5

Julia

The next morning…

"The meeting was ridiculous, Álvaro!" I hear Mr. Bennett's commanding and furious voice invade his office early in the day when only a few brave employees risk coming to work. I immediately stand up. Our eyes meet, and I hold my breath. "I'll call you later," he says, ending the call. As he slips the phone into the side pocket of his tailored trousers, he walks slowly but firmly in my direction. "Miss Ricci?"

"I accept!" I blurt out. He furrows his brows. "Your proposal, Mr. Bennett. I accept!"

"Ah, that's great!"

Bennett points to a chair behind me and takes a few steps to sit behind his desk. His voracious eyes analyze me. Then he opens a drawer and pulls out a piece of paper.

"I drafted a contract, Miss Ricci," Bennett says dryly, sliding the paper in my direction. However, I don't take my eyes off his and force myself to swallow the lump in my throat. "In case you want to ensure you don't get double-crossed," he explains.

"I'm sure you'll keep your word."

"Are you that confident?"

I take a deep breath.

"Aren't you?" I challenge. A smug smile settles at the corner of his lips, and he retrieves the paper.

"Okay! Is this weekend good for you?"

"It has to be tonight, Mr. Bennett," I insist. His eyebrows raise again.

"In such a hurry!"

"Just tell me when and where, and I'll be there."

"Let's take things step by step, Ricci. How do you want your money?"

"In cash. No checks or bank transfers."

"Okay, cash it is."

"The payment needs to be made as soon as the night is over."

"You can bet I'll have it ready. As for the address, I'll send it to your email." I nod in agreement.

"See you tonight, Mr. Bennett."

"See you, Miss Ricci."

***

Later that night...

After gliding a coat of red lipstick across my lips, I let out an audible sigh and look at myself in the mirror. A black dress I've kept in my wardrobe for special occasions will be my attire for tonight. The thin straps leave my arms bare. The fabric clings to my body, perfectly outlining my curves. I chose to keep my hair down, and the makeup should hide the dark circles around my eyes. Finally, I spritz perfume and, before grabbing my purse, glance at my reflection once more.

My overly serious expression reflects the disgust I feel for this night—but it's necessary.

"Be strong, Júlia," I whisper to my reflection. "Endure every second of this Dark Night and make it worth it. And smile at the end," I murmur, staring firmly at myself as though those words could transform me into the fortress I need to be.

"Miss Ricci?" a man inquires minutes later as I step into the lobby of a luxurious hotel. I merely confirm with a nod. "This way, please." He guides me to an elevator in a private corridor. Pressing the button for the penthouse, he looks me in the eyes. "Mr. Bennett is already waiting for you, Miss."

The doors close, and the metallic chamber's pulse sends a chill down my spine.

Seconds later, the doors open, revealing another lavish, dimly lit hall. Nervous, I take my first steps inside, my eyes scanning the silent space.

I take a deep breath and force myself to enter further.

The silence is eerie. The stillness makes me shudder inside. Nevertheless, I keep walking until I find the staircase and begin climbing the steps, entering a corridor the next moment. I approach the first door, open it cautiously, and an expansive room comes into view.

But there's no sign of Bennett anywhere.

Better this way. I think.

This gives me time to adjust to... this situation. So I place my purse down and take the opportunity to observe my surroundings. The curtains are closed, hiding the night's darkness and the city's glaring lights. A few candles illuminate the room, giving it a somewhat shadowy and mysterious atmosphere.

But then the door opens, and I freeze in place.

"I wasn't sure if I should have come in..." I start to speak, but his evaluative gaze sweeps up and down my body as though scanning every inch of me. "I couldn't find you anywhere, so..."

Bennett begins unbuttoning his shirt, and my nervousness makes me choke on my words.

"I have a request to make," I continue, forcing firmness into my voice. "I don't want you to kiss me on the mouth, Mr. Bennett." His damn silence unnerves me, but I press on. "That's a very intimate act, and it involves feelings—which isn't the case tonight..."

"I need you to know three things about me tonight, Júlia," Bennett abruptly interrupts. It's the first time he uses my first name, and the commanding tone makes it clear this isn't a gesture of affection. "One, I'm paying a very high price for this night. So I want everything I'm entitled to with you—including the damn kiss on the mouth. Two, never say no to me, Júlia. That word doesn't exist in my dictionary. So when I want something, even if you tell me no, I go and take it. And three, never touch me without my permission. In bed, I'm the one who commands and controls, and you only obey. Any questions?"

I swallow hard.

But I don't even have time to respond before his possessive hands are on me, and his mouth seems intent on devouring me whole.