Chapter1

#Chapter1

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Prologue.

Tears ran down my cheek as I stared at Tammy's sleeping form. Why on earth did she have to borrow that kind of money from her company? And now, just when things were becoming extremely hard, she just had to have an accident. how was I supposed to raise 1 million $ in a week working as a caretaker in kindergarten? And to think Harry King was intent on suing her if she didn't pay up. Why did she borrow money from such cruel man like Harry King?

Just thinking of Tammy in jail gives me goosebumps.She's the only family I have and the only person that loves me despite all my flaws .She raised me and I just had to do something to get her outta this mess. I'd do anything. Anything. I kissed her forehead and told the nurses I was stepping out for a while.

Luckily, I found a cab that took me straight to Harry King's company. God help me, this man is a ruthless manwhore and I have no idea how I'd convince him to let Tammy recover and work for the money but if it meant working in her place, I'd do just that.

Walking into the classic building, the aura made me feel like I didn't belong here. I felt like a peasant waiting for my master's command. How did Tammy get to work here?

I walked up to the receptionist who looked at me up and down clearly showing her disapproval. ''I'm here to see Mr. King/"

/" Do you have an appointment?/" she asked rudely /"I don't but I have to see him. Its urgent./"

/"You don't just walk in here and demand to see Mr. King. You must have an appointment/"

I looked at my watch and realized I didn't have any time for flimsy chit chat with a rude receptionist. Without looking back at her, I walked to the elevator that had 'private' on it and got in before she could reach me. the elevator door opened and I stepped out . From the corner of my eyes I could see security coming after me so immediately dashed into the office that read 'Chief Executive Officer' and faced the devil himself.

/"Mr. King../" I trailed off when the security men held my arms and were about to take me out by force.

/"And you are?/" he barked looking furious for disrupting his work.

/"Um can you tell your security to let me go first? It's really uncomfortable talking like this./" I said feeling my arms becoming numb. Damn. Are these guys made of steel?

/"Kane. Don. Let go of the twat. I'll take it from here/" he said and the guys let me

down and nodded their heads. They left the room for just me and this guy.

/"Thank you./" I said relieved. /"Did you just call me a twat?/" I asked already getting angry...

/"Shut up and tell me who the fuck you are and why you're disturbing my work!/" he roared and I immediately got terrified.

/"Ari-Arianna Rodstein. Tamara Rodstein's sister./" I stammered. It probably got his attention as he asked me to take a seat across him.

/"Tamara doesn't barge into my office with security at her heels/" he said a bit calmer.

/"I didn't barge in here. I knocked and as for security, you should blame the receptionist/" I explained /"I'm sorry all the same./"

My apology didn't faze him. /"What do you want?/" he asked. Here we go...

/"Uh Mr. King, I just received a letter from your company that says Tammy owes you 1million$ and she just recently got into an accident. I.. I was hoping you could give us more time to get enough money to pay you. please../" I trailed off trying to hold the tears in.

/"NO./" That was the two lettered word I was dreading. /"Please Mr. King, I'd work in her place. Anything please/"

/" I said no. I have a policy and that is I keep my end of the deal and the other party keeps theirs. I always keep my end of the deal and she's expected to do same so until the money is paid, you have a day to spend with your sister before she goes behind bars./" he said in a cold tone. the first tear slipped and I wiped it immediately before he could see it.

/"Mr. King my sister is in the hospital! Please don't take her to jail! I'd do anything, please! I know you can make 1million $ in an hour so please spare us this once!/" I cried out not holding back my tears any more. He looked up from his laptop and I still didn't see any shred of mercy in his eyes.

/"You see Miss Rodstein, money isn't the problem, I can make a million dollars in seconds actually /"...smug bastard! /"but a Deal is a Deal. Tell your sister she'd look great in an orange jumpsuit or else you'd want to wear it instead ?/"

This man really was cruel and ruthless. /"Please../"

/"LEAVE!/" he roared again scaring me. My tears were unstoppable. The thought of my sister in jail just made me cry more. /"Please../" I said one last time before turning on my heel and about to open the door.

/"WAIT./" I stood dead on my tracks thinking I didn't hear it right. is he really considering it? oh Thank God!

/"You said anything?/" I turned around and faced him and nodded like a little girl /"Anything/" I said intent on helping my sister

/"If you want your sister's freedom, you'll have to sign another deal with me and this time, its deadly./" he said in a hard voice.

Am I ready to sign a deal with the devil himself?

I looked at him and swallowed hard.Then I accepted the offer.

Guess who just dug a deeper hole in Tammy's mess?

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^^^^

I can do this. I got this. Its all planned out. I said to myself over and over. For Tammy's sake, I need to do this.

The memory of the deal I signed with Harry King is still fresh in my mind.

/"Seduce Nick DeMorgane and make him fall. Fall and fall hard then drop him like a hot spoon/" he deadpanned after clearing his throat.

/"What?/" I almost yelled

/"Keep your voice down woman!/" he cautioned me with a stern look and i instinctively shut my mouth./"You said you'd do anything for your sister so here you go. Do just that and you dont have toworry about jail again./"

/"I said anything but I didn't think I'd have to seduce a man! That's incredulous!

Who is this Nick guy anyway?/"

/"You don't know Nick?./" he looked at me seriously and I shook my head then he said /"Wow, that's a first./" he said inaudibly and then smiled for the first time I got into his office.

/"That makes you just perfect for the role./"

/"I can't do that./" I said grabbing tissue paper from his desk and cleaning my eyes and my nose. I guess I cried a lot.

/"Alright then, I'd love to visit your sister in prison and tell her about our little chat.. oh be prepared to lose your house..it's a family house yes?/" he trailed off when he saw me stiffen.

/"I-I'll think about it then/" I said and turned to leave. I'll probably ask Mel for advice.

/" It's now or never Ms Rodstein. The clock is ticking. Make your decision Now./" He said in a clipped tone

/"Deal./"

And that's how I ended up here. I have no idea how I'm going to do it. I have never ever seduced someone. What am I supposed to do?

/"How am I supposed to seduce him? I've never really done that before..and what did this guy do to you?/" I asked shyly after signing the deal.

/"That's not your business./" He said coldly /"Sorr.../"

/"Here's a tip: SHUTUP. And in regards to the seduction plan ,here's a hint: He has a thing for brunettes in white .You're a brunette so handle him and I'll tell you what

to do next./"

So here I am putting on makeup and doing my hair. I borrowed one of Tammy's sexiest white dresses.

We may not be rich but we have cheap and pretty good clothing and basic girl stuff.

I tied my hair in a pony tail and wore my favorite stilettos with my favorite red lipstick. I grabbed my purse and stepped out. I had to admit, I looked good!

Illusion, His favorite club. Harry said he'd be here and all I need to do for now is get his attention. I hope it's as easy as it seems.

I got into the club. the music blaring and the people dancing like there's no tomorrow made me nervous.

To think its a Wednesday night! huh!

If things were normal, Tammy and I would have been on the couch watching 2 Broke Girls .But that's not the case. I sighed quietly and quickly recovered from the sad moment.

I walked up to the bar tender and ordered a cocktail. A lot of men tried to make moves on me. What do they think? That I'm some sort of whore?

Nevertheless, I flirted with them to get his attention . I knew it was him 'cause he was the only person in the VIP Area as Harry had predicted. The lights were so dim I couldn't see his face clearly. He was with a blonde he was clearly not interested in and I'm glad he didn't notice me looking his direction.

I turned back to the bar tender and laughed at something he said. It wasn't that funny but I laughed anyway. My laugh definitely got his attention because I could feel him stare at me.

I didn't dare to look back 'cause he might think I'm ogling him. I checked my phone and it was a phone call from Harry but I didn't pick it up 'cause I realized Nick was coming my way.

I put my phone in my purse while grabbing money to pay the bar tender. He took a seat across me and ordered a drink. I paid the bartender and flashed him a charming smile then I sashayed my hips to Nick's face.

I went to the dance floor and started dancing to the music slowly making sure my back was facing him.

I rejected all the guys that wanted to dance with me but gave them a charming smile. I felt his presence behind me but I didn't turn around. I danced my way into the crowd and I lost him. I heard him swear under breath when he lost me so I'm guessing it worked. I really hope it did.

I got out of the cub and into a cab as quick as possible. I immediately dialed Harry's number as soon as I settled in my apartment.

/"Did it work?/" he asked as soon as he picked up

/"I-I don't know. I guess I tried. Look, I can't do this. Please../" I begged again

/" What did I say about my deals!? Don't fucking test me unless you want both you and your stupid sister to end up in jail!/" he yelled and I got really terrified. I made a mistake. A big one.

/"Why are you doing this?/" I asked almost in tears again.

/"It's not your damn business woman! Just do as I said and don't mess it up. Be ready for the pool party tomorrow./" he said and hung up.

/"Dear God, please help me! he's so mean and rude and stupid and cruel and.../" I said talking to myself again- a habit I have when I'm upset and frustrated.

Ughhh! I slammed my bedroom door shut and started looking for a bikini for tomorrow

At the pool party,NY

/"Hey Beautiful./" a guy said for the nth time this evening. It's getting quite irritating right now.

/"White is definitely your color. It suits you well/" he

added .

/"Thanks/" I said smiling and leaving quickly noticing how he was mentally raping me.

Men these days..

There he was , staring at me again. He took in my whole body with his eyes.

I sat down by the pool with my feet in the water taking very slow sips of my cocktail emphasizing my red lipstick. I waved at a few hot guys that were around him and gave them a charming smile.He was still ogling me but I didnt dare look at his face.

Sudddenly Harry walked up to him and his attention was directed to him now. I used that opportunity to leave and get myself dressed.

Harry and Nick seemed very cosy and looked like friends. Makes me wonder why he would do something like this to his friend. I'm not sucidal so I would'nt dare ask him.

I guess day 2 went well...

*****************

I got into the Shop he always visited to get his tux fitting. Harry said he'd be here and so here I am.

The shop attendant was definitely getting handsy while arranging his tie and he seemed to like the red head.

I went ahead of them and noticed from the corner of my eyes how he looked at my butt that looked amazing in these skin tight white jeans matched with my white top.

I went to the women's section and picked a sexy white dress and I tried it on. It fitted perfectly well so I walked out of the dressing room and looked at myself in the mirror.

He was behind me tying his shoes and when I came out, he stood up slowly raking his eyes on my body from bottom to top. I left before his eyes could meet mine

/"Damn../" I heard him say before I got into my dressing room again. I got into my real clothes and hurriedly left without buying the dress. It's way too expensive anyways. I mean 8000$? That's more than my house rent!

Day 3. Check.

**************

/"Get ready. I'm sending someone with a dress and shoes.Get your makeup and all that girl shit together. I'll be there in 10 minutes./"

/"What ? I can't get ready in 10 minutes! And where are we going

to?/"

/"I don't care. Just be ready/" /"What's going on?/"

/"You're going to officially meet Nick DeMorgane./"

Okay, I've never been more nervous. I cant even look at his face ! And now I have

to look at his face, talk to him and seduce him! I can't belive I'm doing this!

It's for Tammy. I chided myself.

The stylist came and helped me to get my hair and makeup done. She also helped me get dressed into a gorgeous white backless dress. It ended just below my knee and fit perfectly well. Gold jewellery accesorised my outfit and my signature red lipstick to add a touch of seduction.

The door bell rang and I opened it to reveal Harry concentrated on his phone. /"Hey, let me just grab my purse./" I said and he did'nt even look up from his

phone. I grabbed my bag and keys and that's when he finally looked up at me. /"Woah/" he said almost impossible for me to hear. He assesed me from head to toe

with his eyes resting on my chest for a little while before his eyes met mine. /"Uh um you look...um/" he stammered /"beautiful/" he said finally.

/"I think we should go so you can finally tell me how today will go./" I said blushing slightly /"And thank you/"

/"Yeah. Yeah Lets go/" he said as we left for the start of my tortorous deal.During the ride, he briefed me on every neccesary detail I needed to know of concerning the party.

******

/"Nick! My brother,Wassup?/" Harry said when we arrived and found Nick at the bar. /"Harry,my man..Where you been?/" He replied

/"I had to fly out for a few days but I'm back now.Oh, I'd like to introduce you to my....my cousin, Arianna Rodstein. Ari,meet my dumbass best friend, Nick DeMorgane/"Harry said

I had'nt looked at his face up close before.But now, I have just one word for it : PERFECTION.

That perfect face, perfect eyes, perfect hair. That tux that hugged his body perfectly.

He's drop dead gorgeous.

I should be bowing to this greek god. I bet the deities are jealous. Damn!

I probably stared too much I didn't notice him sending his hand out for a handshake. I shyly gave him my hand.

/"It's a pleasure meeting you Ariane/" He said kissing my hand softly and smiling sweetly.

Did I mention Perfect white teeth? With a sexy accent.

Like a mixture of Italian and American.

The way my name left his lovely lips like he tasted the finest french wine. Damn!

/" Likewise Mr. DeMorgane. I've heard a lot about you... from my ..cousin/" I said trying to sound as classic as I could.

/"Call me Nick and I hope it's all good things. Sadly my friend here failed to mention you../" He said still smiling.

/"I've been saving her for later/" Harry said withdrawing my hand that was still close to Nick's mouth. I was already missing the warmth.

Damn Ari, Get your shit together! Focus. Remember it's all for Tammy. It's just business.

I can't let his gorgeous face distract me! Focus Ari!

/"Arianna just graduated and doesn't like where she was working. So I figured the best place for her to work is 'Dee Morgan's' .. well that's if it's alright with you.../"

I can't believe Harry is doing this. I remember him saying Nick is his best friend.

Why on earth would he do this to his best friend? And I'm his supposed 'cousin'. Really? Unbelievable. He has it all planned out from the looks of it and I just got into this web of lies.

/"Family working together is not professional you know, working with me would make her so lazy/" Harry further explained nudging me playfully and laughing nervously.

/" We Both share the same view about family working together. Well, you sent her to the right place. I'll train her perfectly well./" Nick said smirking.

/"Don't even go there ./" Harry said in a cold tone and Nick just raised his hands up in mock surrender and then turned to me.

/"Be at my office on Monday and we'll see about it/"

/"Thank you Mr. DeMor-I mean Nick/" I said and smiled noticing him still raking his eyes over me like he did when he first saw me.

He really did have a thing for brunettes in white. Makes me wonder why?

Nick's POV

I've seen her somewhere. Maybe one of my one night stands ? Harry would probably castrate me if I said that aloud.

No no no.. I get it now. She's the brunette from the store .And the one in that sexy tempting white swimsuit at the white party.

And the one dancing in that sexy skin tight dress at Illusion. What the fuck?

Why was Harry with her and holding her like he's known her for ages. She's not his type. She's mine and Harry knows it. Damn it.

And to think she's a temptress without even trying.

That red wine colored lipstick that emphasized the shape of her lips

/"....Oh, I'd like to introduce you to my cousin, Arianna Rodstein......./"Harry said.

You got me there Harry. I took her soft hand and brought it close to my lips . It smelled of watermelon and a slight hint of vanilla.

Mmh. Yummy

/"It's a pleasure to meeting Ariane/" I said kissing it.

/"Likewise Mr DeMorgane...../" Her voice is so sensual it was enough to give me a hard on.

I wasn't even listening to what Harry was saying till he mentioned her working with me. Thank you man!

/"..... I'll train her perfectly well./" That was the only thing that kept playing in my head.

/"Don't even go there/" Harry warned. But I wasn't going there. I was already there

.