Chapter 5 A Deal with the Devil

KATHLYN'S POV

"You paid the rent? I can't believe this," Andrew teased, dropping some fruits on the table.

"It just happened, okay?" I replied, and he nodded.

"I'm glad you found a way to solve those problems, dear," he said, and I smiled. "How do you want to celebrate?" he asked.

"Dinner at your place," I teased, smirking.

"That's what you said last time before you stood me up, Kathy. Maybe you shouldn't make empty promises," he replied, making me blush.

We chatted about random stuff for a while. The rest of the day turned into a few more days, and before I knew it, it was a new week.

"The turnout this week has been amazing, dear. If it keeps up like this, I'm pretty sure we'll be able to stand on our feet again," Aunt said, and I smiled happily.

We were busy with our normal activities when my eyes landed on a face I could recognize even in my sleep.

"Dominic," I muttered as he smiled in my direction. "What are you doing here, Dominic?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

"I believe we have some unfinished business, dear. That's what I'm doing here. You disappointed our client the other night," he said calmly.

"You know I'm not a stripper. I explained everything I was going through to you. I only worked to pay our rent. I'm not-" I trailed off, and he shook his head.

"Besides, that customer insulted the living daylight out of me. I haven't even recovered from the humiliation. So why are you here? It's not like I stripped for him. I didn't even ask for more money," I added.

"That's not how things work. Those papers you signed bind you to us for a year. It's either you continue working to pay us, or you pay us for three months," he said, handing me copies of the documents.

Wait-was this some kind of sick joke? Or was he serious?

"Sir, you must be mistaken. I stated clearly that-" I raised my voice but calmed down once I noticed I was grabbing attention. The last thing I wanted was to drag my family into more trouble.

"Dominic, I don't have that kind of money. I already have too many bills. If I'd known it would come to this, I would never have done it in the first place," I said, fighting the urge to cry.

"You want to go legal with us? We own the whole process. I wouldn't advise you to do that," he declared.

"But you could help yourself," he added as I rubbed my face anxiously.

"My boss is interested in meeting you. I believe she'll explain everything when you meet her," he said, handing me an address.

"Be there by 12 PM tomorrow," he instructed, then left.

"Best, is everything okay?" Andrew asked.

"Yes, everything's fine. He's just a businessman," I replied, and Andrew returned to his task.

I rushed to the bathroom and splashed water on my face. Tears rolled down as I tried to stop them. "I'm not crying. I won't cry. I swear I'm not-" I whispered before breaking down completely.

"It hurts so much. Why does life have to be so damn hard? How am I supposed to get out of this?" I thought as I stared at my red, puffy eyes in the mirror.

I had no idea who Dominic's boss was or what she was capable of. Heaven help me if I just put my family in more trouble.

"Hey, Dad," I greeted, kissing his cheek.

"I got the receipt from school today. Thanks," Ina said without looking up.

"You're welcome, Ina. I love you," I said, kissing her forehead.

"I... I know," she stuttered, and Dad smiled.

"I need to rest now, okay? Catch up with you guys in the morning," I said and went to my room.

My phone rang. It was Sheryl.

"Hey, sweet," I greeted.

"You cried, didn't you? What's going on?" she asked, instantly concerned.

"Babe, can we talk later? I'm just really exhausted. I need to rest," I said.

"Fine. If you say so. Don't think I believe you're okay. Sweet sleep. Love you," she said and ended the call.

"I love you too, Sheryl," I sighed, placing my phone on the bed. Lucifer jumped up and curled beside me.

"Meow," he purred, snuggling close.

"I love you too, Lucy," I said with a small chuckle.

The next morning, I went straight to work, trying to clear my head. I wore a simple dress and flat shoes-decent enough to cover everything. I didn't want to expose a single inch of skin. This was my only chance to escape that job.

My phone pinged.

"I'm outside."

"Take care of the restaurant, Aunt Dolores," I said and rushed out.

"Good afternoon, sir," I greeted the driver, trying to hide how anxious I was.

He didn't respond, just drove in silence to the outskirts of the city. The penthouse was secluded, private, far from media eyes.

"We've arrived," he announced.

I stepped out and walked in.

My jaw dropped when I saw her-tall, elegant, long brown hair, flawless figure.

"You must be Miss Brooks," she said with a perfectly polished British accent, extending her hand.

"I'm Selena Powers Lawson. Dominic must've told you about this meeting."

I hated how my curves showed through my dress-hated the way her eyes raked over me.

"Ma'am, I'm not a stripper. I just needed money to pay the rent. I have-"

"Save me the genesis, Kathlyn. This is business. Learn to read contracts, sugar," she cut me off, dragging from her cigarette.

"What exactly do you want from me?" I asked.

"That's what I expected you to ask, sugar. What I want," she smirked, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

She had an aura of control. One look could shrink you.

"I've been watching you. I'm interested in what you can do for me, Kathlyn," she said.

"I honestly don't understand. This is starting to feel... scary," I muttered.

"What's scary? All I want is for you to get my son to touch you. Give him an heir and leave like you never existed."

My heart stopped.

"Are you in or out?" she asked.

"Ma'am... I think you're mistaken. I don't even know your son..."

"My son is the highest-paid English lawyer in and out of the country-Arthur Lawson. I believe you've met. You certainly didn't have much modesty left when you walked in to do your job," she mocked.

"I can't do something like that. You want me to give birth to a child and walk away?"

"You owe the club a massive debt. And I know all about you-your mother's gone, your sister with big dreams, your sick father, your bankrupt business."

"Poor people and their dirty pride. I'm offering you real happiness. A scholarship for your sister. Surgery for your father. A blank check. All I need is your silence and obedience. No drama."

Her words echoed.

"We don't want to explore the complications of you saying no. So-yes or yes?" she asked, her eyes drilling into mine.

Tears rolled down.

"In the end, it's money or money, sweetheart. It's a selfish world, and only wolves survive," she whispered.

"I'm in," I said, as my heart broke completely.

"Of course you are." She smirked