“True. Worth the risk, though.” He shrugs nonchalantly.
“Hang on, is that what we’re doing here? Is this a date?” I say, pointing back and forth between us.
“Not quite. I’m here to offer you a long-term position.” He crosses his arms over his chest, and I’m momentarily distracted by his bulging biceps.
Forcing my eyes back to his, I ask, “Okay, I’ll bite… What type of position?”
“I want you to be my full-time submissive, to live with me, and be at my beck and call. To serve me for twelve months. Honestly, I’m tired of going to Eden. And going through the process of NDAs for a one-night stand is more hassle than it’s worth. I’m over it. I want something long-term with someone I have amazing chemistry with. There’s no denying I find you attractive, physically. And our sexual chemistry has always been explosive. I’m proposing that you agree to be mine to fuck senseless for a year. And, of course, I’ll make it worth your while.”
I inhale deeply, letting the air fill my lungs before slowly exhaling, giving myself time to absorb his words.
“I’m offering twelve million dollars: one million a month. That’s a lot more than you would make at Eden. Plus…” He pauses, his gaze piercing mine, ensuring I grasp the weight of his next words. “Plus, whatever Mark is holding over your head. There’s no way a woman like you agrees to marry someone not of her choosing without being coerced. So, what is it?”
“Wait, a woman like me?”
“A strong, independent woman who bows down to no man unless it’s her choice.”
Taken aback by his unexpected compliment, I clear my throat before responding. If there’s even a chance he has the power to get Beth what she needs, then this offer is too good to pass up.
“My sister has a severe congenital heart condition and needs a heart transplant. She needs the surgery sooner rather than later, as she’s only going to get worse. I want her moved to the top of the list.”
“Is that it?” he asks, shocked.
“Yep.”
“Let me get this straight: you were willing to marry a complete stranger and start a family with him, all for the sake of a simple phone call?” he asks incredulously. I can sense his anger on my behalf, which is touching. But his judgmental tone also puts me on the defensive.
“My stepfather backed me into a corner. I had no other options. Beth needs that surgery, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure she gets it. But I don’t have the same influence or resources as you and my stepfather. I’m not part of your world. I’m just trying to make the best of a bad situation.”
“I’m not here to judge. I just think it’s fucked up for your family to put you in this position. That’s all.” He raises his hands in a placating gesture.
“Tell me about it,” I sigh, feeling some tension ease out of my shoulders. “So, just to make sure I completely understand: I spend a year with you as your submissive, and then we both go our separate ways, no strings attached. No marriage, no kids, no commitment. And I get twelve million dollars and a new heart for Beth?”
“That’s correct.”
“What’s the catch? There’s always a catch.”
“There’s no catch, I promise. But I’m gonna be honest with you: Your stepfather does play a role in this. I’ve heard he’s desperate for a grandchild to be his heir. Stealing you from right under his nose and destroying his well-laid-out plan, is, well, it’s rather amusing to me.”
“Okaaay.” Understanding dawns on me. “So, this is like a big ‘fuck you’ to him, revenge for his attempt at taking over your company?”
“Something like that.” He smiles darkly.
How can I refuse? One year of submitting to this perfect alpha male specimen and breaking free from Mark’s controlling grip, versus a decade trapped with someone like Douglas. Not to mention steering clear of my mother’s toxic influence. Um, where do I sign up?
My panties are already damp and my core throbs at the prospect of spending the next twelve months with Dameon. But I have to approach this with a clear head. It’s a job, and although it’s one I know I’ll love, I must keep reminding myself of that. Otherwise, I risk sliding down that slippery slope into the murky waters of feelings, where a whole lot of hurt awaits.
The gentlemen at Eden often pretend to be dominant, but few truly embody the innate authority that Dameon possesses. None have ever fully satisfied my desires like he has, even though our encounters have been limited to the confines of Eden. Outside of that world, he remains a mystery to me. Yet, if I were a betting woman, I would wager that he’s every bit the alpha male beyond Eden’s walls.
This job is risky for precisely that reason. In Eden, everything is short-term—there’s no space for love, intimacy, or even friendship to develop. Keeping this relationship strictly professional and transactional will be a challenge. One night? No problem. But a whole year? That’s a different story.
“What do you say? Be mine for a year?” He smiles broadly with those gorgeous dimples.
“Absolutely, it’s a deal.” We shake hands, and the energy that vibrates between us is almost tangible.
“We’re going to have a lot of fun together,” he murmurs, his voice deep and thick with promise. I bite my bottom lip to stifle a groan, but he leans closer, gently freeing it with his thumb. His touch is soft as he strokes my lip, and I can’t resist. With a teasing glance, I wet the tip of his thumb with my tongue before taking it fully into my mouth, locking eyes with his sea-green ones. I wrap my tongue around his thumb and suck gently, his eyes fluttering closed in pleasure. Showing mercy, I release his thumb with a playful pop. Dameon leans back, composing himself, and shoots me a warning glance. I can’t help but smile, secretly pleased to have such a potent effect on him as well.
Dameon clears his throat, transitioning seamlessly into business mode. “In anticipation of your agreement,” he begins, “I had my lawyer draft the contract and NDA last night. Take your time to review them carefully and sign both documents. I’m available to answer any questions you might have. But I’ll be flying back to Sydney tomorrow. I’d appreciate it if you’d join me.”
