All Chapters of The Seduction Contract : Chapter 1 - Chapter 5

The taxi stopped in front of the Blue Lantern Casino, and for a long moment, I couldn’t even open the door. I just sat there, staring at the glowing blue lights shining on the building like cold moonlight. The tall glass walls, the spinning signs, the loud music inside — everything felt too big, too powerful, too dangerous. I hadn’t been here in years. And I never wanted to return. But here I was. I paid the driver with shaking hands and stepped out into the night. The air smelled like perfume, smoke, and something sharp I couldn’t name. My heart thumped against my ribs so loudly it felt like everyone could hear it. People in bright dresses and expensive suits walked past me, laughing and smiling like this place belonged to them. I felt small, standing there in my cheap jeans and tired sweater. Just walk in, Freya. One step at a time. But when I pushed the glass doors open, the world inside nearly swallowed me whole. Lights flashed everywhere. Machines beeped. Voices rose a

The elevator doors opened into a quiet hallway, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. The casino noise faded behind us, replaced by soft lights, a clean scent, and silence so deep it almost echoed. Darlington stepped out first, calm and steady, as if nothing unusual was happening. “Come,” he said gently. “We’re only talking.” Only talking. But my heart thudded like it was trying to escape. I followed him into a wide penthouse living room. Everything inside looked expensive but simple. Dark walls. Soft gold light. Huge windows that showed the city glowing below. It felt like stepping into another world—one far away from debts, fear, and hospital calls. Darlington stopped near a low table. “Sit. You’re shaking.” I didn’t even realize I was until I looked down and saw my fingers trembling around my bag. I sat slowly, keeping my eyes low. He brought me water and placed it in front of me without a word. I didn’t touch it. I felt like any wrong move might break somethin