Bound by the Devil's Deal

Chapter 3 "Time is a Luxury"

~ Author’s POV

“Excuse me?“ Sophia was flabbergasted at his statement, wondering where the hell it suddenly came from, but then he continued.

“Meet me tomorrow at 2 PM sharp, “ He said, and Sophia’s eyes widened with hope glistening inside them. She was about to thank him when he spoke again. “You’re dismissed. “ As soon as he said that, two guards came forward and made way for Sophia to get to the elevator and out of the hallway where they were, and she did with a bow of her head at Dante as she hurried away from him and his dominating presence that was giving her chills down her spine.

~ The Next Day

It was 1 PM and Sophia lay on Lily’s couch, curled up. Her best friend was her only safe place, someone she could tell anything and everything and not be judged. However, this time, it was hard to even mention yesterday’s events.

“Okay,“ Lily sat across her, crossing her legs. “Spill, what’s going on with you? You’ve been jittery ever since you came in“ Sophia glanced up at her, her blue eyes filling with worry.

“Dante Cross asked to meet me this afternoon at 2. “

Lily froze mid-sip of her coffee, her expression turning to cold shock. “D-Dante Cross? THE Dante Cross? As in the ruthless billionaire, owner of half of the city, and rumored to have more enemies than friends? That Dante Cross?“

Sophia looked down at her lap, hesitatingly nodding, her fingers fidgeting in her lap as she sat up on the couch, “Yes. “

Lily set her cup down with a clatter. “Sophia, are you crazy? Why would you agree to meet him? Do you even know what kind of a man he is?“

“I know exactly what kind of a man he is, Lily, “ Sophia said in a low but firm voice. “But I don’t have a choice, Lily, you know about my dad’s debts. The company is sinking, and my brother’s education is on the line. If I don’t at least try to negotiate with him, we’ll lose everything.“

Lily shook her head frantically. “You’re walking straight into the lion’s den, Soph. That man does not negotiate; he takes. And once you’re entangled with him, you can’t get out. “

“I have to do this, Lily. “ Sophia’s voice was trembling, but was still firmer. “If I don’t, my family is finished. “

“Fine,“ Lily sighed, pinching her temple in frustration. “But at least promise me you’ll be careful. And if something feels off, anything at all, you run, okay? I don’t care how much you think you need his help. No deal is worth your safety. “

“I promise, “ Sophia promised her best friend, knowing it might be one that she won’t be able to keep.

~At Dante’s Office

The afternoon sun taunted Sophia as she stood outside the tall Cross Enterprises building. Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside. The same indifferent receptionist now politely directed her to the top floor, and moments later, she found herself in a private elevator.

When the doors slid open, Sophia was greeted by a sharp-eyed assistant who led her down a corridor to a set of double doors.

“He’s expecting you,” the assistant said before stepping aside.

Sophia hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering over the door handle, anxiety creeping up on her. This was it, the moment she had been dreading and anticipating all day. Steeling herself, she pushed the doors open and stepped inside.

Dante Cross’s office was exactly as she had imagined, sleek, minimalist, and devoid of any personal touches. The man himself stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city skyline stretching out behind him. He turned as she entered, his piercing gray eyes locking onto hers.

“Ms. Hayes,” he said, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine. “Right on time. I appreciate punctuality.”

Sophia swallowed hard, forcing herself to stand tall. “Thank you for agreeing to meet me, Mr. Cross.”

Dante motioned toward the chair in front of his desk. “Sit.”

She obeyed, her hands clasped tightly in her lap to keep them from trembling.

“You’re here to discuss your father’s debt,” Dante said, his tone matter-of-fact. “Five hundred million dollars is no small sum, Ms. Hayes. What exactly do you expect me to do about it?”

Sophia took a deep breath, meeting his gaze. “I’m asking for more time. I’m working on securing investors to help save the company, but I need time to make it happen.”

Dante’s lips twitched, though whether it was amusement or annoyance, she couldn’t tell. “Time,” he repeated her anxious words. “A luxury you don’t have and one I’m not obligated to offer. So, why do you expect me to hand it out so lavishly?”

Sophia’s chest tightened. “Please, Mr. Cross. I’ll do whatever it takes to make this right. I’m willing to repay the debt and not run away. Just, I need you to give me time and a chance to make this right.”

His gray eyes darkened, and he leaned forward slightly, his presence more imposing than ever. “Whatever it takes,” he said, the words laced with a quiet intensity.

The room fell silent as he studied her, his expression unreadable. Then, without warning, he rose from his chair and walked around the desk, coming to stand directly in front of her, making her breath hitch in her throat.

“I’ll forgive the debt,” he said, his voice low and torturing as his eyes kept their focus on Sophia’s eyes, which were widened enough to show how terrified she was. “But it will cost you.”

Sophia’s heart pounded in her chest, regretting a little that she decided to come here and cursing her father a lot for getting entangled with a man like him, whose presence was enough to shut a person up. “What do you mean?”

Dante’s gaze bore into hers, a sly smile pulling up on his face as he waited before speaking, but his next words sent a chill down her spine. “Marry me.”