Chapter 1: The Deal

*Gaea*

“Samantha, seriously! I need inspiration—not some loud place like that!”

I scratched the back of my neck, already feeling a headache creeping in, when she suddenly smacked the back of my head.

“Ow!”

She ignored my protest and dramatically dropped the mini dresses she had picked onto the bed before plopping down beside me. The fabric spilled like spilled paint—reds, blacks, something glittery I would never willingly wear.

I only spared her a glance before turning back to my laptop, the blank document mocking me.

Just this morning, I received a message from my editor.

Boss Ricky didn’t sugarcoat things.

Submit a manuscript by next week… or don’t bother coming back.

Simple. Brutal. Final.

“That’s exactly why we’re going to a club—to find your inspiration!” Samantha insisted, nudging my shoulder.

I heard her. Of course I did. But my eyes stayed glued to the screen as if staring hard enough would force words to appear.

Nothing came.

My head throbbed.

“Hello?” she waved a hand in front of my face. “Earth to my pretty Gaea?”

I sighed, finally looking at her. My expression softened despite my frustration.

“I love writing, Sam. You know that.”

Her teasing smile faded just a little.

But I continued, quieter this time.

“I just… can’t.”

Ever since Russu and I broke up, something inside me shut down.

It wasn’t just heartbreak.

It was like someone reached into my chest and stole the part of me that felt, imagined, created.

“I won’t get ideas there,” I added weakly. “And it’s noisy—”

She suddenly clamped a hand over my mouth.

“Just come with me,” she said, eyes gleaming with determination. “If you really don’t get any ideas, I’ll treat you to your favorite chocolate.”

My eyes lit up instantly.

“Deal?”

Her lips curved into a triumphant grin.

I shot up from the bed, grabbing the black dress without hesitation.

“You said it! No taking it back!”

I skipped toward the bathroom, hearing her laughter echo behind me.

For the first time in weeks… I felt a spark.

Even if it was just for chocolate.

—

“Oh my gosh, Gaea!”

I blinked as Samantha suddenly grabbed my shoulders, spinning me around like I was on display.

“What?” I asked, slightly dizzy.

She stepped back, eyes scanning me from head to toe.

“I don’t think you’ll be catching inspiration tonight, sister,” she teased.

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“You might catch a man instead—”

I flicked her forehead before she could finish.

“You never change, Samantha Marquez.”

She only laughed, completely unfazed.

“Are you ready?”

I nodded, grabbing my purse.

We stepped out of the apartment together, the cool night air brushing against my skin.

I’ve been living alone in the city for a while now. My parents stayed in the province, and when Samantha suggested we share a place, I didn’t think twice.

Being alone with my thoughts was… dangerous.

“Are you bringing a guy tonight?” I asked casually as we got into the car, recalling how she abandoned me last time the moment her boyfriend showed up.

She burst out laughing, even hitting the steering wheel.

“Don’t worry, Gaea. You’ll find your man tonight.”

I shot her a look sharp enough to cut glass.

“If you weren’t driving—”

“I know, I know,” she interrupted, still laughing. “You’re not looking for a man.”

“Exactly.”

“But trust me,” she added, glancing at me with a knowing smirk, “you will.”

I shook my head.

Talking sense into Samantha was like arguing with the wind.

Pointless.

—

“Yes! We’re here! Finally!”

She practically jumped out of the car before it fully stopped.

I stepped out more slowly, my eyes lifting to the building in front of us.

The club’s name glowed in elegant gold against a dark backdrop.

Luxury.

That was the first word that came to mind.

“Last time we went to Downtown,” I said, raising an eyebrow. “Why are we at a first-class club now?”

She hooked her arm around mine and dragged me inside.

“Because this one has better options,” she whispered dramatically. “High-quality men.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Just pick one,” she added. “I’ll give him to you.”

“I don’t need your charity.”

The music hit me the moment we stepped inside—loud, heavy, pulsing.

Lights flickered across the room like controlled chaos.

I immediately spotted an empty sofa and walked toward it.

“Not there!” she protested, grabbing my wrist. “Corner. Less obvious.”

I sighed but followed.

With Samantha, resistance was useless.

“I’ll grab drinks,” she said before disappearing into the crowd.

I nodded and pulled out my phone.

A blank document greeted me again.

I scanned the room, forcing myself to observe.

People laughing.

Dancing.

Flirting.

Living.

Then—

I saw him.

He walked in like he owned the air around him.

One arm lazily wrapped around a beautiful woman, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

His face was calm, almost gentle—but there was something sharp beneath it.

Dangerous.

His broad frame made the woman beside him look even smaller.

“Clyden! Finally!” someone called out. “You’ve been busy!”

He laughed.

And somehow… I heard it.

Even through the music.

It was low.

Smooth.

Captivating.

“I’m actually looking for a woman tonight,” he said casually.

My breath hitched.

His eyes met mine.

Time slowed.

I took him in—sharp nose, defined jaw, almond-shaped eyes that held something unreadable.

When I blinked—

He was still looking.

Heat crept up my neck.

I smiled—small, instinctive—before quickly looking away and typing.

Words poured out.

Fast.

Effortless.

“Wow, Gaea! That was quick,” Samantha said, appearing beside me with drinks. “Already inspired?”

I didn’t answer.

I couldn’t.

I was writing.

Finally writing.

Minutes passed.

Maybe longer.

“I swear, you’re going to grow old single,” Samantha teased.

I laughed lightly. “Give me a moment. I can finish three chapters.”

But just like that—

It stopped.

The words.

The flow.

Gone.

Frustration hit hard.

I ran my fingers through my hair and looked up—

Searching.

He was gone.

My chest tightened.

I grabbed my drink and finished it in one go.

“Samantha, wait here. I need to find something.”

Her eyes widened dramatically.

“Are you flirting? For the first time in your life?”

I smacked her arm and walked away.

I wasn’t flirting.

I just needed—

Him.

For the story.

“Looking for someone?” a man asked, stepping into my path.

I offered a polite smile. “Sorry, I’m busy.”

He nodded and moved on.

Then—

There.

At the counter.

With another woman.

I sat nearby, pretending not to stare.

“That’s enough,” I whispered to myself. “I can write from here.”

“Your place or mine?” the woman asked boldly.

I stiffened.

“Why go to a condo,” he replied smoothly, “when we can use the car?”

I nearly choked.

Okay.

That was my limit.

I stood up quickly.

I needed distance.

“Hi!”

I flinched when someone tapped my shoulder.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“I’m fine,” I said, forcing a smile. “You just surprised me.”

He sat beside me casually.

“Do you like my friend?” he asked, nodding toward Clyden. “He’s leaving soon. Want to talk to him?”

My heart skipped.

“Leaving?”

“How?” I asked, suddenly nervous.

“I’m shy,” I admitted. “And he’s… busy.”

The guy smirked.

“Follow me.”

Before I could change my mind, he walked toward them.

He pulled the woman away to dance, leaving Clyden alone.

My pulse raced.

This was insane.

But I walked forward anyway.

“Hi,” I said softly. “Can I talk to you?”

He looked at me slowly.

Carefully.

Then smirked.

“Sit.”

I did.

“What do you need?”

I swallowed.

“Can you… be part of my novel?”

His brows furrowed.

“I don’t understand.”

“I just need to observe you,” I said quickly. “While I write. That’s it. I’ll finish my book and then—”

“And then you’ll leave me alone?” he cut in.

I nodded.

“What do I get?”

“I’ll pay you.”

“I have money.”

Of course he did.

I hesitated.

“Then… what do you want?”

He leaned closer.

Close enough for me to feel his breath.

“Give me your body,” he said simply. “And I’ll give you my time.”

My heart slammed against my ribs.

“No,” I said immediately.

But he was already standing.

He slipped something into my hand.

A number.

“Call me when you decide.”

Before I could react—

He pulled me closer.

His lips brushed against mine.

Brief.

Light.

But enough to send a shock through my entire body.

“Taste good,” he murmured.

Then he walked away.

Just like that.

Leaving me frozen.

Breathless.

Heart racing.

And somehow—

I knew.

My life had just changed.