Chapter 1

As I stepped out of the elevator, my heart raced like a runaway train. I approached Mr. Black's office, the door swinging open with a soft hiss. Inside, the room was dimly lit, with only a single lamp casting a warm glow. Mr. Black sat on a plush couch, his eyes fixed intently on me.

Suddenly, the door slammed shut behind me, and I heard the soft click of a lock. I spun around, but there was no handle. My heart skipped a beat as I realized I was trapped.

Mr. Black's gaze never wavered, his eyes burning with an intensity that made my skin prickle. "So, you're the one who's been haunting my thoughts," he said, his voice low and husky.

I felt a flutter in my chest as he rose from the couch, his movements fluid and predatory. "I-I came to submit these documents sir," I stammered, trying to hide my fear.

Mr. Black's smile was like a crack in the earth, sending shivers down my spine. "I think you'll find it's not just the file that's been returned," he said, his eyes glinting with a sinister light.

As he approached me, I realized I was backed into a corner, with no escape. His hand reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my face. I felt a jolt of electricity run through me, and my heart stopped beating.

And then, everything went black.

When I came to, I was lying on the couch, my head throbbing. Mr. Black sat beside me, a glass of water in his hand. "Welcome back, Miss Smith," he said, his voice dripping with an unsettling charm. "I think we've only just begun our little... arrangement." He said the last part with and intense gaze, which roamed around my body.

*How it all started*

Alice Smith, a bright-eyed 21-year-old, fresh from the hallowed halls of New York City College, sat sipping tea with her brother Jimmy, who had descended upon the city for a weekend visit. As she began to clear the delicate china tray, her phone buzzed, shattering the warm, golden silence. With a haste that belied her usual composure, Alice set the tray down and seized her phone, her eyes widening in wonder as she devoured the message. "Oh my goodness!" she exclaimed, leaping from her seat with an uncontainable excitement that sent the room spinning.

Jimmy's perplexed expression prompted Alice to share the news, her voice trembling with elation. "I got the job at Blue Line Software!" The room seemed to vibrate with her joy. Jimmy's face erupted into a warm, proud smile, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "My baby sis, I'm beyond proud of you!" He swept Alice into a tight, crushing hug, holding her close as if to absorb her happiness.

Alice glowed, still clutching her phone as if it were a talisman. "Thanks, Jimmy," she whispered, her voice muffled against his shoulder. "I need to get ready for tomorrow. Catch up with you later, okay?" Jimmy nodded, releasing her from the hug, and headed out into the crisp evening air, leaving Alice to bask in the warm, golden glow of her triumph.

****

Two weeks into her new role at Blue Line, Alice had already made a circle of friends and a few enemies who envied her beauty and the praise she received from their department manager.

At the office, Nikki, a close friend, approached Alice. "Hey, I saw your brother the other day – he's really cute!"

Alice chuckled. "I know, right? But have you seen our CEO? He's a million times more handsome, don't you think?" Brie chimed in, sipping her water, and the group erupted into laughter.

Nikki shifted the conversation. "Have you guys gotten your dresses for the launch event next week?"

Alice shook her head. "Not yet, but that reminds me, I got you all something. I'll be right back."

"Sure " said Brie as they all watched Alice walking away.

She stepped out of the building, into the grey evening air, just as the first droplets of rain began to fall. The sky was a deep, foreboding shade, with clouds that seemed to swirl and twist in every direction. The rain started as a gentle patter, but quickly intensified, drumming against the pavement and sending tiny rivulets snaking through the cracks.

She descended into the underground parking lot, the fluorescent lights humming overhead, a stark contrast to the gloomy atmosphere outside. The air was stale, filled with the scent of damp concrete and exhaust fumes. She quickened her pace, heels clicking on the cold floor, as she approached her car.

Retrieving a small duffel bag and a compact folder from the trunk, she locked the car and hastened back to the building. Rainwater began to seep into her shoes, chilling her feet, and she shivered, despite her hurried pace. The weight of the bag's contents was reassuring but unbeknownst to her, the dark eyes which stared at her with intensity from the shadows.

As the hours dragged on, the droplets continued to fall from the grey sky, showing no signs of letting up. By closing time, the downpour had only intensified, drumming a steady beat against the pavement.

As the rain poured down, Alice rushed to the underground parking lot, shivering without a jacket. Her frustration grew when she discovered a flat tire. With a weak phone signal, she couldn't call for help.

As she stood by her car, gazing down at the flat tire with a mix of frustration and resignation, a man in a black suit emerged from the shadows, his sudden appearance catching her off guard. "Good day, miss," he said, his voice low and courteous, accompanied by a slight bow. "My employer would like you to ride with him." His tone was polite, but his eyes seemed to hold a hint of secrets.

Alice's instincts prickled with wariness as she wondered who this mysterious employer might be. She envisioned some lecherous old man, eager to exploit her vulnerability. "Who are you talking about?" she asked, her expression neutral, as she eyed the man's impeccable suit.

The man hesitated for a fraction of a second before responding, "I'm not at liberty to disclose that information, ma'am. But please, rest assured that he means no harm." His words were laced with an air of discretion, and Alice sensed that she was being drawn into a world beyond her control.

With a glance at her disabled car, Alice realized she had little choice but to accept the offer. She nodded curtly, picked up her bag, and followed the man to a sleek, black vehicle. As she slid into the passenger seat, she was taken aback by the imposing figure beside her – Mr. Black, the enigmatic CEO. His chiseled features and piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into her very soul.

Alice's voice trembled as she stammered, "S-s-sir," avoiding eye contact, acutely aware of his notorious reputation. Mr. Black's deep voice commanded, "Drive," and the vehicle glided smoothly into motion.

As they rode through the city streets, Alice felt Mr. Black's intense gaze upon her, but she dared not meet his eyes. Her sins of not bringing a jacket along with her finally caught up to her as she could feel her body turn ice cold. The chill of the air conditioning seeped into her bones, making her shiver. Suddenly, a warm jacket was draped over her shoulders, and she felt the gentle brush of Mr. Black's fingers against her skin. The scent of his cologne and the subtle hint of cigarette wafted up from the jacket, enveloping her in a sense of warmth and security.

Alice's eyes fluttered up to meet Mr. Black's, and for an instant, the world around them melted away. The way he looked at her made her heart skip a beat. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of the engine.

After what seemed like forever, the ride came to an end, Alice attempted to return the jacket, but Mr. Black demurred, his eyes glinting with a hint of amusement. "Why not return it tomorrow?" he suggested, his voice low and smooth. Alice nodded, her eyes locking onto his for a fleeting moment before she got down from the car, and hurried into the building in front of her

As she disappeared into the apartment building, Mr. Black's gaze lingered on the closing door, a thoughtful expression etched on his face. "Nicely done," he murmured to the figure seated at the front of the vehicle, a hint of satisfaction coloring his voice.

_Later on_

Alice took a warm showered before heading into the kitchen to prepare her dinner. While making dinner, Alice realized she was out of eggs and decided to venture out into the crisp evening air. The rain had stopped, leaving behind a refreshing coolness that invigorated her senses. As she walked to the nearby convenience store, the streets seemed quieter than usual. The dimly lit alleys and deserted sidewalks cast long shadows, making her feel like she was being watched. She quickened her pace, her heart beating slightly faster. Inside the store, the fluorescent lights overhead seemed harsh after the soft darkness outside. Alice grabbed the eggs and headed to the checkout to join the que. After making the payments, Alice stepped out the store into the cool evening air, the faint scent of rain still lingering. She crossed the empty looking road, lost in thought, when suddenly, a car careened around the corner, its tires screeching in protest.

Time slowed as she turned to face the oncoming vehicle. The headlights blinded her, and she felt a jolt of fear. The impact was swift and merciless. Alice's world spun out of control as she was knocked off her feet. She landed hard on the asphalt, the air knocked out of her. Dazed and disoriented, she struggled to sit up. A figure emerged from the darkness, dressed in black. His face was shrouded in shadows, but his eyes gleamed with an unnerving intensity. He walked towards her, his footsteps deliberate and menacing. Alice's vision began to blur, her thoughts fragmenting.

"Help..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.

The man in black loomed over her, his features indistinguishable. Everything went dark.

~~~~~~~~~~

Darkness receded, and consciousness seeped in like a slow-rising tide. Awareness dawned in fragments, the softness of plush carpets, the whisper of velvet drapes, and the faint scent of sandalwood. In the middle of all this laid a small figure on a king-size bed. Skin was as pale and smooth as alabaster, reflecting the soft light like a mirror. Dark hair cascaded across the pillow, a stark contrast to the snowy white sheets. Her chest rose and fell with each gentle breath, the only movement in the serene landscape. Her eyelids, fringed with thick lashes, fluttered open, revealing pools of deep, brown eyes. As her eyelids fluttered open, the room swirled into focus. Elegant furnishings, rich textures, and muted colors enveloped her. A warm, golden light spilled from the floor lamp, casting long shadows. Alice's gaze wandered, searching for a face, a presence. That's when she saw him – a figure standing by the window, with his back to her. The faint outline of his shoulders, the subtle curve of his neck, and the dark hair that grazed his collar. He didn't move or speak yet, Alice sensed his awareness, his attention focused on her.

Time stretched, heavy with silence. Alice's heart beat slower, her breathing shallower. Slowly, he turned. His profile emerged from the shadows – strong jawline, sharp nose, and piercing eyes that seemed to hold a thousand secrets.

Alice's pulse quickened as he stepped into the warm light, his features softened, becoming more human. His eyes, however, remained intense, watching her with an unnerving interest.

"Who are you?" Alice stammered, trying to hide her fear as she watched him take a seat next to her on the bed.

The stranger's smile was a subtle curve of his lips.

His chiseled features and piercing gaze made her heart stumble.

"I'm the one who ran you over with my car. You're in a hotel room. My name is...not important right now." He said the last part in a seductive tone which had Alice's nerves heighten.

Alice's eyes narrowed, unsure of what to make of him. "I need to leave," she said, trying to stand up, but he grasped her wrist, holding her in place as he leaned in on her.

"Too late for that," he whispered, his breath tickling her ear. "You're not well enough to leave. Spend the night, and I'll take you home tomorrow morning."

Alice struggled to break free, but he held firm. "Please," she begged, her voice trembling.

He released her wrist with a disappointed sigh, but his gaze lingered on her face. "Freshen up, join me for dinner, and I'll take you home."

Alice hesitated, unsure of what to do. But something about his tone put her on edge, and she decided to comply, hoping to escape later.