Chapter 2 Terms and Temptation

Sebastian's Office - 9:05 AM

Amara sat across from Sebastian Cade, trying not to stare too hard at the man who looked like he'd walked out of a luxury ad campaign. He moved with an elegance that came from power-not the kind you're given, but the kind you take.

His office was massive and minimalistic. Matte black furniture, sharp steel edges, one lonely abstract painting on the wall. It felt less like a workplace and more like a lair.

A very male one.

He handed her a thick black folder.

"Before we discuss design, there are a few... conditions to this contract," he said, eyes locked on hers.

She hesitated before opening the folder. The top page had a single line in bold: "Confidentiality Agreement: Tier 1."

"Tier one?" she asked.

He leaned forward. "You'll be working not just in my home, Miss Lane-but in my personal space. You'll see things most contractors don't. I require discretion. You'll also be required to stay on-site during the initial three weeks of the project."

"Stay on-site?" Her voice went up an octave.

He nodded. "You'll be provided with a private guest suite in the penthouse. You'll work closely with me. I want daily progress reviews, full oversight, and a cohesive aesthetic tailored to my preferences."

She blinked. "I... wasn't expecting something this intense."

He smirked. "That's what most women say."

Her cheeks flushed. "Excuse me?"

Sebastian stood, walking to the bar by the corner. He poured two glasses of water-though the way he held the glass made it look like fine scotch. He handed her one.

"I chose you for a reason, Amara."

She flinched slightly at the sound of her name on his lips.

"You're talented. And unknown. That makes you... controllable."

"Controllable?" she repeated, bristling.

He tilted his head, eyes narrowing. "I don't mean that in a demeaning way. But unknown designers are hungry. They don't ask too many questions."

Amara felt the burn rise in her chest. "Maybe I do ask questions, Mr. Cade. Starting with why someone like you would personally request me."

He took a step closer. "That's for me to know. And for you to wonder about, preferably while turning my walls into art."

She exhaled slowly, fighting the urge to throw the water in his face-and the even stronger urge to ask what kind of cologne he was wearing.

"This contract... it's intense," she said.

"So is the compensation," he replied smoothly.

Her eyes scanned the second page. The amount made her dizzy all over again. Enough to pay off her debts, take care of her sick mom, and maybe-just maybe-start over.

"How do I know you're not hiring me for something else?" she asked, voice quiet but sharp.

Sebastian's lips curled at the edge.

"You don't."

She stared at him, pulse thumping in her throat.

"But you'll come anyway," he added, "because desperation always tastes sweeter when it's laced with curiosity."

Amara stood, fingers tight around the folder. "I'll think about it."

He smiled faintly. "You'll say yes."

That Night – Amara's Apartment

She sat on the edge of her tiny couch, staring at the contract under the glow of a flickering bulb.

Stay in his home? Daily oversight? Confined spaces with a man who looked like sin and smiled like he owned your soul?

What kind of man chose a random interior designer out of nowhere?

What was she really walking into?

But when she closed her eyes, she saw her landlord's eviction notice on the fridge.

She heard her mom's wheezing breath through the phone.

She felt the tug of something dark, delicious... and dangerous.

With trembling fingers, Amara signed.

Sebastian's Penthouse - Later That Night

Sebastian stood by the window, whiskey in hand, eyes locked on the city.

"She signed," his assistant confirmed over speakerphone.

He smirked.

"Good," he said. "Let's see how long she lasts... before she breaks."