“Darling,” he murmured, his voice low and far too close, “you know what you have to do for me to say yes.”My heart pounded in my chest, and I found myself unable to look away from him. His nearness, the intensity in his gaze—it was too much. I tried to gather my thoughts, to remind myself that this was just business. But the line between business and whatever this was felt dangerously thin.
I was momentarily taken aback by the intensity of his gaze, frozen in place and unable to utter a word. The term "darling" lingered between us, charged with an energy that felt deeper than mere playful banter. He was probing me, waiting for my reaction, his face just inches from mine.
I could sense the weight of his words, the meaning behind them. My thoughts raced as I searched for a way to escape the snare he’d laid, but deep down, I already understood what he desired. And I loathed how effortlessly I could surrender.
I swallowed hard, feeling my throat constrict as Carter's words replayed in my head. I didn’t want to make this choice—not like this. But when times are tough, you have to do what you must. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.
“Yes,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.
Carter’s face broke into a triumphant grin. “Excellent.” He stepped back, his imposing presence fading as quickly as it had enveloped me. With that signature smoothness of his, he retrieved a document from his desk drawer and handed it to me.
“A contract,” he said, his tone now all business. “Take it. Look it over. Have your lawyers check it out. I think you’ll find it quite reasonable.”
I hesitated before accepting the papers, my fingers grazing his for a fleeting moment. He was already reaching for his phone, barking orders with that same authoritative voice that left no room for dissent. He was back in CEO mode, his tone sharp and efficient.
“Get it done,” he commanded into the phone. “Immediately.”
The conversation was brief, but it left a palpable tension in the air—a reminder of just how formidable this man was. He hung up, the deal effectively sealed.
I stared at the contract in my hand, feeling its weight despite it being just paper. My thoughts raced. Why did I agree? Did I really believe I could manage this? I wasn’t so sure.
“How can you be certain I won’t back out?” I asked, meeting his gaze. My voice trembled, revealing my doubt.
Carter paused, locking eyes with me, his calmness both unsettling and comforting. His expression softened for a moment, and he replied simply, “I trust you.”
Trust. That single word sent an unexpected warmth through me, though I couldn’t quite understand why. I had no reason to trust him, yet something in his voice, in the way he said it, made me feel he was sincere.
I had no idea what I had just committed to, but one thing was clear: my life was no longer entirely my own.
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