Jiya_Maggo

When struggling journalist Elena Carter gets the chance of a lifetime to interview Damien Blackwood, a ruthless and enigmatic billionaire CEO, she expects nothing more than a headline-worthy story. But when Damien makes an unexpected proposal—a contract relationship in exchange for exclusive access to his life—Elena finds herself caught in a web of power, passion, and secrets.

As their professional arrangement turns dangerously intimate, Elena discovers that beneath Damien’s cold exterior lies a man haunted by his past. But when hidden enemies threaten to destroy him, will their love survive, or will it become just another business transaction?

Terms of Desire

Elena sat at the edge of her bed, staring at the contract in her hands. The thick stack of legal pages felt heavier than it should have, as if the words inside carried more weight than she was ready to bear.

Three months of pretending to be Damien Blackwood's partner. Three months of standing beside him in front of cameras, attending events, and playing the role of the woman in his life.

And yet, she had already made her decision.

She picked up her phone and typed out a message.

Damien: Be at my penthouse tomorrow at 8 PM. Don't be late.

Her fingers tightened around the device. She had expected more—maybe a word of appreciation, a confirmation that she wasn't making the biggest mistake of her life. But Damien Blackwood wasn't the kind of man to waste words on unnecessary things.

The next evening, Elena stood outside Damien's penthouse, her nerves taut as she pressed the doorbell.

Within moments, the heavy door swung open, revealing the man himself. He was dressed casually tonight—if an expensive black button-down and tailored slacks could be called casual. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing strong forearms, and the top button of his shirt was undone, giving him a dangerously effortless charm.

"Miss Carter," he greeted, stepping aside to let her in.

Elena inhaled deeply and stepped inside. The penthouse was just as she had imagined—sleek, modern, and impossibly luxurious. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased a breathtaking view of the city, while warm, ambient lighting cast a golden glow over the sophisticated interior.

Damien walked toward the living room, motioning for her to follow. "Sit."

She hesitated before settling into one of the plush chairs. He took the seat across from her, his sharp eyes studying her with a calculating gaze.

"You understand what this arrangement requires?" he asked.

She nodded. "We pretend to be together. The media sees us as a couple. I attend events with you. In return, I get my exclusive."

"Good." He slid a folder across the table. "Everything you need to know is in here. Our backstory. How we met. Details about our supposed relationship. You'll memorize it by tomorrow."

Elena picked up the folder, flipping through the pages. The level of detail was unsettling—he had planned everything. From their 'first meeting' at a gala to small personal details like her favorite wine and his favorite book.

"You've done this before, haven't you?" she asked, looking up at him.

His lips twitched in something resembling amusement. "I don't repeat arrangements, Miss Carter. This is the first."

She wasn't sure if that reassured her or made her more nervous.

He leaned back, resting his arm on the chair. "There's one more thing."

His gaze locked onto hers, unreadable and unwavering. "If we're going to sell this, you'll have to learn to trust me. That means, in public, when I touch you—when I hold your hand, when I pull you close—you won't flinch."

A shiver ran down her spine. Not because she was afraid.

Because the idea of Damien Blackwood touching her did something entirely different to her.

She forced herself to nod. "Understood."

"Good." He stood, his towering frame making her feel small in comparison. "Then let's begin."

Chapter 3: Crossing the Line