THE LOVE DEAL

Sudden Love

I had no right to back out of this? No matter what? What if I so desperately needed to get out? God…did I do the right thing? Am I actually selling myself? Mira’s head snapped to me, “Are you kidding me?!” I felt sick. I had read the fine print- mostly, before signing the document. But seeing the terms spelled out like that… Peter ran a hand down his face, taking a seat on a chair nearby. “You realize what this means, don’t you? You’re not just agreeing to a marriage. You’re agreeing to be owned.” I closed my eyes. “It’s just one year.” Peter let out a bitter laugh. “One year with a man like Damien Blackwell can feel like a lifetime. Selene, I’m worried…” “I just need to get through this, okay? I’ll survive.” They both didn’t look convinced, but before any of them could respond, a shadow fell over the doorway. A young man held the door open. At first we expected him to walk in, but then he moved to the side, opened the door wider and gave a slight bow, like he was ushering someone in. And there he was. Damien Blackwell. Tall. Imposing. Dressed in a black suit that looked as effortless as it did dangerous. His presence sucked the air out of the room, dark eyes, cutting through the tension like a blade before seemingly landing on me- and then Mira and Peter. The room froze. Mira stiffened. Peter’s entire body tensed, a glare visible in his eyes. “I see you’ve informed your friends.” He said, his voice smooth; unreadable. “Good.” I shot him a glare. “You could have knocked or something. Do you go around barging into people’s properties?” He tilted his head, “I don’t knock.” Mira sounded something under her breath that sounded a lot like arrogant bastard. Damien ignored her and instead roamed his eyes around the farmhouse/my office and hideout. He walked towards the large glass windows that overlooked the vineyard. The whole area a color of green. Assessing his new property I see. I shook my head, rolling my eyes. “We have an event to attend.” I frowned, “What event?” “To the public, we have already been engaged. But we have to make it convincing enough that they don’t doubt the news.” He said simply. “We’re making our first public appearance tonight.” I stared at him. “Tonight?” “A heads-up would’ve been nice you know?” Peter said, hands in his pocket. “Miss Parker’s meeting with me today was unexpected as well. I was going to go alone if she hadn’t showed up. But the contract has been signed, this is more of a business arrangement, so I expect Selene to follow suit.” “Fine…, I’ll go.” I said in hopes of calming them both. Damien nodded. “A dress has been delivered. Be ready in three hours.” Then, without another works, he turned and walked out. The second he was out of the door, Mira exploded. “You seriously cannot be going along with this!” Peter sighed. “Selene, do you even know what you’re signing up for?” No. Not really. * The dress was stunning. Midnight blue, sleek, and elegant- form fitting, with delicate silver embroidery that shimmered under the light. It was designed for a queen. I was standing in a luxury penthouse, staring at the myself in the mirror, about to step into a world I didn’t belong to. And yet, when I stared at my reflection, I didn’t feel like one. I felt like an actress- playing a role in a story I had no control over. None of this felt real. A knock came at the door, and this time, I knew better than to expect a polite greeting. Damien stepped inside, dressed in a black tuxedo. His gaze swept over me, making me feel little and exposed. I hated how his eyes raked through my body, assessing me like some lab rat. His eyes grew darker and he seemed to be in-taking a sharp breath. His eyes roamed further, and some sort of approval flickered in his expression. But it was gone before I could be sure. “Good.” He murmured, “This’ll do.” I scowled. “Charming.” He stepped closer, and suddenly, I was too aware of how tall he was, how the air shifted around him. His lips quirked, almost amused. Then, before I could react, he reached for my hand. His touch was firm, yet gentle, but possessive. He held my hands above my head and stared right into my eyes- more like my soul. I forgot to breathe. “This is more than a contract now, Selene,” He said, “from this moment on, you’re mine! And the world belongs to us.” A figure strolled in before I even had the time to reply, “Hey boss, it’s time…” It was the same guy who opened the door to the farmhouse for Damien earlier today. “Time to go princess.” He released my hands, and entwined our fingers together instead. I was being led down a long hallway that seemed to sparkle in all shades of gold. Walls and floors made of gold? Just what exactly this event about? And who owned this place? I gawked at the humongous painting that graced the corner of the wall, feeling myself drown in it. It was a waterfall, with life-like drawings of the sky, the tress, and the rainbow. What I would give for an ounce of that sort of peace. Before I knew it, we were standing before a huge door. The guy from earlier motioned to two other men in suit who were standing at both sides of the door, and they stepped forward, pulling at the door handles. The light that suddenly crept in was enough for me to get a sunglass, I had to restrict myself from looking away. That would look unprofessional of me. The next thing I knew… Lights. Cameras. Flashing bulbs. A sea of reporters. Damien’s grip loosened around mine and instead, found its way to my waist, pulling me closer. I flushed from our close proximity, wondering if it was just me who suddenly felt out of breath. “Smile,” He whispered, “or they’ll eat you alive.” And just like that, my life was no longer my own.