THE COST OF LOVE AND PASSION

E'S

h the faint notes of a jazz tune struggling to compete with the rowdy chatter. Kate Grey, that is me, balancing a tray of drinks on my arm, as I weaved through the crowd like a th

a beer," I announced, setting the dr

th irritation. I bit back a sharp retort, opting inst

tuated only by the occasional barked orders from my manager, Carl, and the ne

e bar, drawing the attention of several

ied, forcing my ton

's taken care of," Carl barked, his meaty fin

in a tailored navy suit that screamed wealth, his posture relaxed but commanding. Shadows played acros

cap off my night. I plastered on my best c

ar. Can I get you something to drink?"

. For a moment, I felt as though he could see straight

is voice low and smooth, ca

ar to fetch his drink. I couldn't shake the feeli

epted the glass with a nod o

Kate," I answe

sting the weight of my name o

heard of him before; a tech billionaire whose name often gr

," I said politely, unsure of wh

id, his tone as casual as if he

ned. "Ex

ient, professional. It's rare to see someone with that kind of

e how to respond. Compliments weren

I was about to head back, I st

what?" I

incere, if you weren't working here, w

ut somehow his poise and eloquence makes me forget even my name! I've

terpret the question then

he was

I've always wanted to be an actress, but life acted up instead

ger is still a mystery to me, something

g straight", I m

his eyes never leaving mine.

eyebrow. "A

his pocket and sliding it across the table. "Meet me tomorrow a

screaming caution. Deals that seeme

," I said, tucking t

e tugging at the corner of

feeling that my life was about to cha

utched in my hand. I'd spent the night debating whether to come, weighing my skepticism against

chandeliers. A receptionist directed me to the top floor, where Jared was waiting in

ing from behind a massive oak

mitted, my voice steady despite t

ed someone to accompany me to a series of high-profile events over

audacity of his request. "You wan

I'll provide financial backing for your acting career-classes,

outrageous proposition, one that sounded mo

" I aske

ou're grounded, authentic. People will believe us be

"And what's i

eter. "My reputation has taken a hit, and I

Despite my reservations, there was somethin

?" I asked, test

hed," Jared said, leaning back in his

ibility. The deal was risky, but so was the alterna

onths?"

ded. "Thr

fund my ac

of the way,"

h, my heart poundin

to the team, K." Just like that I had gotten a nick

st made a deal with the devil- a rather handsome devil. Bu