In His Debt

CHAPTER 1

The rain hit the sidewalk in sharp, cold needles.

Lena Carter tightened her coat around her body, shivering as she stared at the looming glass building in front of her. Wolfe Enterprises.

She swallowed hard.

This was it. The end of her freedom, maybe.

The start of something she didn’t dare imagine.

Clutching the small leather folder to her chest, she pushed through the heavy doors into the lobby. It was all steel, glass, and silent judgment. She felt small here — a nobody who didn’t belong.

The receptionist barely glanced at her before waving her toward the elevators.

“Top floor,” she said coolly. “He’s expecting you.”

Lena’s stomach twisted.

Roman Wolfe — billionaire investor, king of cold-hearted deals, owner of half the city.

And now, somehow, owner of her.

The elevator ride felt endless. Her heart hammered against her ribs as she stepped into the hall at the top. Everything was dark wood and black marble, cold and expensive.

The door to his office was open.

She stood there for a second, staring.

Roman sat behind a massive desk, a glass of dark whiskey in his hand.

He didn’t look up right away, flipping through papers with bored precision.

When he finally did, his eyes landed on her like a blow.

Sharp. Grey. Dangerous.

“You’re late,” he said, voice low and smooth.

Lena’s mouth went dry.

“I— I got caught in the rain,” she stammered.

He rose from his chair slowly.

Tall. Built like a man who fought for what he had — and won every time. His suit was black, tailored perfectly to a body full of hard lines and raw power.

Without saying a word, he came around the desk and circled her.

Lena stood frozen, feeling like prey.

“You know why you’re here.” His voice brushed against her ear.

A shiver ran down her spine.

She nodded, unable to speak.

Roman moved in front of her, fingers sliding under her chin, lifting her face to his.

“Two hundred thousand dollars,” he said.

Lena flinched. Hearing it out loud made it real.

Her father’s gambling debts. Her mother's hospital bills. Her failed art gallery. All of it crashing down, dragging her under.

Roman’s mouth twisted into something close to a smile — but there was no kindness in it.

“I could sue. Ruin you. Have you begging on the street,” he said calmly.

Her cheeks burned with humiliation.

“But…” he continued, fingers stroking her jaw, "I’m feeling generous tonight."

Lena dared to lift her eyes to his.

“What do you want?” she whispered.

Roman smiled then — a real smile, dark and full of wicked promise.

“I want you,” he said. “One year. You’ll be mine. However I want. Whenever I want. No questions, no refusals.”

Lena’s knees weakened.

"Y-You mean…?" she couldn’t even finish.

His thumb brushed across her lower lip.

"I mean exactly what you think," he murmured. "You’ll be my possession. My personal entertainment. My little pet."

Shame and fury battled inside her.

She should have slapped him. Walked out.

But there was no one else to save her.

And deep down, a small, ugly part of her wondered what it would be like — to belong to someone like him.

To lose herself in him.

Roman watched her fight with herself and seemed to enjoy it.

"You have a choice, Lena," he said softly. "Sign the contract... or leave now and watch your life burn."

Tears burned behind her eyes.

There was no real choice.

Her hand trembled as she took the pen he offered.

When she signed, Roman took the paper from her, folded it neatly, and tucked it into his jacket.

"Good girl," he said, voice dripping with satisfaction.

Lena felt a cold chain wrap around her soul.

There was no turning back now.

Roman stepped closer, towering over her.

"Now," he said, voice dark and hungry, "let’s begin.