Clara's POV
I stumbled out of his office on shaky legs, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might burst from my chest. The hallway felt endless as I made my way back to my room, his words echoing in my mind like a curse.
In time, you'll understand exactly what you signed up for.
What had I signed up for? What did he know that I didn't? The questions spun in my head until I felt dizzy.
I spent the rest of the morning pacing my room like a caged animal. Every time I tried to focus on something else, his wicked smile flashed in my memory. The way he'd looked at me like he was holding all the cards and I didn't even know we were playing a game.
Around noon, a soft knock interrupted my spiraling thoughts.
"Come in," I called out.
Marcus stepped into the room, his expression carefully
