Chapter 2: A dangerous proposition

I walked out of Ronan’s office that night with my mind in turmoil. The cold evening air whipped across my face, carrying the faint scent of rain and city streets. My hand instinctively moved to my stomach. My child. My reason for everything now.

Could I trust him? A man like Ronan Darkwood, who radiated power and control, wasn’t someone you casually trusted. Yet, in his eyes, I saw something I hadn’t seen in years—certainty. He wasn’t going to break me. He saw me for who I could be, not who I was in my weakest moments.

I flagged down a cab, giving the driver the address of a cheap motel on the outskirts of town. It wasn’t safe, but it was quiet, and I needed time to think. I couldn’t go back to the Scott mansion—not with David and Kate waiting like vultures, ready to pounce on the carcass of my already shattered life.

The motel room was as dreary as I’d expected—peeling wallpaper, a bed that creaked under the lightest weight, and a single bulb that flickered ominously. But it didn’t matter. It was mine for the night. For the first time in what felt like forever, I could breathe.

I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the faint bump of my stomach beneath my sweater. Tears pricked my eyes. You deserve better than this, I thought to my unborn child. I’ll do everything I can to make sure you have a future, even if it means trusting a man like Ronan.

---

The next morning, I woke to the sound of my phone buzzing on the bedside table. The screen displayed an unknown number. Hesitant, I answered.

“Ashley,” came Ronan’s deep, authoritative voice. “We need to talk.”

I sat up, my heart racing. “I told you I needed time.”

“And I gave you the night. Now I’m telling you it’s time to make a decision. I’m sending a car. Be ready in thirty minutes.”

Before I could argue, the line went dead. I stared at the phone in disbelief. Who did he think he was, ordering me around like that? But then, wasn’t that exactly the kind of man he was? Commanding, unyielding, and used to getting what he wanted.

Part of me wanted to defy him, to stay in my dingy motel room and prove that I wasn’t some pawn to be moved at his will. But another part of me—the part that had seen how cold and ruthless the world could be—knew that Ronan might be my only chance at survival.

I got dressed in the simplest outfit I had: jeans, a loose sweater, and a coat that barely kept the chill-out. True to his word, a sleek black car was waiting outside the motel exactly thirty minutes later. The driver, a tall, stoic man in a black suit, opened the door for me without a word.

The ride to Ronan’s estate was silent. I stared out the window, watching as the city gave way to sprawling greenery and high gates. When the car finally stopped, I found myself in front of a massive mansion, its grandeur both intimidating and beautiful.

The driver led me inside, where Ronan was waiting in a grand sitting room. He stood as I entered, his piercing gaze locking onto mine.

“You’re punctual,” he said, a small smile playing on his lips. “I like that.”

“I didn’t have much of a choice, did I?” I shot back, crossing my arms defensively.

Ronan gestured to a chair opposite him. “Sit.”

I hesitated for a moment before complying. His gaze never left mine, and I couldn’t help but feel like he was studying me, trying to see past my defenses.

“Let’s make one thing clear,” he began, his tone serious. “This isn’t a game, Ashley. If you choose to align yourself with me, there’s no going back. You’ll be under my protection, but that comes with responsibilities. You’ll need to trust me implicitly.”

“And if I don’t?” I asked, my voice steadier than I felt.

He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “Then you’ll be on your own. But make no mistake—David and Kate won’t stop until they’ve taken everything from you. They’ve already proven they’re willing to destroy you. Do you think they’ll stop now?”

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. He was right. I had seen the hatred in Kate’s eyes and the cold indifference in David’s. They wouldn’t rest until I was out of the picture for good.

“What do you want from me?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Ronan’s expression softened slightly. “I want you to stand by my side. Let me help you rebuild your life. In return, you’ll have my loyalty and protection.”

“And what happens if I refuse?” I pressed, needing to know the full picture.

“You won’t survive,” he said bluntly, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Not with the enemies you’ve made.”

I swallowed hard, my mind racing. Could I do this? Could I align myself with a man as dangerous as Ronan Darkwood? The stakes were higher than ever, and the choice was mine.

“I need time,” I said finally, my voice trembling slightly.

Ronan’s expression darkened, but he nodded. “You have until tomorrow. After that, my offer is off the table.”

---

That night, I lay awake in the motel room, staring at the ceiling. Ronan’s words echoed in my mind, mixing with memories of David’s betrayal and Kate’s venomous smile. I thought about my child, the innocent life growing inside me. I had to protect them at all costs.

By morning, my decision was made.

When I arrived at Ronan’s estate later that day, he was waiting for me in his office. I stood before him, my heart pounding.

“I’m in,” I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. “But on one condition.”

His eyebrow arched. “And what’s that?”

“I won’t be your pawn,” I said firmly. “If I’m going to do this, I need to know I have some control over my own life.”

Ronan’s lips curled into a small smile, his eyes glinting with approval. “Deal.”