THE CONTRACT

ISE H

ely going up to her temple in an attempt to soothe the relentless ache. Her head was pounding as if a hammer were being driven repeatedly

s together. The cool air from the vent above brushed against her skin

e said, startling her. The tone was dee

ed on a man sitting a few feet away. His disheveled appearance suggested he was in hi

aced by confusion as her gaze darted around. This wasn't her room. The lavish decor-the rich velvet curtains, the gold-accented furniture

s in a

*

polished shoes meeting the pavement soundlessly. He straightened his custom-tail

ing eyes scanned his surroundings, taking in every detail without betraying a hint of emotion. As alw

ff lined up to greet him, Mr. Marti

bowed in his direction. He walked past them without a

ith overly styled hair and a nervous s

ds fidgeting with the ends of her blazer. She adjusted her ha

gaze locking onto hers. "I'm here for Mr. Torres. H

presence. "Oh, Mr. Torres," she repeated, fumbling to open the hotel registry.

r than before. "Would you like me to escort you t

ips forming a tight line. "Come a little clo

ceptionist leaned forwa

mile on," he said bluntly, straigh

oze in shock, her m

and turned back. "And I don't do bitches,"

watched him disappear down the hall, h

*

of the guards stationed at the

the pleasantries, his

r guard interjected, step

tilting slightly as his penetrating gaze fe

he asked, his ton

t managed to reply, "Mr. Torres has requested that you co

ck of his wrist, he gestured for his men to retreat. "

plied in unison, re

, and Mr. Martinez stepped inside, his mo

hick with tension. A man stood to greet

said, his voice smooth but ed

*

s voice trembled as she finall

nt. "Don't act all innocent. We both know why you're he

ailed down her arm, his

d through the room as Eleanor's

ds of yours!" she snapped, her voice fierce

Filthy hands, you say?" he sneered. "Filthy hands that you were

mind racing to co

n anger. "And if that's not enough to shock you, let me remi

r repeated, her voice b

d to spin faster, and her knees felt weak. She clutched the edge of the table

erself. The man before her looked both triumphant and enrag

*

ty of her situation. Every fiber of her being screamed at her to run, to get out of that room and as far away

implications. *Fifty million?* Her heart sank further as she rea

s of escape. The man noticed her shifting gaze and let

he said, his tone mocking.

. She clenched her fists at her sides,

this," she said, her voic

sed by her defiance. "Oh, but I a

e hotel room seemed to close in around her, the opulent decor now feeling like

waiting for the other to make a move. The air between t