I was not supposed to be here, not in this glass tower, not in this man's office, not with my freedom up for negotiation.
"Two million. That's all I'm asking, and the girl is yours."
My father's husky voice stabbed through me, sharper than the belt he used to beat me with.
I turned to him, my voice trembling. "Dad..."
He didn't even look my way. "Shut up, Alicia. You're lucky I didn't throw you out on the street."
Why? Why would my own father be willing to get rid of me like I'm nothing? Is this man even my father anymore? Am I just a product up for bargain?
I shifted my gaze to the man seated behind the desk in front of me. He didn't flinch at all during the back and forth.
He was beautiful in a way that made me uneasy. His face was chiseled, jaw ruthlessly sharp. Jet-black hair ruffled smoothly to one side of his face, long enough to reach his shoulders. His build was sturdy, but what caught me off guard were those grey eyes—piercing, cold, and unnervingly deep.
Those eyes spoke volumes before I even knew who he was. Soulless. Dangerous. Not... good for me.
I can't stay here. My father should find another way to pay his debt. But even as my heart twisted in turmoil, I couldn't stop staring at him. His eyes were cold like a storm—something you want to run from, yet at the same time, something you almost want to embrace.
Mr. Anthony Blake. Billionaire. CEO. Cold. Intimidating. Calculating. And now, my new master.
Finally, he spoke. His voice was low, rumbling like distant thunder.
"I don't buy women."
My heart soared with relief..until he added,
"But I do buy leverage."
He leaned back in his chair, eyes locked on me as he folded his hands over his chest. "Why her?"
My father's eyes widened with greed. He pushed himself forward, desperate for Anthony's approval. His words tumbled out in a rush, "She's beautiful, obedient, and will listen no matter what you tell her. She's the kind of wife who'll do everything you say. I promise you won't regret it."
My heart dropped.
Other parents would sacrifice everything for their children, but here was mine, willing to give me away like a property.
I wanted to disappear into the ground from shame.
Then something shifted.
Anthony rose from his chair and stepped toward us.
My heavens.
He was so tall. The light blue button-up shirt he wore clung to his muscular frame, outlining strong biceps. His skin was tanned and ruggedly manly...and oh...
Why should I even notice? He might be as beautiful as the devil, but what right did he have to buy me?
My heart clenched, but I stood my ground as he came closer.
His cologne mixed with mint, sharp and intoxicating, send chills down my spine.
He reached me, and his long fingers touched my chin. A jolt ran through my body. He raised my face toward his and looked at me, those stormy eyes taking me in as if he were memorizing every part of me.
"You. What is your name?"
For once, I blinked, then spoke, stuttering, "Ali...Alicia, sir."
"Sir?" His lips curved, and my breath caught. When he smiled—even just a little—he was beautiful in every way.
"You're going to be mine. There's no need for the formalities."
Huh!
Is he…?
"How old are you?"
"Uhm… I'm twenty-five."
He leaned forward, his scent so close I wanted to disappear. But where would I even go?
My hand dug into the fabric of my blue dress.
"Are you doing this willingly?"
My eyes lit up, and I looked back at him for the first time without fear. That's right. Maybe if I explained, he'd take pity and let me go.
"No, in fact…" I took a step back. It was hard to think with him so close. "I didn't even know I was being…"
I couldn't finish. Not with the ache those words carried.
"Sold?" he finished for me.
I nodded.
He turned to my father, "leave. I'll call if I'm interested."
My father's eyes widened. He started to protest, "this deal won't..."
"Out."
The whole office fell silent. His voice carried power—you obeyed without question. My father was no different; he rushed out, but not before shooting me a dark scowl. The door slammed behind him, leaving me alone with Anthony.
I trembled.
Alone now, I wondered what he had planned. He hadn't sent me away with my father. What exactly was he plotting with me?
"You can let me go," my voice cracked, barely more than a plea. "I'll find somewhere else to stay."
But not home. Never back to my father—there was no way I'd live with a man who treated me like dirt.
Anthony raised an eyebrow. "You have nowhere to go, do you?"
Huh?
I stared at him, lips parted. "Well…" The truth stung bitterly. My father's roof was the only refuge I had left. But now? What?
"Dropped out of school. No income. No job. And your father owes money to people who won't just pat him on the back."
I gasped. "How did you know?"
He smirked, cold and sure. "I always do my research on every investment."
My eyes widened in shock. I snapped back, "I'm not an investment."
"Well," he said, voice low and steady, "you are now."
"I don't understand. I thought..."
Huh. He wasn't going to let me go? Had the plan changed?
Anthony Blake paid me no mind as he pulled out his phone and spoke with crisp authority.
"Transfer two million to Cole Adams. Mark it as debt clearance and send a contract to my office."
"What?" I gasped, the shock hitting me like a punch.
"What are you doing?!" I gritted my teeth, desperation creeping into my voice.
He raised an eyebrow and took a step closer, his presence suddenly overwhelming, "What does it look like?"
I was too stunned to move, too caught off guard to even notice how close he'd gotten. Now, there was no turning back.
"I'm buying your freedom, Miss Alicia Adams."
My shoulders slumped, the weight of the moment sinking in.
"Why…" My lips trembled as I struggled to think beyond the present. I had nowhere to go—no safe place. But maybe, just maybe, some old college friends could help. I hadn't kept in touch, but that didn't mean they wouldn't answer if I reached out. Somehow, I had to find a way.
"Why?" I asked again, voice barely above a whisper.
He shrugged, eyes casually scanning me as if I were nothing more than an object on display.
"Because my board is forcing me to marry to secure a merger, so I need a fiancé… and you," his gaze lingered lazily, "you'll do."
No, I won't. How could I?
"You'll live in my penthouse. One year. No sex unless you initiate it." His eyes flickered with something unreadable.
"What if I refuse?" I shot back, refusing to back down.
"Would you rather be homeless?"
Heavens, I wanted to kick him. How was he any different from my father? I glared at him, furious—but deep down, I knew he was right. Without this, I'd be out on the streets.
Huh. Think, Alicia. Think. There has to be another way.
But no matter how hard I searched for one, Anthony Blake was damn right. And I hated him for it.
When I stayed silent, he took a step back.
"I take that as a yes, Miss Adams."
I clenched my fists tightly, my eyes still burning with defiance. "So, what now?"
"You'll sign the contract," his eyes narrowed, "and move in today."