Chapter One
1028 Words
Elena
The night air is cold, sharp like a knife against my skin. My feet slam against the pavement, my breath coming out in gasps. The city lights blur as I push forward, dodging people on the sidewalk.
I don’t dare look back. I know they’re still behind me.
"Get her!"
The voice makes my blood freeze.
I turn a corner too fast, almost slipping on the wet ground. My heart pounds. My legs burn. But I don’t stop.
They’re chasing me.
Two men in dark suits. Strong, fast, dangerous. I don’t know their names, but I know what they want.
Money.
I don’t have it.
I clutch my bag tighter, my fingers shaking. My mother’s hospital bills took everything. I can barely afford food, let alone pay off a debt I never asked for.
The sound of footsteps grows louder. They’re catching up.
I spot an alley ahead. Dark. Empty.
I take the risk.
Diving into the shadows, I press myself against the cold brick wall, holding my breath.
Silence.
I hear them stop at the entrance.
"Where did she go?" one of them growls.
"Keep looking," the other snaps. "Roman doesn’t like loose ends."
Roman.
The name sends a fresh wave of terror through me. He’s the man who owns half of New York’s underground world. If he wants you, you don’t escape.
I close my eyes, my body trembling.
Please go away. Please.
Minutes feel like hours before their voices fade.
I don’t move.
I wait until the only sound left is my own heartbeat, then slowly step out of the shadows.
Big mistake.
A strong hand grabs my arm.
I gasp, twisting, but the grip is like iron.
"Not so fast, sweetheart."
The tall man from earlier grins down at me, his teeth flashing in the dim light.
I try to yank free. "Let me go!"
He laughs. "Oh, I don’t think so. You owe our boss."
"I don’t owe him anything!" I spit, struggling harder.
He tuts. "That’s not what he thinks. And trust me, sweetheart, you don’t want to make him mad."
Panic claws at my throat. My mind races. I need to get away.
I lift my knee and slam it into his stomach.
He grunts, stumbling back.
It’s my only chance.
I spin to run
And slam straight into a solid wall of muscle.
I freeze.
Slowly, I look up.
And my breath catches.
The man in front of me is like a shadow tall, broad, and dangerous. His black suit fits him perfectly, sharp and expensive. His short dark hair is slightly tousled like he just ran a hand through it.
But it’s his eyes that stop me.
Cold. Icy blue. Piercing straight through me.
He tilts his head slightly, studying me like I’m an interesting puzzle.
I can’t move.
I can’t speak.
Who is he?
The thug behind me coughs, breaking the silence. "Blackwood," he breathes, fear lacing his voice.
My stomach drops.
Blackwood?
As in Alexander Blackwood?
The billionaire? The man who owns half of this city? The ruthless CEO is known for crushing anyone who crosses him?
The air shifts.
The thug steps back, suddenly nervous. "This isn’t your business, Blackwood."
Alexander Blackwood doesn’t look at him. His sharp gaze stays locked on me.
Then, in a voice smooth as silk, he says, "It is now."
A shiver runs down my spine.
The thug hesitates. "Look, we were just"
"Leave," Alexander cuts him off, his tone turning deadly.
The thug swallows. He glances at me, then at Alexander, then back at me.
Then, without another word, he bolts.
I let out a shaky breath.
The silence stretches between us.
Alexander leans slightly closer. "You have a habit of getting into trouble, don’t you?"
I snap back to reality.
I step away, hugging my bag to my chest. "I didn’t ask for your help."
His lips twitch. "You didn’t have to."
I glare at him. "Why did you?"
He shrugs, slipping his hands into his pockets. "A whim."
A whim? Who helps a stranger on a whim?
Something tells me this man never does anything without a reason.
I square my shoulders, forcing strength into my voice. "Well, thanks, but I’m fine."
His eyes darken. "You’re shaking."
I bite my lip.
Damn it.
I can’t let him see how scared I am.
"Not your problem," I mutter, turning to leave.
I take one step
And he grabs my wrist.
His touch is firm, but not rough. His fingers warm against my cold skin.
My breath hitches.
"Let go," I whisper.
His eyes flick to my lips. "Not yet."
Heat rushes through me.
Why does he look at me like that? Like he’s trying to figure me out.
My heart races. I should pull away.
Instead, I stay frozen.
"Who were they?" he asks.
I swallow hard. "I don’t know."
"Liar."
His voice is soft, but the accusation hits hard.
I glare at him. "Why do you care?"
He leans in, his scent surrounding me something dark, expensive, intoxicating.
"Because," he murmurs, "I don’t like people touching what’s mine."
My heart stops.
What?
I open my mouth to argue, but he lets go of my wrist and steps back.
The sudden loss of warmth makes me shiver.
"Get in," he says, nodding toward a sleek black car parked at the curb.
I blink. "Excuse me?"
He raises an eyebrow. "You need protection. I’m offering it."
I laugh, but it comes out breathless. "From you?"
He smirks. "From them."
I hesitate.
He’s right. Roman’s men won’t stop looking for me.
But trusting Alexander Blackwood?
That’s probably worse.
Still, I glance at the car.
I have two choices walk away and take my chances, or get in.
And right now?
I don’t think I have a choice at all.
Taking a deep breath, I step toward the car.
Alexander watches me closely.
And as I slide into the leather seat, I know one thing for sure
I just made a deal with the devil.
Cliffhanger!
Action-packed start
Leads meet in Chapter One
Tension and chemistry
The female lead is weak but fights back
Simple, easy-to-understand language.
More dialogue than narrative
- Writer
