Chapter 3 A Dangerous proposition.

Kara had survived her first real encounter with Elena Laurent, but something told her she wouldn't be that lucky next time.

She stayed behind the bar, pretending to be busy arranging glasses, but every now and then, her gaze flickered toward the VIP section. Elena was still watching her.

Not constantly, not in an obvious way-but enough that Kara could feel it.

She cursed under her breath and focused on her breathing. Don't panic. Don't slip up. This was just another job, just another night. She wasn't here to impress some rich heiress with too much time on her hands.

"Hey, new guy."

Kara looked up. One of the senior bartenders, Malik, nodded toward the other end of the counter. "VIP section. Laurent's table. They want another round."

Kara's stomach tightened. Of course they do.

She poured the drinks with steady hands and balanced the tray as she made her way back to the VIP lounge. She had done this hundreds of times in different places, with different people. Stay professional. Stay invisible.

But Elena wasn't the type to let people stay invisible.

She leaned back as Kara approached, a lazy smile playing on her lips. That knowing look again.

Kara set the drinks down carefully, her fingers grazing the cold glass. "Anything else?"

Elena took her time picking up her whiskey, swirling the liquid before bringing it to her lips. "You're efficient."

"I try to be."

"You don't smile much, do you?"

Kara kept her expression blank. "Not part of the job description."

Elena chuckled. "You're interesting, Kai."

Kara stiffened at the name. Kai. She had given Elena that name to protect herself, but hearing it from her lips felt... dangerous.

Before Kara could respond, Elena leaned forward, her gaze sharper now. "How long have you been working here?"

Kara didn't flinch. "Not long."

"And before that?"

This woman was digging. Why?

Kara kept her voice steady. "Different places. Different cities."

Elena studied her. "A man always on the move."

Kara forced a small smirk. "Something like that."

Elena held her gaze for a beat longer before exhaling softly. "I have a proposition for you, Kai."

Kara's grip on the tray tightened. Here it is.

Elena leaned back against the couch, crossing her legs. "I need a boyfriend."

Kara blinked. Of all the things she had expected, that wasn't one of them. "Excuse me?"

"Not a real one," Elena clarified, swirling her drink. "Just a temporary one. A fake."

Kara stayed silent, waiting for more.

Elena smiled, clearly enjoying dragging this out. "My parents are... traditional. They've been pressuring me to settle down. I need someone convincing enough to keep them off my back."

Kara processed this carefully. "And you think I'd be convincing?"

Elena tilted her head, her gaze running over Kara's frame as if she were analyzing her. "You fit the role. You're not over-eager. You don't try too hard. And most importantly-you're a mystery."

Kara's jaw clenched. Too much of a mystery.

"And what do I get out of this?" she asked finally.

Elena's smile didn't waver. "I'll pay you, of course."

Kara scoffed. "Not interested."

Elena raised a brow, clearly not used to rejection. "You didn't even hear my offer."

Kara turned to leave. "Doesn't matter."

"Elena."

The voice that interrupted them belonged to the man sitting next to her. He had been silent up until now, merely observing. But something about his tone made Kara pause.

The man leaned in toward Elena, voice low. "You're pushing too hard."

Elena's smile didn't falter, but her eyes darkened slightly. "Am I?"

The man chuckled. "You might scare him away."

Elena exhaled, then turned back to Kara. "Fine. I won't push."

Kara didn't wait for more. She turned, walking away as fast as she could without looking like she was running.

She had made it halfway to the back when a voice stopped her.

"Wait."

Kara didn't want to stop. She didn't want to turn. But she did.

Elena was standing now, away from the table, closer than before.

Kara crossed her arms. "I already said no."

Elena tilted her head. "You didn't let me finish."

Kara sighed. "Go on, then."

Elena stepped closer. "I know people like you."

Kara tensed. "People like me?"

Elena's voice softened. "People who need money but don't want to ask for help."

Kara's blood ran cold. Did she know?

Elena smiled again, but this time it was different. Less playful. More calculated. "I'll cover any expenses you have."

Kara swallowed hard.

"Whatever you're struggling with," Elena continued, "I'll handle it."

Kara clenched her fists. She had fought, begged, and stolen to keep her sister alive. And now this woman-this stranger-was offering to solve it all with a simple arrangement?

"Think about it," Elena murmured, her voice gentle but firm. "I'll be here tomorrow night."

Then, without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, leaving Kara standing there-frozen.