"What kind of work?"
"As a subcontractor. Perhaps doing event planning. Public relations. The kind of skills someone with your background would excel at."
That actually sounds reasonable. "How do you know what my skills are?”
“You owe me money. Do you think I wouldn’t do a background check?”
I take another sip of wine. “I guess that’s reasonable. What would the terms be?"
"You would live here while working off the debt. Room and board provided, plus a small salary to cover personal expenses."
"Live here?" My voice comes out higher than intended. “At your villa?”
"My business requires discretion. It would be more convenient to have you nearby."
"For how long?"
"Until the debt is satisfied."
"Which would be how long?"
"That would depend on the value of your services."
The way he says "services" makes me wonder exactly what kind of work he has in mind. "And if I refuse both options?"
"Then we would need to explore other arrangements."
"Such as?"
"I'm sure together we could think of something."
The threat is subtle but unmistakable. I don't really have a choice here, and we both know it.
"I need time to think about it,” I tell him.
"Of course. You can think about it while you’re here tonight."
"Tonight?"
"You'll be staying here tonight. Your house has no electricity, no heat, and questionable security. It wouldn't be safe for you to return there alone."
And there it is.
The moment where he shows his true colors. Typical arrogant asshole thinks I’ll sleep with him to pay off a debt.
"Absolutely not." I stand up so fast my chair scrapes against the floor. "I'm going back to my house. Right now."
"Maddie—"
"No. And it’s Madison to you. Only my friends call me Maddie. This whole evening has been lovely, truly, but I'm not staying here overnight with a complete stranger who sabotaged my car and is trying to collect a debt I never agreed to. I don’t know how yet, but I’ll find someone, some official, some lawyer who can untangle this mess. There has to be a way.”
His expression doesn't change. “I'm afraid that's not possible."
"Watch me make it possible." I head toward what I think is the front door. "You can have your scary driver take me back, or I can walk back on my own. Either way, I'm leaving."
"The roads are dangerous at night. Wild boar, steep drops off the edge of the road."
"I'll take my chances with the wildlife, thanks. Have you ever heard the saying about American women choosing the bear over men? Well, I’m choosing the wild boar in this case."
