HIS TO RUIN, HIS TO SAVE

Chapter 3: The Deal

Elara’s POV

"Happy to talk about the deal now," Adrian had said. He rubbed his chin, with his left hand.

His voice stayed calm. It was like they were picking a spot, for dinner. Not deciding her future.

Elara stared at him hard. "Negotiate? You serious? What deal?" Her voice came out weak. "Am I tripping? Did you not just tell me you have everything? My house. My dads business. My life. Don't seriously understand what's left to talk about?"

This time, Adrian unbuttoned one button on his white shirt, and sat back across from her. That plastic chair creaked again. He still looked out of place here. Like a wildcat stuck in a tiny cage.

"I'm doing this for you. It's a deal that…that will help you get through this, Ms. Hayes. I just gave you a folder. Check it Elara."

In a flash Elara was already doing what he said. Like a little child.

"I'm ready to erase everything. The whole debt. All eight million dollars. The claims on the factory machines? Gone. The loan on your family home? Paid off."

Elara looked down. The numbers blurred in her eyes.

Her heart pounded fast. "And…and the business?" She gripped the table's edge till her knuckles went white. That's when she'd asked.

"Of course! It stays running." Adrian leaned back some more. "Hayes Manufacturing won't close. Your two hundred workers keep their jobs. Their retirement money stays safe. And you know what? I'll guarantee their pay, for the next two years."

Breathe. Stop! Elara sucked in a sharp breath with a deep sigh. She knew everything Adrian just told her was the answer to all the prayers she'd whispered in her head. Ever since Dr. Carver broke the news about her family's debt many hours ago.

But then… it was too perfect to be true.

"Why? Why are you doing this?" She searched his face for a lie. "Creditors don't work like this. You told me my father ruined your family. You hate him. So why would you save the company he built?"

"Elara..."

Out of nowhere a weak voice came from the other room.

Elara went stiff all over. It was Richard. She crossed quickly to the room from the waiting area. Her fathers pale hand gripped the bed rail like a claw. His eyes were wide with fear. No doubt he'd been listening to her talk with Adrian Kade.

"Listen to him," her dad breathed out. "Elara, please. Just... listen."

Shame or anger. Elara couldn't tell which one hit her after those words from her fathers mouth. She just couldn't tell.

"I'm listening, Dad." She turned back. Adrian was already in the room with her.

Even though her father looked so weak he never once looked at him. His dark eyes stayed on her. Never blinking.

He knew they had no way out.

"You always have a choice," Adrian said smoothly. "You know losing everything is also a choice. Watching your fathers life work get sold for parts is a choice." He pointed to the paper with confidence. "This is just a better choice."

Elara leaned back. She pressed her thumb into her chin. It was a nervous habit from when her ex boyfriend Daniel left.

DON'T TRUST ANYONE. WHEN A DEAL SEEMS THIS GREAT, YOU'RE THE ONE THEY'RE SELLING.

"Okay." She stood up straight. Even with the trembling. "You erase the debt. You save those jobs. So what's in it for you? Because you…you don't look like the kind of person who gives gifts to his enemies for the fun of it."

Then a small smile showed on his lips. It looked fake. Sharp and dangerous. But once again it didn't reach his eyes.

"You're right. Not doing this to be nice."

He bent forward.

"I need something in return," Adrian said quiet. "But I don't care about money. Your father doesn't have any right now. And honestly, the business won't make real money for years."

"Then what do you want? Part of the company? Control?"

"I don't want part of the company." Adrian said. "I want something…something to make sure the deal is kept. To make sure our agreement sticks."

The heart monitor beeped like a clock ticking down. They kept talking.

"I'm not sure there's anything left to give. You already have claims on everything we own." Elara looked at him. Then she looked at her weak father.

"Not quite everything."

Adrian's eyes moved slowly from her hands. Up her neck. Then stopped on her eyes. In that moment it felt like he was touching her. Leaving a hot trail.

"There's one condition. You'll need to give me something worth more than money."

Elara pushed back in one of the chairs in room 842. Creakkk!

"What could be worth more than eight million dollars?"

Unsurprisingly Adrian didn't answer. He just watched her. Letting her figure it out by herself.

"Elara!" Her fathers voice broke through. "Do it! Whatever he wants, just do it!" The words hit like a punch. Her own father was trading her away. The room spinned in Elara's eyes.

"You want me to work for you…I don't mind honestly," she guessed. "Like I'm paying off a debt? I have a business degree. I can…"

"I have enough workers." Adrian cut her off. In the small room 842 he seemed huge. He walked around quietly. Stopped right in front of her.

Elara had to look up. Once again he was very close. She could see how handsome he was. But the problem was… like in a scary way.

"Then what is it?" she whispered.

"Something more permanent to protect what I've built. A partner who's tied to me by law. Someone who can't just walk away when it gets hard."

Those last words stung bad.

Elara got to her feet. She was trembling but forcing herself to stand tall. "You're not making sense. I don't understand you. If you don't want my money or the company or my work..."

"I want us to join together," Adrian said. His voice got deeper.

He stepped toward her. The chair bumped her legs. She was trapped.

"Join together? You are too close please. Respect my father," she breathed. Looking at her weak father next to them.

"I already said this. I'll save your family's business. Pay every dollar. Make sure your sister finishes school. Get your father the best doctors." His dark eyes locked on hers. "In return, you'd be mine."

Everything froze.

"Be yours? Are you nuts? Huh?" A crazy laugh tried to escape. "You can't own a person, Mr. Kade."

"It's not about owning you. It's about an agreement."

He reached out with his strong hand. Pushed a piece of hair from her face. The touch felt like an electric shock. Despite trying to jump she couldn't move away.

"Be clear. What are you trying to say?" Panic rose in her chest.

Adrian dropped his hand. His face stayed serious. "I'm willing to discuss the details okay? But the one thing I want isn't going to change."

"What is it? What do you want?"

His eyes were still locked with hers.

"A wife.”