this moment. "Please," I began, my voice shaky but growing steadier with each word. "Give me time. I'll pay the money back. Whatever he owes-I'll make it right." For a moment

ced with desperation. Theo froze, his sharp eyes narrowing as he turned back to face me. There was a flicker of curiosity in his gaze, like he was intrigued by my audacity. "What other deal?" he asked, his tone cold but somehow amused. I took a deep breath, my hands shaking, but I couldn't stop now. "What if I offer myself? I'll work for you-no salary. Everything I make will go to you. Just please, let my father go." For a moment, Theo just stared at me, as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. Then, his lips curved into a devilish smile, one that sent a chill through my entire body. "Offer yourself as a pet for a year," he said, his voice low and playful, like he'd just come up with the perfect solution. "And your father will be free." I blinked, confused. "Pet?" I repeated, my voice barely a whisper. Theo's eyes darkened with a predatory gleam, his smile turning darker, more dangerous. "Don't play dumb, cariño," he said, his tone dripping with contempt and something more dangerous. "You know exactly what I'm talking about." His gaze slid over me, lingering on me in a way that made my skin crawl, and I felt the heat of his stare, full of lust and power. My breath caught in my throat as I realized the gravity of what he was suggesting. He wasn't talking about working for him in the usual sense. He wanted something more. Something I wasn't prepared to give. I felt my pulse race, my heart thundering in my chest as I met Theo's gaze. His words hung in the air, thick with menace and power, but something inside me snapped. What choice did I have? My father's life was on the line, and I'd already promised to do whatever it took. Even if it meant surrendering every last piece of myself to him. I swallowed hard, steeling myself as I nodded, my voice barely a whisper but laced with a new, unexpected resolve. "Fine. I'll do it. I'll be your pet." Theo's dark eyes gleamed with satisfaction, a twisted smile curling on his lips. He stood slowly, his tall frame looming over me, and reached forward to grip my chin with one hand, tilting my head up to meet his gaze. His fingers were like iron, unyielding, forcing me to look into those cold, predatory eyes. "You think you have the courage to offer yourself to me?" Theo murmured, his voice low and dangerously calm. "You have no idea what you're getting into." I didn't respond. The words seemed to lodge in my throat, and despite my fear, I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing me break. Theo leaned in closer, his breath