Damien's hand rested calmly on the curve of my waist, but he didn't seem to have a third of that calmness as we crossed the entrance to a restaurant in Copacabana. As I had feared, the place was exquisite and I could already see some people looking at us curiously from the side where the tables were spread out.- You said it would be a discreet place, Damien. - I stammered softly.- It will be, Darling. But this entrance is unavoidable. - He replied without looking at me.- Your table is ready, Mr. Mason. - A well-dressed man informed me and then gave me an unflattering look, making me cringe. - I'll take you.- I know the way. - Damien said harshly and the man seemed to pale. - Tell Frederico I've arrived.- Yes, sir. - The man nodded and walked away.Damien then began to lead us towards an entrance that I hadn't noticed before. It consisted of two glass doors framed by dark, well-kept wood. As soon as we passed through them, I came across a large garden with the most diverse species
Now all the cryptic words he had spoken the day I woke up in his house made sense. He expected me to sell myself to him.- Of course, things will extend a little beyond the bed. I also need someone to accompany me to certain places. - He said it impersonally, as if he were in a business transaction. - And you will also have to take on this role when necessary. But I'm willing to pay very well for these services. A price well above the average for this type of business. What's more, you'll be able to go to places like this, with me, of course. And I'll take care of all your personal expenses inside and outside the agreement. Then when the time comes, we'll undo the deal.I stared at him, feeling my heart in my throat. He spoke as if he was already sure of my consent to the disgusting deal. A cake of tears got stuck in my throat, because I had been foolish enough to think that maybe all his effort was for a more noble cause. How could I be such an idiot? Had I learned nothing from Steph
I stood alone, looking at my brother's haggard face.Maybe if I hadn't been so preoccupied with working so much. Maybe if I had paid more attention to him. Maybe I would have noticed any sign that something was wrong. But with the exception of the abdominal pain that David had presented, I couldn't see any other signs in his health. He always seemed like the usual intelligent, kind little boy. Willing to help me and always trying to make things easier for me.I stroked his knuckles and swallowed back a sob. His little face was serene and even though he was so haggard, he was still beautiful, like a little angel.I closed my eyelids and begged God not to let that unknown evil take my brother away from me. I couldn't be strong enough to cope with another loss.I opened my eyes again and placed a kiss on David's hand. Then I let my head fall back a little on the mattress of the bed as I felt the tears wet the sheet beneath my eyes. My little neutral Jimmy was strong. He wouldn't leave me
I spent longer than I really intended in the bathroom. The fact was that in there, I could let out my tears and my despair. There was no one watching and I didn't need to be strong. It was just me and my pain.I let the water envelop my body, so that the heat concentrated on my muscles and relaxed them little by little. I tried to keep my eyes closed at first, but the images of David in the hospital bed filled my mind in such a way that I realized that staring at the bathroom tiles would be better. Black. White. Black. White.The feeling of guilt put almost unbearable pressure on my temples, creating a throbbing pain. If I hadn't been so preoccupied with making money, I would surely have noticed some evidence that things weren't going well with my brother. Over the last few days he'd seemed down and when I was at home, he stayed in his room almost all the time. all the time in his room. But that wasn't unusual. David loved to stay in his room with his movies, series and posters of ar
At the end of the lunch break, just before 1pm, the doctor approached us. His expression was neutral and he was carrying a clipboard.- What's up, doc? - I stood up from my chair.- We already know what your brother has, miss. - He confessed without any change in expression.- And what is it? Is he going to be all right? - I asked anxiously.The feeling was indescribable. Nervousness was choking my throat and my heart seemed hypertrophied for the place it occupied in my chest.- David has a rare stem cell disease characterized by hemolytic anemia. The causes of the disease are not known for sure, but what occurs is a mutation in a specific stem cell gene within the bone marrow. - He continued slowly. - These modified cells go on to produce defective platelets, which can form blood clots, and red blood cells that break down easily.- That's why thrombosis occurs... - I thought.- Exactly. One of the clots formed fell into the bloodstream and blocked a vein. But that's not the only risk
The steel and glass façade of Imperium Enterprises resembled its president. Beautiful, refined and impersonal. I had to take a deep breath before entering the building and concentrate on the real reason I was there: my brother. The dark marble floor was spotless and executives in different colors of suits crossed the lobby. Some of them gave me curious looks, probably wondering what such an off-beat girl was doing there. I tried to ignore the attention and concentrated only on the low rumble of my footsteps.There was a c-shaped bench near the elevator entrances. A brunette woman with serious brown eyes gave me a surprised look when she saw me standing in front of it.I opened my mouth to speak, but she beat me to it:- What can I do for you? - her smile was polite and cordial.I put my weight on my left leg, nervous about the situation, and considered giving up, but the image of David in the hospital bed dominated my mind once again.- I came to talk to Mr. Mason. - I looked firmly i
I haven't told anyone. Not even Arianna.Although I knew it wouldn't be easy to hide something like that, I couldn't face my own friend and say what I haddone. So many times, when we talked about the club, I had emphasized that I would never use my body as a bargaining chip, that I would never be able tosleep with someone for money. How cruel circumstances could be sometimes.I hugged my knees and rested my chin between them. I couldn't cry anymore because of the whole situation. Even my tear glands had reached exhaustion. All I could do was hug myself and sit in the middle of my bed. I knew Arianna was worried about my condition and I could the sound of dishes being cleaned in the kitchen. Bringing me home in an attempt to calm me down was an imposition of hers when she saw me returnto the hospital. I wanted to stay with David, but I ended up giving in to my relatives' pleas. I didn't want my brother to see me in that state either.My cell phone beeped with a new message, but I di
Damien smiled and kissed me quickly. Then he pulled away.- Your first appointment with me is next Sunday. I have to attend a golf match with some investors. It will be an afternoon at the club. - He opened a drawer and put the contract away. Then he took out an envelope and handed it to me.- What's this?- It's your credit card. You'll need something new to wear. Appearances count for a lot at this kind of event, Ellen.- How could you make a card for me without knowing if I would accept it and without any documents of mine? You... - I started to speak but stopped when I noticed a solitaire diamond in the middle of the black card with gold edges. - Good God! What's that? It's a...- A diamond. Yes. I think it's only 0.235 carats. It's a decoration from Dubai First. - Damien smiled, amused by my countenance. - I made your card with the help of my manager and the information I have about you. It's not hard for someone like me to get that kind of favor from the bank branches.- Here. -