Beneath The Billionaire's Shadow

broke through the silence as he handed me a glas

eight of the night-the transaction, the pressure, the unspoken tension-was too much to be

g a sip. The taste was rich, almost too smooth, and burned in

left me, a sharp intensity behind them that made my skin crawl... and yet, there was someth

leaning forward slightly

ow, trying to steady my thoughts. "I

u don't need to say anything. You just

le

ent. I had only come to auction myself off for one night to save my family. But there was something unsettling abou

so cold?" I coul

d just as cold. "I'm not cold. I'm st

d, sure. That's what you tell your

me. Maybe it was the way he didn't back down, the way he seemed so in control. Or maybe it was t

g second. My heart raced, and my palms felt clammy. Was this how it was going to

his voice low, measured. "You're mine for th

tone. Was he trying to set boundaries? Or was he rem

back, not even bothering to m

is eyes. Something... human. But just as quickly, it

oothly. "You're here because you agreed

walk out. But the truth was, I couldn't. I had no other choice.

d, my voice quieter, s

his lips. "Now, we follow the rule I gave you earlier. One night. One rule. No

There was no mistaking it now: Castillo wasn't just a powerful man. He was a

l laugh, though it felt hollow. I wasn't sure what I e

e leaned forward, his dark eyes locked on mine wi

said, his voice almost soft now. "Most wom

id he mean by that? Was he... complimenting me? Or wa

impress you," I stammered,

't kind. "I know. But you still imp

undeniable now, like an electric charge in the air, snapping between us with each breath. But I

t supposed

posed to fee

p, his tall frame casting a shadow

ed, my confusion

said simply. "You agreed to this

etween the fear of being further controlled and the strange, ine

ut of the room, his presence looming behind me like a constant we

ed around us. Castillo led the way, his steps firm, determined. I followed, my t

im. "I hope you understand," I said, trying to regain some sense of

efest moment, I thought I saw something sh

t as quickly,

his voice low, and I couldn't hel

over me as he slid in beside me. As the door shut

as simple.

t would happen if the night didn't

the same Lola Anderso

d no