Contracted Desires

CHAPTER 5: The Deal

Emma stood in the center of the large, opulent apartment that had become her new home, or at least her residence for the upcoming year. She felt less like a resident and more like a guest thanks to the chilly marble floors and sleek glass walls. She looked around but couldn't find anything that belonged to her. Each piece of furniture was selected for its elegance rather than comfort, and the arrangement was done with clinical precision. Not at all like her tiny, shared flat.

The contract was signed by her. That choice was irrevocable. She had few options because of the financial weight that hung over her sister's head. However, Emma couldn't get rid of the idea that she had fallen into a trap from which there was no simple way out now that the ink had dried.

It kept coming back to her that Alexander had said, "Expect a call tomorrow."

A call on the plans for move-in. Regarding the life she was supposed to lead for the upcoming year. As she considered how little she truly knew about the man who had proposed to her, her heart began to race. Beyond the outward appearance of a marriage, what did he seek from her? Why had he picked her, a stranger with no personal ties to his world of power and business? Was it really as straightforward as he had said, or was there something darker at work?

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a door opening. A cleanly uniformed maid came in with a tray of fresh coffee and a little arrangement of flowers. The maid added, "Mr. Steele told me to make sure you had everything you need, Miss Brooks," in a kind but formal tone.

Emma forced a grin in response. "Thank you," she said.

The coffee, the bouquet, and the nicely folded note beneath them caught Emma's attention as the maid put down the tray and walked out of the room. She opened the note, her fingers shaking.

I'll see you this evening. Avoid being late.

Her belly rumbled. Alexander had already begun to take charge, so it was obvious he wasn't waiting for her to get comfortable. And she didn't know what was going to happen tonight.

The evening arrived too soon. Emma stood altering her clothing in front of the full-length mirror. She had opted for a modest black dress, but she felt self-conscious because it was the same garment she had worn to dinner with him a few nights prior. More important than the clothing was the way Alexander seemed to read her like a book; his every look was perceptive and evaluating.

She was supposed to accompany him to a well-known charity event tonight. An appearance in public. She had grudgingly joined the game at this point.

Her phone buzzed once more as she put on a light coat of cosmetics. Nina had sent the message this time.

"Em, are you certain about this? You seem to be losing yourself, and I can't help but notice that."

As Emma read the lines, her chest constricted. With no family left, Nina had been her pillar of support. Emma was now balancing the need to act in her sister's best interests with the risk of losing herself in the process. She was aware that Nina was pleading with Emma to maintain her moral character rather than asking her to part with the money.

However, that no longer seemed feasible. This is not the case in this affluent and cunning environment where individuals like Alexander manipulate lives, including hers.

Reminding herself why she was doing this, she let out a shaky breath and set her phone down. For Nina.

The phone chimed once more, this time from an unfamiliar number, as she slid into her heels and reached for her purse. The voice on the other end said, "Miss Brooks," "I need to talk to you about something urgent. At 9 p.m., meet me at the gallery.

The line died before she could reply.

She felt uneasy, even though her instincts told her to disregard it. Did someone else in Alexander's universe pull strings, or was it just a coincidence? She felt as though a weight had been placed on her chest by the urgent need to know the truth about those around her.

She entered the sleek black automobile that was waiting outside the penthouse. The driver stared straight ahead without saying a word. Even though the drive to the event was quiet, Emma's thoughts were racing with questions about how far she had gone.

The event was extravagant, showy, and full of laughter that didn't quite reach the attendees' eyes, everything Emma had dreamed of. With dignitaries, corporate titans, and influencers competing for his attention, Alexander stood in the middle. Wearing a well-tailored suit that seemed to enhance his appearance, he stood tall and composed.

He didn't grin when he saw Emma. He merely gave her a nod before returning to his discussion. Emma experienced a strange ache, was it disappointment? However, she swiftly dismissed it, telling herself that it was a show.

Emma got a glass of champagne from a waiter who carried a tray, hoping it would calm her down. She looked around the room, trying to take in the ambiance, but something about the gathering made her skin crawl despite the money and power. Emma came to the realization that, in spite of the glistening lights and opulent surroundings, nothing felt genuine because everyone seemed to have a purpose.

Then she caught sight of him. Across the room, a tall man in a black suit was observing her. He looked at her intensely, as though he knew her. She hurriedly averted her gaze, but she could sense his gaze on her. Long after she had moved to another area of the room, she still felt like she was being watched.

Her arm was suddenly touched by a hand. Startled, she turned to see Alexander standing next to her.

With a low voice and a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes, he added, "You look… stunning." "I hope you are having a good time."

Emma forced a smile as she continued, "Just getting a feel for things."

Alexander pointed to a group of investors without waiting for a reply. "Should we?"

She walked after him, but she couldn't get rid of the sensation that someone was still observing her. Not just anybody, anyway. Even though the man in the black suit was no longer there, she could still feel his presence.

The gala went on and on. Emma compelled herself to interact with the visitors, nodding and grinning when appropriate. Alexander was still nearby, but his attitude had changed. She questioned whether he regretted their arrangement because he was suddenly colder and more aloof.

The event finally ended with the stroke of midnight. The guests started to leave, disappearing into the night with their laughing in tow. Emma was escorted by Alexander away from the main group.

He spoke softly, almost defensively, "There's someone I need you to meet."

She trailed behind him into a more intimate, smaller space at the rear of the arena. Tension permeated the air inside. Looking out at the city below, a man stood by the window. Emma's heart stopped as he turned upon hearing their footsteps.

It was the same man who had been observing her before.

"Emma," Alexander said sharply. "This is my... business associate, John."

A shiver went down Emma's back. The man had a predatory smirk and calculating eyes.

John responded in a tone that bordered on mockery, "I hear you're the one making a sacrifice for the greater good." "How honorable."

Emma made an effort to control her breathing, but she was powerless to stop the natural shudder that came over her. She felt as though the walls were closing in on her, and something about this circumstance didn't feel right.

Alexander's words broke the tension before she could say anything.

"We need to talk about business," he stated. "However, I would appreciate it if you did not make this challenging."

Emma felt a sudden understanding blossom in her chest. She was a component of a far more extensive and perilous scheme than merely a pawn in Alexander's game.

In a fog of bewilderment, the night came to an end. As the car drove back to the penthouse, Emma's thoughts were racing. A flurry of uncertainties and questions smashed against the boundaries of her consciousness as the city lights flickered by. What exactly was Alexander doing? What had brought her into his life, and why?

With a gentle click, the penthouse door shut behind her. After dropping her clutch onto the couch, she went to the window and looked out at the cityscape. It was a stunning view, almost too lovely for someone like her.

Nevertheless, it was all a delusion.

Alexander was standing at the doorway as she turned. His presence was commanding, but his countenance was unreadable.

"I hope you had a fascinating evening." His voice was quiet as he inquired.

"Enlightening?" she said in a chilly tone. "Steele, I'm beginning to question whether you're playing me."

He stepped forward and fixed her with his intense gaze, which caused her heart to accelerate. "You've been aware from the beginning that this situation is not straightforward. However, Emma, I'm not the only one having secrets.

Like a dare, the words hung in the air between them. When Emma understood that the life she had committed to might be far more perilous than she had ever imagined, her breath seized in her throat and her heart began to race.

She could feel the consequences of her choice bearing down on her as Alexander moved closer. There was a noticeable tension between them, laden with unspoken words and repressed emotions. She was unsure of how long she could continue to portray the role.

Then, suddenly, Alexander reached out and tilted her face toward his while softly touching her chin. His fingertips brushed her skin like a flash of fire, his touch hard but delicate. There was no denying their chemistry, yet it went beyond simple physical chemistry.

Emma became aware for the first time that her decisions would cost her not just her sister's future but also her heart. She didn't know at the time which would prevail, her heart or her mind.