All Chapters of BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

One Night StandCaroline’s POV“No… no, no, no.”I bolted upright, my head was spinning as I clutched the silky white sheets around me. My body ached, and the air smelled of expensive cologne and… sex.What the hell happened? My eyes widened. My heart began to beat as I looked around the strange room…no, penthouse. From Floor-to-ceiling to windows. A skyline view. The black and gold furniture. This was not my apartment.I swallowed hard. Think, Caro. Think.Last night was supposed to be fun. Gina had convinced me to go out and sell my art, at the art gallery event.And then… him.Tall. Breathtaking. Eyes that saw right through me. Kane.Oh God.I squeezed my eyes shut. Tell me I didn’t.I shifted under the covers and felt nothing but bare skin. My stomach dropped. I slowly peeked down…Naked. I was completely and utterly naked.A sharp breath escaped me.What did I do?My hands trembled as I yanked the sheet tighter around me. My clothes were everywhere, my heels were near the door,

The ContractCaroline’s POV“You’re turning it down? Are you crazy?” Gina’s voice shot through the phone so loud I had to pull it away from my ear. I didn't know that she was even listening to my call. I sighed, rubbing my forehead. Gina can actually make me go crazy one day. “I didn’t say that.”“You didn’t have to,” she snapped. “Your tone says it all.”I rolled my eyes at her and flopped onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. “It’s complicated, Gina.”“What’s so complicated? He’s offering you a contract to showcase your paintings at one of the biggest art exhibitions in the city! Do you know how many people would kill for that opportunity? And you are throwing it away for what reason?”I groaned. “I know. But…”“But what?”“He doesn’t know.And I don't want him to know. Working with him would definitely expose my babies to him. I don't want him thinking that I am one of these street girls.”Gina took a long and deep breath. Then, “Doesn’t know what?” she asked, pretending not to know

The Big Question Caroline’s POVThe apartment was quiet when I walked inside. Too quiet. Gina was supposed to be back from work already. Where could she be? I hope she's okay. “Gina! Gina!! There was no answer. I pulled my phone out and called Gina’s number but there was no answer. I frowned, I tossed my bag onto the couch. “Gina?”Yet there was nothing. She's not in the house and she's not answering her calls. That was weird. Gina wasn’t the type to leave the door unlocked unless she was inside. And she definitely wasn’t the type to ignore me when I got home.A small knot of worry formed in my stomach. I walked around every room, checking the kitchen first. But she wasn't there.“Gina?” I called again, peeking into the guest bathroom. There was no sign of her.I checked the living room. The small dining area. Even the balcony.Hmmm…My heartbeat picked up. Where was she?Feeling uneasy, I walked toward her bedroom door. It was slightly open. If she wasn't there then I would defi

Chapter 07:Caroline POVI walked into the gallery the next morning, determined to act normal. This time I wouldn't let Kane have a reason to suspect anything.Last night’s conversation with Gina kept replaying in my head. Kane would find out eventually. I knew that. But I'd make sure he didn't find out now. Not yet. It was still too soon.I took a deep breath and forced myself to focus. I had too much to deal with, especially since today was the exhibit setup. The gallery was full of people moving from one place to another. The final pieces were being arranged and the lightning crew were making last-minute arrangements.I grabbed my clipboard and did a quick check.Everything seemed to be going well until…CRASH!!Gasps echoed through the room and I felt like my heart had stopped.“No…no, no, no. Please, not today.”I turned around to see a sculpture, one of the most valuable pieces, lying on the floor in shattered fragments.Ohh God…. Why today?I panicked, rushing past the small

Chapter 09:Kane's POV“Caroline!”She didn't respond. I panicked, tightening my grip on her. Her body was slack in my arms, her breathing shallow. “Shit!” I muttered under my breath. I didn't even take time to think. I searched her bag quickly for her apartment key. And I had found it, I scooped her into my arms and rushed towards her apartment. The place was small and quiet. It smelled faintly of paint and something sweet. I barely registered it as I laid her carefully on the couch. “Caroline,” I tried again, brushing her hair back. There was no response. I could feel my pulse beating faster. What was wrong with her? Then something caught my eye. There was a small paper bag on the counter, prescription bottles half-spilling out. Painkillers. Supplements. And some medications I didn't recognize. This was my chance to gather some clues about what she was hiding. I hit myself immediately when the thought came in. What was I thinking?My gaze went back to the medications. I