Chapter 5 Please, God...

"No, I didn't mean it that way..." If he didn't savage the situation, he would miss having her in his bed tonight or having her at all.

Lisa was suspicious about his offer. "What are you planning to do? Don't forget, you have signed the contract, agreeing to do whatever I wish,"

Arthur contemplated his next move. "But I know what you wish. Unfortunately, you won't get it with this attitude." He locked eyes with hers in a silent dare. "I have something even more appealing to motivate you."

Lisa averted her gaze. Eventually, she found herself following him up to his suite. They settled into the plush armchairs, the soft cushions embracing them as they sank into their depths.

A small table stood between them, with crystal glasses and a bottle of whiskey on it. Arthur expertly popped the cork of the whiskey and poured it into their glasses.

"I'll give you a quarter of my inheritance," Arthur suddenly declared.

Lisa's jaws dropped in astonishment as she processed his words. She lifted the glass to her lips, loving the way it made her chest warm.

"Just a month with me, and you will have it. That way, we can get what we both want. Is this enough motivation for you?" Arthur continued.

"A quarter of your inheritance? That's a significant offer. What do you expect in addition to our contract?"

Arthur's gaze darkened with desire as he leaned closer, their faces mere inches apart. If a lie was all it could take to have her in his bed...

"All I ask, Lee, is one night with you." He murmured, his breath warming against her skin.

The taste of whiskey lingered on their lips as they leaned in, their mouths meeting in a furious kiss that bruised her lips.

Yet, Lisa's mind raced with apprehension. She summoned all her strength and pushed him. "Wait. I could get fired. I am not doing this for money. I am doing this because..." she trailed off. She couldn't form a sentence because she was doing it for money. She needed the money terribly.

Arthur silenced her with his finger pressing against her lips.

"Shh... Just feel," he whispered.

Lisa felt a nagging sense of doubt creeping in. It was telling her to be careful; he was dangerous. "Are you sure..."

Arthur's grin was reassuring as he leaned in closer, his nose brushing against hers. "You promised me one night, didn't you?" he teased.

Lisa knew the dangers of falling into temptation and the risks of crossing that forbidden line with her client. Yet, in that moment, as she gazed into Arthur's eyes, she found herself unable to resist.

She had taken a glass of alcohol.

"Then allow me," Arthur murmured.

******

Lisa slowly opened her eyes, her surroundings unfamiliar and freezing, when she noticed how cozy Arthur's arms were. Then she sat up in shock.

"What... What happened? How did I end up here?"

Carefully, she removed herself from Arthur's embrace, Lisa's mind worked to piece together the fragments of last night.

"I remember the invitation... the drink... We were talking, and then..." Lisa trailed off as discomfort and regret settled over her. Slowly, Lisa moved to gather her belongings, her intention clear: she needed to leave, to put distance between herself and the memories with Arthur.

It was a mistake.

But just as she was about to make her escape, his voice stopped her.

"Oh, Lee, you were so flexible last night. It was quite the show,"

Lisa's eyes widened with disbelief. She turned to face him, trembling with rage. "What did you just say?"

Arthur blinked innocently. "Lee, what's wrong? Why are you yelling?"

"I... I don't remember much. Did we... did we sleep together?" Lisa asked hesitantly, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

Arthur's chuckle was both infuriating and condescending, his arrogance getting on Lisa's nerves as he dismissed her concerns with a casual shrug. "Oh, you have a selective memory, don't you? Yeah, we definitely did more than just sleep," he drawled.

"That's not what I meant! I don't even remember how I got here, and now you're making it sound like it was some wild adventure," Lisa retorted hotly. She wasn't in the mood for his games.

Arthur's smirk widened into a sick grin. "Oh, come on, Lee. I am simply appreciating your... abilities. There's no need to get all worked up about it."

"What?"

"Relax, Lee. We both wanted it, didn't we? You were quite flexible in bed, I must say," Arthur replied casually.

"Flexible? Is that what you took away from last night? You're mocking me now? Seriously?"

This was one of the reasons why Lisa hated getting involved. It shouldn't be pleasure before business, Lisa thought, her nose flaring.

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Hey, calm down. It's not that big of a deal. You're blowing this out of proportion,"

"Blowing it out of proportion? You're the one who doesn't seem to understand the potential consequences of your actions!"

"We did it for fun."

Lisa's legs wobbled weakly as she held onto something. "This isn't a game, Arthur. These are serious matters, and you're acting like a thoughtless playboy who doesn't care about anything or anyone else but himself! I am out!"

But Arthur's response was flippant. "Listen, the contract is already signed. If you don't want to do this anymore, I will send our sex tape to the world. You'll lose your job and reputation." he gestured to his phone.

Lisa hadn't even noticed the phone. "You recorded our night together?"

"Yes."

"Why?" Lisa's voice was broken. Just one drunken night, and this was what she got as a punishment. If only she had refused to follow him upstairs. Just one word. "Did you spike my drink?"

Arthur paused to observe her under hooded eyes.

His expression was unreadable, like he was hiding something.

"Did you use a condom?" Lisa asked again in apprehension. Please, God... she prayed deep in her mind.

Arthur froze. "I don't think so."