Chapter 6 - Chapter Six: Leverage and Lace

I didn't sign the contract.But I didn't destroy it either.It sat on my desk like a loaded gun silent, dangerous, daring me to pull the trigger.Every day, Damian acted like it didn't exist.And every night, he touched me like I'd already said yes. I tried to go on a date.It was a disaster.His name was Colin. He worked in finance. Wore beige like it was a personality. He ordered for me without asking. Talked about his gym routine like it was foreplay.I checked my phone three times.Each time: nothing.No text. No Damian.I hated how disappointed I was.Halfway through dessert, I excused myself and walked out.I didn't even make it to my car before I called a car service.Destination: Cain Tower. He wasn't expecting me.He didn't need to.The elevator to the penthouse was unlocked. His door was open.He was in the shower.Naked. Wet. Glorious.I stripped before he turned around.When he did, he paused.Then smiled."No date?"I stepped into the steam, reached for the soap."Wasn't worth my lipstick."His eyes dropped to my mouth. "Shame. I've missed that color."Then he kissed me against the cold tile until my knees buckled.The next morning, I found a new folder on my nightstand.Same leather binding. Same logo.Inside Clause 13 was gone. In its place: a handwritten note."You don't belong to a contract. You belong to me. D"I didn't cry.But it was close. That day, HR called."Mr. Cain wants to update your employment status.""What kind of update?""Personal assistant. Full-time. Travel included."I stared at the phone.He was making space for me. In his schedule. In his life.But I couldn't tell if it was a promotion… or a leash.I said yes. Our first trip was Milan.Private jet. Five-star hotel. A boardroom presentation in the morning, a wine-stained bed by midnight.He undressed me like he was learning me in layers. Tasted every inch like he was mapping me with his tongue.And when I called him "sir" by accident—he didn't stop me.He liked it.I liked it more.***The next day, we fought.Over coffee. Over a client. Over the way he said my name in front of his CFO like it didn't mean anything.I slapped him.He kissed me.And then he bent me over the conference table.Twice. That night, I found my panties in his briefcase.Folded. Pressed. Scented."I hate how much you get under my skin," I told him.He looked at me like I was both the problem and the cure."You're already under mine," he said.Then he pulled me into his lap, and we didn't stop until we both forgot what we were fighting about. On the flight home, he reached for my hand.Just held it.No games.No rules.No silk.And that scared me more than anything.Because it felt too real.Too good.Too dangerous.And I didn't know how to survive a man who didn't just want my body.He wanted everything.