ht ahead, avoiding Damien Blackwood's gaze. Still, she could feel him there, his presence dominating the small space between them. It was impossible to ig

his voice deep and resonant

I'm being driven off by a man who just told me I'm the solution to my fa

from me, she blurted out, clutc

his eyes intense and unread

plan to use me like some kind of pawn? My father made this deal, not me! It was

ent chills down her spine. And yet, here

ed to think she had a choice, a small part of her knew she didn't. Not against Dami

ts blur into streaks of color. Where are you taking me

tely at ease like he was on a Sunday outing. S

what if I don't want to talk? she

tle, but his voice remained even. Y

e could she even go? Damien Blackwood wasn't just some rando; he was powerful, calculating, and ruthl

he had only ever seen in magazines. A valet rushed over, opening Damien

voice low and firm, leav

gathering her courage.

eath warm against her skin

oubt him for a second, and tha

walked ahead, assuming she would follow. For a split second, she thought about making a run for it, but be

had never felt so alone and

uge, filled with people who looked like they had money to burn, none of whom even gave

e doors closed, Emma finally lost it. Why are you d

rowing a tantrum. Because, Emma, your father made

ch churne

Damien stepped out first, gesturing for her to follow. She did, her legs shaky, her eye

s eyes intense and cold.

t in her throat. Wh

he hit the wall. You heard me perfectly well. Your father's debt is

anic rising. You're crazy if you t

but deadly. This isn't a request. This is a deal. You become my

in her eyes. A

nd of bug under a microscope. Then, with a chilling certa

y. You wouldn't d

morse, and she knew at that moment that he meant everyth

lly be happening. This couldn't be her life. It

w held her life in his hands, she reali