Chapter 1

Lily Robinson sat in the back of the sleek black car, her heart beating fast. The short black dress hugged her curves tightly. Its deep neckline showed plenty of cleavage, and the hem barely reached mid-thigh. She crossed her legs in the tall heels they had given her. Four years on the streets had taught her how to survive. Now everything was about to change.

She thought back to the nights she spent serving drinks in noisy bars, the times she danced on stage just to pay rent, and the empty apartments where she slept alone. Running away from the orphanage at eighteen had been hard. She has hustled every day since then. Different jobs, different men, always scraping by. When the agency approached her with the offer, she did not hesitate. One hundred thousand dollars every month for three years as a personal escort. That kind of money could change her life forever. She had nothing to lose anyway.

The car slowed down and stopped in front of a towering glass building in Crimson Hollow. The city was known for its dark nightlife and powerful families who controlled everything from the shadows. A woman in a sh suit waited at the entrance. She introduced herself as Ms. Vera, a manager from the agency.

"Follow me, Lily," Vera said in a cool voice. "And listen carefully."

They walked through the grand lobby. The floors shone under bright lights. A few men in suits glanced at Lily with hungry eyes. She kept her chin up and ignored them.

"Here are the rules," Vera continued as they walked. "You belong to Mr. Maldovo now. You will stay in his penthouse, and go with him to events or gatherings, those he approves. No communication with friends and past associates. No terms of the contract should be revealed to anyone, under no circumstance. No leaving the building alone, unless approved by Mr Maldovo…. You will be available to him whenever he wants and in return, you get your monthly payment and every luxury you can imagine. Break the rules and the consequences will be severe. Do you understand?"

Lily nodded. Her mouth felt dry, but she pushed down the nervous feeling. This was the deal she had signed.

One of the staff members spoke quietly with Vera, then nodded toward the elevator. The doors opened, and they stepped inside. The ride up was smooth and silent. Lily watched the numbers climb until they reached the top floor.

The doors opened directly into the penthouse. Lily stepped out and her breath caught. The place was massive. Floor-to-ceiling windows showed the glittering lights of Crimson Hollow below. Expensive furniture filled the open living area, and soft lighting gave everything a warm glow.

Then she saw him.

Gerald Maldovo stood near the windows like he owned the entire world. He was the most gorgeous man she had ever seen. Tall and broad-shouldered, he filled out his tailored black shirt perfectly. His dark hair was neatly styled with a touch of silver at the sides. Sharp jawline, high cheekbones, and intense dark eyes that seemed to see right through her. Power rolled off him in waves. He looked dangerous and magnetic at the same time.

Vera did not waste time. "She is here as requested, sir," she said quickly. Then she turned and left without another word. The elevator doors closed behind her with a soft click, leaving Lily alone with him.

Gerald studied her slowly. His gaze moved from her face down to her legs and back up again. A small smirk touched his lips. The silence stretched between them until Lily felt the air grow thick.

"Strip," he said. His voice was deep and commanding, it  left no room for argument.

Lily blinked. Her pulse jumped. "Right now? Just like that?"

He raised one eyebrow. "You heard me. I do not like repeating myself."

She swallowed hard. This was really happening. The man she had just met expected her to take off her clothes in the middle of his luxurious penthouse. Part of her wanted to turn and run, but the memory of all those empty years stopped her. One hundred thousand dollars a month. Three years. She could do this.

Her hands shook slightly as she reached for the zipper on the side of her dress. She pulled it down slowly. The fabric slid off her shoulders and pooled at her feet. She stepped out of it, now standing in nothing but black lace lingerie and the tall heels.

Gerald watched every movement. His dark eyes burned with hunger. He walked closer, circling her like a predator. The scent of his cologne wrapped around her. 

"Beautiful," he murmured. "Exactly what I paid for."

Lily lifted her chin and met his stare. "I thought this was an escort job. Dates. Companionship. Not... this."

He stopped in front of her. A low chuckle escaped his throat. "You signed the papers, Lily. You belong to me now. Body and time. I will use you when I want and however I want."

He reached out and traced a finger along her collarbone. His touch was surprisingly warm. It sent a shiver down her spine despite the fear.

"Take off the rest," he ordered softly.

Lily hesitated for only a second. She unhooked her bra and let it fall. Then she pushed the lace panties down her legs and kicked them aside. She stood completely naked in front of him, the cool air brushing against her skin. Her nipples hardened under his heavy gaze.

Gerald's eyes darkened with clear desire. He stepped even closer until she could feel the heat from his body. One large hand cupped her breast, his thumb brushing over the sensitive peak. Lily gasped at the contact.

"Good girl," he said. His voice had grown rough. "You learn fast."

He tilted her chin up with his other hand so she had to look directly into his eyes. "From tonight, you are mine, Lily Robinson. My personal pleasure. And I plan to enjoy every inch of you."

Lily's breath came faster. Fear mixed with something hotter, something she did not want to name. She had made her choice. There was no going back now.

Gerald's hand slid down her waist and gripped her hip possessively. A wicked smile crossed his face as he leaned in close to her ear.

"Welcome to your new life."