Debt of Desire

Andrea’s POV “There’s no need for you to shout, Fredrick. Raising your voice won’t provide the money you owe me. I've come for my money, and you’re going to give it to me,” he said, calmly. I peeked through the door that was slightly creaked open, watching the meeting between my father and a shadowy figure. “And I’ve told you I don’t have it.” My father responded flatly. I had no idea he was in debt. “Four million dollars is no small amount of money, Fredrick. If you don’t hand it over to me, I’m going to have to take it as shares from your company. The only reason I haven’t done this is because of the respect I have for you.” “Just give me some more time. I can’t promise you the entire amount, but I can get half. Then, after some time, the whole amount.” He leaned forward. And I could clearly see his face. My breath caught in my throat as I recognized his face. That was Corvin Smith. The famous oil and gas tycoon who is a billionaire at age 40. “I have many things to spare, Fredrick. What I don’t have is time.” “You know there’s nothing more I can do. Is there any other way I could possibly compensate?” “You mentioned you had a daughter?” “Leave her out of this. Just give me more time.” “Unfortunately, I don’t have that much time. I’m collecting all the considerable debts people owe me, and I’m not leaving here until I’ve been compensated. Otherwise…” his voice trailed off as his eyes moved from my father’s and settled on mine. I quickly shifted from the door, but he had already seen me. “Who’s that?” he asked from inside. I attempted to walk away as fast as I could, but I heard my father’s voice stop me. “Andrea? I’m occupied with something. I’ll be with you shortly,” he said. “No. Let her in.” Corvin’s voice rang out commanding. My father had a conflicted look on his face. But after considering it for a while, he ushered me in. “I really see no need for this, Corvin. Why in hell would you…” My father didn’t get a chance to finish his protest before Corvin silenced him by raising his finger. He then stood up and walked over to me. And began to circle my frame with his hand on his chin. “Good looking,” he said. Made another circle, “Nice hips.” “Corvin, what the f**k is this? You’re sexualizing my daughter in front of me,” my father yelled. “I’m assessing a potential asset. And so far, I like what I’ve seen,” he said and went back to sit. “What the f**k are you talking about?” My father said, clearly doing his best to control his anger. “You clearly don’t have the money to pay me, as you’ve stated several times. But you do have something I want that could make your debt go away,” Corvin said calmly. “You can't have my daughter, Corvin.” “That’s unfortunately not up to you. I’m in a situation that requires a female with the characteristics your daughter possesses. I’m not going to scout for a candidate when I have one standing right in front of me.” At this point, I was getting fed up with his words and decided to find out exactly what he meant. “What are you talking about?” He smiled calmly as though he were enjoying himself. “I have a son, you see. But he isn’t fit to take over my business when I die. He has a terminal illness that would ensure he’s gone from this world in ten years at best. But for the next five years, he’ll still have enough strength to do basic things. Like bathing himself, feeding himself, taking a walk and…” He allowed his voice to trail off. “And?” I asked impatiently. “Make love,” he said finally. “Absolutely not. I will not allow it. I’ll find a way to get you your money, but if you think I’m going to w***e my daughter out to you, you’re sorely mistaken.” My father flared. I simply stood there, unable to believe my ears. While I appreciated my father’s protests, his hands were tied. If Corvin decided to take legal action against him to ensure he got his debt back, my father would end up bankrupt and our lives ruined. My father kept shouting, but I could hardly hear him. I only came back from my reverie when Corvin continued. “Here’s how it’s going to work. You’re going to sign a marriage contract with my son so you’re legally married. And that marriage is going to last five years, after which you’ll be free to live your life. Once the contract is signed, I’ll call off all the debt your father owes me and, five years later, you can continue your life like nothing happened. Doesn’t that sound like a sweet deal?” he asked, with a tone that made it sound like he was doing me a favour. “No, it f*****g doesn’t. You’re asking me to marry someone I don’t know,” I yelled. “For five years. That’s better than living in penury for the rest of your life. And you should know if you refuse this, not only will I take everything from your father, I’ll ensure he never makes anything of himself. So you see, the choice to refuse my offer is hardly an option for you. All you have to do is f**k for the next five years, and you’re good to go. And you’re acting like I'm the villain here. Please,” he scoffed. “Now listen here, Corvin,” my father began, but he was cut off. “Enough. I’ve been yelled at by too many people today, and I feel like if another person raises their voice at me, I'm going to f*****g lose it.” He turned to me. “You will serve as a breeder for my son until you’ve fulfilled your contract. After that, you’re free to go. But otherwise you have no other choice. You have till tomorrow to get your things ready. My men will be here by noon. Expect them,” he said, and stood up. The men beside him walked over to the door and one opened it for him. He walked to it, and then turned around. “The only reason this contract has to appear like a bad thing is if you try fighting me or looking at me like the bad guy. If you get into this with the right mindset, five years will go by just like that.” And he was gone.