daniel Darke’s ability to find the perfect candidate for every client’s needs. While he required privacy for his company as well as others who requested his particular services, there was always someone willing to talk, risking the signed nondisclosure agreement. Daniel’s reputation was interesting. The man was ruthless, calculating, and extremely successful.
That’s why his payment terms were extraordinarily high.
Up to this point, the man seemed worth every penny.
If that changed, he’d feel my wrath quickly.
I sat in prime position inside the quiet corner bar, remaining in the darkness and able to see clearly the moment when his selection walked in through the door. While there was always a chance that the candidate wouldn’t show, fear of the unknown crippling, Daniel had assured me that the woman selected not only suited my every desire but was tenacious, even bold. I chuckled at the thought as I peered down at the recent photograph taken of the prospective candidate. I’d read over her file, the limited information providing only what Daniel believed I should know.
Every time I glanced at her picture my cock twitched, my hunger sadistic and brutal. I was a man lucky enough to have any woman I desired, but none of them had ever satisfied me. Perhaps I was incapable of harboring anything but sexual feelings, no matter how beautiful the specimen. That’s why the arrangement with Dark Overture was perfect.
No long-term obligations.
No emotional bullshit.
And absolutely zero possibility that there would be anything further.
Granted, the price tag was steep, but given my current state of wealth, I could certainly afford it. In doing so, my estate would continue to grow at a delicious pace. Enjoying the perks of an indecent proposal was merely a bonus.
I took a deep breath, drinking in the sensual atmosphere. The piano player was doing his best to provide the perfect backdrop to the setting, the music slightly on the gothic side, just as I’d demanded.
I swirled my drink, scanning the empty location, a smirk remaining on my face. When the door opened, I checked my watch. Bristol was right on time.
While the women who’d accompanied me to various black-tie events and concerts, dinner parties, and other required social events had been gorgeous, they’d never intrigued me like the woman walking through the door. There was something almost majestic about her from the way she held her head high, her long and dazzling red hair shimmering in the dim lighting to the manner in which she carried herself as she walked past the few tables. My cock was now pinched against my zipper, my balls tight as fuck. If I wasn’t careful, I would lose absolute control with her, something that I loathed from any man for any reason.
I shoved her picture into my pocket, sitting back against my seat.
As she shifted her gaze from one side of the room to the other, I pulled my glass to my lips, licking the rim, my filthy thoughts shifting to imagining the taste of her pretty little pussy. When she finally shifted her gaze in my direction, she didn’t express a single emotion whatsoever.
That only made me want to break down her defenses, peel away what appeared to be a haughty layer as if she believed herself to be better than the arrangement. My God, all I could do was envision her naked, her voluptuous body displayed and ready for my use. In her stunning violet dress, the material hugging every curve, I knew that any man who saw her would crave spending a single night in bed with her. She was my prize, my conquest and while she had no idea at this point, she would succumb to my every demand.
No matter how brutal or sadistic.
While she continued to advance toward my table, I could easily tell she was gathering intel about who and what she’d gotten herself involved in. Little did she know I was considered a monster in disguise, brutal and ruthless and not only in business.
Bristol now stood in front of the table, eyeing me as she would a predator, her eyes cutting right through me. I was going to enjoy the hell out of this.
“Houston?” she asked, her tone full of annoyance.
“Yes. Please sit down, Bristol,” I directed, snapping my fingers at the bartender. “I’ve already taken the liberty of ordering you a drink.”
She exhaled, the sound still managing to be contemptuous. “Let me guess. Mr. Darke scoured through my trash in order to find out the kind of alcohol I prefer.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “I take it you don’t approve of his methods?”
Bristol eyed me carefully before finally sitting down.
On her terms.
I could see that she would need harsh discipline from time to time. The thought only boosted my arousal.
“I don’t appreciate being spied on. Would you?” she asked. As she raked her hand through her hair, several lurid thoughts shifted into the back of my mind.
“Mr. Darke is surprisingly resourceful.”
“I don’t like surprises, Houston. I’m a calculating woman, very organized and I prefer to be told the details of every deal I’m presented with.”
“Then I believe this arrangement will be to your tastes.” I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Her complexion was utter perfection, her intense green eyes watching my every move. While I was unable to tell if she approved of the dangerous man sitting in front of her, that didn’t matter in the least.
She was mine.
Mine for the taking.
Mine for the breaking.
I had no doubt she’d sign the contract.
The thought created a wave of electricity, pushing my longing to the limits.
Bristol glanced around the bar again as the bartender brought the drinks. When she glared at the glass of wine, my thoughts continued to remain dirty and demanding. “I find it interesting that the bar is completely empty on a Thursday night. Is this your doing?”
“Guilty as charged. I thought you’d prefer to have a conversation in private.”
“Are you trying to impress me, Houston, because if you are, don’t waste your time.”
I knew enough about her hardships to realize that the offer was one of her extremely limited opportunities, although I refused to insult her to bringing that point to her attention. However, I didn’t like to be pushed. “I think we need to get something straight, Bristol. I’m Dark Overture’s client. You are the potential candidate for a life changing event.”
“And what makes you think I need a life changing event?” Her glare was not only arrogant, it was laced with venom.
My God, I wanted to feel the woman writhing underneath my body, begging for me to fuck her. The vision was almost too intense to maintain my control. “You must be aware that Daniel provided me with a file with pertinent information on your current situation. I would assume your difficulties would make you very open to possibilities.”
She huffed before taking a sip of her wine, shaking her head. “You’re obviously the one in desperate need, Houston, or you wouldn’t have spared no expense in making the arrangements for this first meeting. I think you’re the one who is desperate for the possibilities as you call them.”
While I’d insisted on a highly intelligent woman with a law background, a being who could hold her own when required, her attitude was starting to become irritating. Before I had the opportunity to answer, she leaned over the table.
“You have no idea what I need, Houston.” Her arrogance continued.
“As you might have guessed, Bristol, I want for nothing in my life. I prefer the finer things and I don’t mind paying for them. What I don’t have time for are games of any kind. I have a very busy life.”
“I’m exactly the same way. Unfortunately, I wasn’t given much information about you other than being provided your first name and a picture. However, I was assured that every aspect regarding your life was investigated and that I had no reason to be concerned. I hope that’s true.”
I took my time answering. “Make no mistake, some of my colleagues would call me ruthless, some would use the term dangerous, but Mr. Darke performed his job as stated.”
“All right. That’s acceptable. However, I have a few questions before we continue. What do you do for a living?”
I hesitated but there was no reason not to provide her with an answer. “I’m a day trader.”
She seemed almost amused. “A stockbroker. Fascinating.”
“I do very well for both myself and my clients.”
“Hmmm… Tell me, why would a man of your obvious… stature require the help of such a unique and expensive company? Not all women play the kind of games you mentioned. You rent out an entire bar, including a musician. That means you have the money to do whatever you want, including the ability to find a suitable girlfriend.”
“Because I don’t need any complications in my life. I’m certainly not looking for a girlfriend. I’ve had those, plenty of them. The relationships didn’t end well. I prefer a business arrangement and nothing more. You will accompany me to various events during the course of the next few weeks. Then you can return to your meager life. Well, it will be different given the money you earned.”
While she seemed to accept the answer on face value, her eyes held the same irritation as before. “Perhaps I can see why your relationships concluded on a bitter note. I’m curious what kind of woman you requested.”
Chuckling, I was becoming more intrigued by her every minute. “One of absolute beauty and grace, a woman who could handle scintillating conversations as well as able to provide enjoyment by her company alone.”
“So a Barbie doll is out of the question?”
“Y
ou have a mischievous streak, Bristol. I like that.” I laughed, enjoying the way her eyes flashed.
“We all have different sides. Don’t we?”
“I’m pretty straightforward. What you see is what you get.”
Bristol was studying me again, dissecting every word, her eyes attempting to bore into my damn soul. “And you’re not telling me the truth, Houston. You need more than just arm candy for a few events. That’s not something you have to pay two million dollars for. The question is why are you lying to me? What do you have to hide?”
The fact she could see right through me was both intoxicating as well as infuriating. Perhaps Daniel had made the wrong choice. I pushed my drink away, doing my best to keep my anger in check. “Fine, Bristol. Have it your way. I am need of your expertise as well as your beauty.”
“My expertise. I would assume that means given I’m an attorney is the expertise you’re talking about.”
“You would be correct.” I sensed the connection between us, a combined desire that was carnal, savage in nature. However, if I accepted the selection, she would be forced to learn she had certain rules to follow. Breaking them would mean instant punishment. My heart thudded rapidly just thinking about it.
She shifted her glass back and forth, finally taking a sip. “At least you were truthful with me.”
“I promise to be as honest as possible. I hope you will do the same.”
“I’m generally always candid. That’s a necessity in my line of work.”
“Understood.” An awkward moment of silence settled between us, but the electricity continued to build. “There is a business portion to our arrangement. I believe your understanding of contracts will be helpful.”
“Helpful. That piques my interest but unless I know more, I won’t be able to make a decision as to whether this is a right fit.”
She was being just as cautious as I’d envisioned her being.
“As you might imagine, I only feel comfortable providing limited details until a deal has been struck. However, I will tell you that it involves certain obligations with my family.”
