Chapter 2

2

I met Silas five years ago at an upscale lounge. I was eighteen, a naive student, and he was already a powerful businessman.

My parents had died when I was young. I had no family left in this world.

To pay for college, I had to work in places like that to earn tips.

The club didn't officially offer certain services, but being touched was part of the job.

Most men forced me to drink and whispered disgusting things while their hands wandered. He was the only one who ever smiled at me with kindness.

He felt so far away. I never dared to imagine a life with him. We never even spoke until one fateful night.

The money wasn't easy to earn. I worked until midnight, drinking until I threw up, then walking home through dark alleys.

I was afraid of the dark, afraid of the predators. But I had no choice.

That night, I left work smelling of cheap gin. As soon as I stepped out, someone covered my mouth and nose.

"Hey, beautiful. I've been waiting for you. I'm going to make you feel real good tonight."

The man's breath reeked of alcohol and decay. I recognized him. He was a regular who was known for being a violent gambler.

I sobbed in terror, trying to pry his hand off, but his grip was like iron.

He dragged me toward a dark alley. I knew if he got me inside, I'd never come out the same.

That's when Silas appeared.

He stepped out of his black car and walked toward us. He effortlessly broke the man's grip and signaled his bodyguards to handle the rest.

I collapsed on the ground, shaking and gasping for air.

Silas knelt beside me. "Can you walk? It's late. Let me drive you home."

I didn't want to be a burden, but I was too terrified to be alone. I looked at him and begged for help.

"Thank you, sir. Please... just get me home."

Silas gave me a gentle smile. "Don't be so formal. No man could stand by and watch a girl like you get hurt."

His words made me crack a small smile. The tension in my chest eased slightly.

"Does a man like Mr. Sterling really get moved by a pretty face?"

"Of course. I'm only human, Summer."

It was the most cliché hero-saves-the-girl story, but it was how we began.

After that, Silas came to the club often. He wouldn't do anything; he'd just order expensive bottles and watch me.

He took me to theme parks, movies, and luxury malls. One night in the theater, he told me he loved me. We shared our first kiss.

I knew I wasn't in his league. But he was so good to me. Since my parents died, I hadn't felt loved in so long.

I didn't want his money. I didn't even care about marriage. I just wanted to be with him.

I never imagined it was all a carefully laid trap.