CHAPTER1
CARA
I was in disbelief as the offer landed in my lap, a one-night gig as an escort for an old man I had never met. Judging as I was already neck-deep in debt and juggling various jobs just to scrape together enough for tuition, this opportunity was something I really wanted and was looking forward to.
I would not do this kind of job given normal circumstances but the pay was mouth-watering and in a single evening I would earn more than I did in an entire month waiting tables at the Carl and Co Diner.
I shot up from the bed, dazed, and blinked several times while looking at the amount I’d be paid after the night.
$1000 will be enough to pay for the 2 months of my tuition with some change.
I got so excited and dialed my best friend Leah’s number, “I got the gig!” my voice soared louder than I expected with excitement.
“Wow, Cara you’ve been so worried about getting this gig, I’m so happy you finally got it,” Leah said
“Right but I’m so confused, you know I’m terrible with my makeup”, I cried out
“Don’t worry, I’m going to come over later and help you with all of that”.
Leah’s promise to assist with my makeup lit up my spirits even more. Earlier that day I received a package containing stunning red dress and golden shoes that was very perfect for the occasion.
While I was thrilled at the thought of earning more money than usual, I was very worried and anxious. I was about to escort a man who was almost the same age as my father if not older.Even with a strong contract in place outlining strict boundaries, my nerves fluttered, the thought of what the night would hold scared me and I brushed it off.
Just as I was rounding up cleaning and tidying the small space I call my apartment, the doorbell chimed, and I hurried to open it, revealing Leah, makeup box in hand and a grin plastered across her face. “Time to get ready to make some extra cash for those fees!”
I couldn't help but wrap my arms around her in gratitude. “Thank you! I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done without you!”.
Leah waved me off playfully as she always does “I know, I know!, I’m the best friend one could ever have”. Now let’s turn you into a goddess!” She said as she was rubbing her hands together like an evil genius.
As she delicately laid out her brushes and started beating my face to perfection we whispered our mantra together.
“I am confident, I am beautiful, the world has got nothing on me”. Quite frankly I needed that reassurance.
After about 1 hour of prepping, I heard the doorbell ring twice signaling that it was time to get into the car and get this show on the road.
“The car is here, stop dragging your legs before you’ll change your mind Let’s get you out the door and into it!” Leah urged, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
As I slipped into the car, a wave of excitement and anxiety washed over me as I bid her farewell.
I arrived at the auction venue and experienced the first shocked of the night, I was ushered onto the red carpet by the chauffeur who held my hands tightly as I felt hundreds of light flash in my direction, on my face almost causing me to miss my step and fall.
My eyes widened as I took in the breathtaking surroundings. The building was so beautiful and the attendees were so sophisticated and elegant.
The ambiance was screaming wealthy and At that moment I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude toward Mr. Drew for providing me with the perfect dress for such a dazzling occasion because left to me and my wardrobe I would have looked like a hot mess.
I met with Mr. Drew, had a little chat, and halfway through the event, I walked away to freshen up in the restroom.
As I neared the door, a sudden force yanked me inside a dark room, the door slamming shut behind me. My heart started to beat very loud and fast almost jumping out of my chest. Beads of sweat started forming on my face.
“I’ve finally got you alone,” a deep, sultry voice echoed through the shadows. “Did you wear that stunning red dress to tempt me?”.
Disoriented and confused I was trying to calm my nerves when his lips crashed onto mine, so hard and fast.
What is happening here, this was my first kiss and it’s happening inside a dim room with a stranger. I was so terrified and could not get myself to make a single sound. It felt electrifying with shivers running down my spine. He deepened the kiss, and it felt as if my spirit was leaving my body. Who is this man, and why did he pull me into this secluded space?
His lips grazed mine, urging entry and asking for more, without thinking, I opened up and permitted him to devour my tongue. His hands explored the contours of my body and my oh my was it Large.
“Oh Mia, you have no idea what you do to me.”
“Mia?” The realization hit me like ice water. This was a very silly mistake. Just as he began to slide down the straps of my dress, the lights came on, illuminating the room and throwing me into shock.
At that moment I gazed into the warmest, most striking blue eyes I had ever seen, so intense and captivating
Suddenly, an angry voice pierced the air and brought me back to reality
“Luke! This is so low of you, frolicking in here with another woman! I told you I was sorry and that we should give it another shot, yet here you are with another woman in the dark”.
The hurt and betrayal in her tone stung before she stormed out.
That must be Mia standing at the doorway wearing the exact shade of red I had on.
“Who the hell are you?” Luke snapped, bringing me out of my thoughts, his eyes burning into mine.
I stood there like a lamb waiting to be slaughtered, tongue-tied and speechless.
He hurried out of the room, calling for Mia, but she turned away from him, leaving him feeling very angry and confused
For the first time in a long while, I felt so embarrassed and disappointed in myself. I couldn’t help but scold myself internally for allowing a stranger to steal my first kiss and the worst part was that I enjoyed the kiss.
I wonder what I was waiting for All this while to have my first kiss.
Just as I arranged my clothes and was preparing to step out, Luke barged into the room again his eyes filled with disdain and scorn as he looked me from head to toe
“I know you're one of those girls who chase after me, are you a stalker? Paparazzi? Who sent you?”.
“What is it that you truly want? Money? Is this your way of trying to blackmail me and accuse me of harassment?
With a sudden burst of courage, my hands flew towards his cheeks and in that moment I acted out and slapped him so hard, increasing the tension between us.
His jaw dropped, and eyes widened in disbelief as if a sudden jolt of electricity had coursed through his veins leaving him momentarily stunned.
In all of these, I could not say a single word, that was how dumbfounded I was.
“Stay right there; don’t even think about moving.”He growled and to my dismay, I felt a tingle down her spine.
After he left I snapped back to reality, my shoulders drooping with a defeated sigh and a dramatic flair, I scooped up my bag that had tumbled to the floor during our shared moment of passion. I left the room so quickly and with the energy I thought was drained, my heart racing.
As I stepped outside I unlocked my phone and sent a quick message apologizing to Mr Drew for leaving early.
A wave of anxiety washed over me seeing ten missed calls from Leah and a lot of texts.
“cara! Why is your dress splashed all over i********:? Even with your face hidden, I’d recognize that dress and body anywhere! And who’s that man who looks like he walked straight out of a dream? You’re kissing someone? Pick up the phone and talk to me!”
My hands trembled as I opened i********:, My heart sank, tears blurring my vision. In that moment I wished for the ground to open up and swallow me. I put on my heels and flagged down a cab headed home.
Replaying the events of the night and repeating the words of the headline and “Billionaire Luke’s Latest Conquest?”