I didn't leave the office immediately.
My legs refused to move, as if standing would make everything real.
Adrian Blackwood circled his desk, adjusting his cufflinks like my shock was an inconvenience.
"You'll start tonight," he said.
"Tonight?" I echoed. "I don't even know my duties."
He stopped in front of me. "You'll learn quickly."
"That's not an answer."
His gaze sharpened, assessing me as if resistance amused him.
"You'll manage my schedule. Filter my calls. Travel with me when required," he said. "And you'll live where I tell you."
My breath caught. "Live?"
"Yes."
"That wasn't mentioned."
"There are many things not mentioned," he replied. "For security, my assistant must remain within my reach."
Within his reach.
The words settled heavy in my chest.
"I can't do that," I whispered.
He studied me, then swiped his tablet toward me.
My mother's hospital record.
Another swipe. My overdue tuition.
Another. My unpaid rent.
"How did you—" My voice broke.
"I don't hire blindly," he said. "And I don't make offers people can refuse."
Anger surged. "You manipulated me."
"Yes."
The honesty stunned me.
"You need money," he continued. "I need loyalty. This contract benefits us both."
"At what cost?"
His eyes darkened. "Depends on how difficult you choose to be."
Silence swallowed the room.
I thought of my mother, the eviction notice, the desperation that drove me here.
"What happens if I quit?"
He leaned closer. "Then everything you're running from catches you."
My hands curled into fists.
"And if I stay?"
"Then you survive."
I stared at the contract, the ink of my signature a quiet betrayal.
"Are there rules?"
"Yes."
"How many?"
"Three."
I waited.
"First," he said, "answer when I call."
My stomach tightened.
"Second, don't lie to me."
"And third?"
His gaze lingered.
"You don't fall in love with me."
A strange heat spread through my chest.
"I wouldn't," I said quickly.
A faint, unreadable smile touched his lips.
"Good," he replied. "This arrangement ends the moment emotions interfere."
I stood slowly, my decision settling like a weight.
"Then I'll stay. But don't mistake my need for weakness."
Something unreadable flickered in his eyes.
"I never do," Adrian Blackwood said.
And just like that, the deal was sealed.