tly on the polished wooden desk. His phone rang, and he snatched it

checked every lead. Abeni's father seems to have vanished

d. "Fine. Keep looking. I w

r disappearing was both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, he owed Dmitr

he air, and the sound of the mixers and ovens hummed in the background. She was thinking about her payday, which was today, he

i and the others followed him, curious about what he had in store. Once they w

ve her eyes. It was more money than she had ever seen in her life. Tears of joy streamed down her face

ut as the Uber was driving she couldn't help but have a bad feeling in her stomach as they got closer to her apartment building. When they finally

d inside her apartment, she saw men in black suits, their faces impassive. On her couch, she saw a familiar figure: Her breath caught in her throat as she realized it was the same man she had met i

e? But what if they were already here, doing their job? The crowd around he

d her, effectively sealing them all inside. Abeni felt a shiver of fear run down her spine, but she forced herself to remain calm and composed. She took a de

ght. His muscular frame was clothed in an expertly tailored suit that hugged his body in all the right places, making it impossible for her to look away. His jet-black hair was neatly

a step closer, his presence overwhelming her senses. He reached out and gently caressed her cheek, the touch sending a shiver of de

gasped, feeling a surge of pleasure course through her veins. He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear

. She couldn't deny the desire that was building within her, the need to feel his touch,

able, yet there was something in his eyes that made her feel as if he were seeing right through her. "Your father owes me a great deal of money," he con

ad no idea her father owed anyone that much money. But as she looked into Dmitry's steely eyes, s

wrong person." Dmitry smiled, and it was not a pleasant sight. "Oh, Abeni," he said, shaking his head, "you are so innocent." He took another step

whispered, "But i'll give you a choice." He cupped her face in his hands, forcing her to look into his eyes. "You can either find the money to pay off your father's debt, in

coursing through her veins, makin

e. And even if she could, he doubted she'd want to spend her life running away from him and his men. But there was no way in hell she would become his plaything,

siness dealings? How could he have gotten himself into debt with someone like Dmitry Kuznetsov? The though

ady despite the fear churning in her gut. "I'll find the money." She would find a way, somehow. She'd sell everything

ravity of the situation." He took another step closer, his body heat enveloping her like a vice. "You have one week to come up with the money. And if you fail, I will take what is mine

ce. Abeni forced herself to meet his gaze, her heart racing as she tried to find the strength to resist him.

her veins. "I won't let you down." She nodded, squaring her shoulders, determination

you've gotten yourself into. But we'll see." He took a step back, giving her some space. "I'll be watching you, dear. And mak

one week? She only got paid today! She had no savings, no assets, nothing to sell. The thought of spending the next week scrambling to find t