Six Months in My Enemy's Bed

“I'm sorry, Miss Rossi, but we can't schedule the surgery until we have the deposit.”

“How much time do we have?”

“Your brother's condition has gotten worse. We shouldn't wait, but we need the deposit before we can book the surgery team.”

“Right.” I swallowed. “I'm working on it.”

I'd applied for loans and asked everyone I could think of for help. Nothing worked. My catering business was gone, and my former partner had taken the money.

Now Luca needed surgery I couldn't pay for.

“Please. He's my brother. He's only twenty-one.”

The doctor's face softened. Somehow, that made it worse.

“I understand, Elena. But I can't give you a date until the deposit is paid.”

I nodded and left before he could see my hands shake. In the hallway, I checked my bank balance again.

Nothing had changed.

“Come on,” I whispered. “There has to be a way.”

My phone buzzed. Another loan rejection.

I shoved my phone into my bag and went to Luca's room. He was awake, sitting against his pillows with a book open on his lap.

“Hey,” he said. “You look terrible.”

“Good afternoon to you too.”

He gave me a small smile.

“Did you sleep?”

“Some.” I lied. I'd spent the night counting money I didn't have.

He closed his book. “Did you talk to the doctor?”

I fixed his blanket, though it didn't need fixing.

“Yeah.”

“And?”

“They still need the deposit before they can schedule your surgery.”

His smile faded.

“Elena..”

“I know.” I took his hand. “I'll find a way.”

“You've been saying that for weeks.”

He said it quietly, which hurt more than shouting.

“You can't do everything alone,” he added.

“What do you want me to do? Sit here and wait for things to get worse?”

“No. I just don't want you ruining your life trying to save mine.”

My eyes burned.

“You're my brother. I'm supposed to take care of you.”

“And who's supposed to take care of you?”

I had no answer. I squeezed his hand and tried to smile.

“Just focus on getting better, okay?”

He looked away, and I knew he didn't believe me. I didn't believe myself either, but I couldn't let him see that.

A nurse came to check his medication. I kissed his forehead, promised to visit the next day, and left before he could ask more questions. I couldn't fall apart in front of him.

***

At home, I sat at the kitchen table with bills and loan forms spread in front of me.

Under the papers was a photo of Luca and me at the beach when he was sixteen. He was grinning at the camera while I tried to keep sand out of my shoes.

“I need you to get better,” I whispered.

My phone rang. Unknown number.

“Hello?”

“Miss Rossi? This is Mara from Sterling Private Companions. We received your application for a consultation.”

I sat up straight.

I'd applied two nights ago after finding the agency in an ad promising good money for women who accompanied clients to events.

“Yes,” I said. “I remember.”

“One of our clients needs an exclusive companion for six months. The pay is good, but there are certain expectations. We'd like to meet with you tomorrow afternoon.”

Six months.

I looked at the hospital bill.

“Yes,” I said. “I'll be there.”

Mara gave me the address. After we hung up, I sat with the phone in my hand. I was meeting a stranger about a job I barely understood because I had no other way to pay for Luca's surgery. I couldn't afford to be picky with Luca waiting for me.

I put the bills in a drawer and checked my wardrobe. I had only a few dresses left that didn't need fixing. Tomorrow, I'd hear the offer. I couldn't walk away without at least listening.

***

The next afternoon, I arrived at Sterling Private Companions twelve minutes early. I'd chosen a simple black dress. I didn't want to look as desperate as I felt.

The receptionist checked my name and led me down a quiet hall.

“He's waiting for you.”

I paused. “He?”

“Your possible client.”

She opened the door.

A man stood by the window, one hand in his pocket. His dark suit fit him perfectly, but it was the way he stood that caught my eye. He looked like someone who always knew what he wanted.

I cleared my throat.

“Hello. I'm Elena Rossi. I'm here for the consultation.”

He checked his watch before turning around. He looked to be in his late twenties, with dark hair and sharp features. He studied me as if deciding whether I was worth his time.

“You're late.”

I blinked. “Sorry?”

“You were scheduled for three.”

I looked at the clock.

“It's three exactly.”

“So you arrived at the time we agreed on, not before it.”

“Sorry if you've been waiting,” I said. “The receptionist said you were ready.”

He pointed to the chair across from him.

“Sit.”

I sat.

He opened a folder.

“Elena Rossi. Twenty-six. Former business owner.”

“That's right.”

“Your catering business closed last month. Why?”

“My business partner mishandled the money.”

“And now you're looking for work?”

“I'm looking for work that pays enough to cover what I need.”

He lifted an eyebrow, then closed the folder.

“Adrian Blackwell.”

The name hit me before I could prepare for it.

Blackwell.

I stared at him. He sat calmly across from me, unaware that his family name still hurt.

Five years ago, my father had been accused of moving illegal money through Rossi Logistics. The company was seized, and the Blackwell family was among those who benefited from its collapse.

My father swore he was innocent until he died. My mother was already gone, so Luca and I were left alone. I changed my surname and left New York, hoping we could start over.

I'd thought I was done with the Blackwells.

Apparently not.

Adrian watched me.

“Do you know who I am?”

My fingers tightened around my bag. I could stand up and leave. But Luca still needed surgery, the hospital still needed its deposit, and I still had no money.

“No,” I lied, meeting his eyes. “Should I?”

His eyes narrowed, like he didn't believe me. Then he leaned back.

“That depends on whether you're ready to hear my offer.”

I swallowed.

I had no idea what working for Adrian Blackwell would cost me.

I only knew what walking away would cost Luca.

So yeah, I stayed.