The Contract Scheme

same suffocating dread that had wrapped itself around me the night before comes crashing down on me again like a wave. I lay stil

us. Normally, I'd welcome this. Thrive on it, even. But this morning, with t

make my way to the bathroom and stare at myself in the mirror. My hair is in disarray and the

rror, glass walk-in shower. I stand under the steaming water, letting it beat aga

es perfectly at my waist, paired with a matching tailored pencil skirt. A Cartier diamond necklace nestles elegantly against my collarbone, and pearl drop earrings

ith the simplicity of my makeup. I look every inch the heiress and business mogul-in-the-makin

t, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

ning under the morning sun. The keys dangling in my fingers. I open the drive

" I cal

n in his late thirties, appears almost instantly

re up

urse,

the city's morning hum lull me into a state of distant observation as we drive past. Peo

sudde

efore the seatbelt yanks

ightening. "W

nbuckles his seatbelt, a

ight in front of us, a sleek black McLaren, dangerously an

way st

ust wonderful. The exact kind of hassle I

e this. That's wh

aring to close my eyes, mo

.is in

aw d

discovered a hidden talent for levitation?

it's

on by the collar, hoisting him off the ground. His other hand cle

in th

ls squeaking sharply on the pavement. A stra

ut him down

idn't eve

n croaked, dang

wn," I repeat, my v

d Jason stumbles backward, gasping

glaring. "What h

voice

eet. I saw him at the last second. If I hadn't hit the brakes, we'd all be

me disrespectfully," the man

hook hi

him what he did was wro

ing hand on Ja

he car. I'll

o protest, but I sil

y glance at the man before

ger Issues. Mr Anger Issues?

me, folding his arm

ou expecting

a cool

not. I know

"Oh really? And w

the law and endangering lives is a casual pastim

w, disdainful tw

at you think. Nothing's going to happen. Now, if you'll excuse me, why

to my glare. I could have sworn for a fraction of a second hi

" he says with

e right here and now. But I'm sure people are watching, and I don't

spin around and ma

d as he drove and the

ey greets me with her

ning, Mis

g Courtney,

ne than

my sched

ration at 4:30 pm. Because of the dista

ayers in the industry. Even big

eam ready. Make sure

, ma

ts, calls, and project briefs. Anythin

and the rest of the team. Arclight's headquarters is a gleaming s

nside by a polish

with you shortly," she

ful. This could actually be good for us. I'm going

any table, plush leather chairs, and a panoramic c

ft k

oor o

Mr. Anger I

art l

sharp black tailored suit, dark hair styled wi

room before his eyes land, unwavering, on

d to keep my ex

cou

smile. "Pleasure to m

, like he knows

ise...

rtl

recognition flas

ll, shall

ing my hand

oing to be so

er I wanted to str

thing is

sting even. I'm going to make him so uncomfortable. Make

s, let's make a clow