Prologue

“I... I can’t do that.” I stammered. What was he thinking? That was going too far, way too fast. And we were in his office! What if someone were to walk in?!

He arched his eyebrow. “I thought we agreed you wouldn’t question my instructions.” The tone of his voice was hard and displeased.

I gulped as I tried to stop myself from shaking with fear, I hated that he had this effect on me. He was right though. I had promised not to question him. But I couldn’t help wondering if I went a long with everything he said, his methods could damage my self-esteem even further, and it was already in the pits.

I looked at him defiantly, crossing my arms in front of me. “I know I did. But we’re doing this so I know how to pleasure someone. How does this translate to that? It makes me wonder if you’re just doing this because it’s a fun game.” My tone at the end came out a little sulky, and I cursed myself silently.

He stepped towards me, fixing his ocean deep eyes into mine as he approached. I felt myself begin to tremble under his gaze. His body was now so close to mine I could feel the warmth radiating off him, his expensive cologne making my head swim with attraction. His tailored shirt was so fitting, I could trace the outline of his muscles with my eyes. I wondered what he would look like…no. I had to snap out of this. Why was it the bastards were always the gorgeous ones?

I looked up, determined to meet his gaze. He may be a man who always got want he wanted, who had every woman bowing at his feet, but I wasn’t going to be one of them. This arrangement was strictly for my benefit. I was using him. He needed to know I wasn’t intimated, or I at least needed to make him think that.

“This is not a game, Miss Woods. I have offered you my help, which may I remind you, you wanted. This is how I intend to help you. If you don’t trust me, this arrangement will not work.”

His stare continued, and I felt my resolve weaken a little. What he was saying was true. I had wanted the help, how else was I going to be able to deal with a proper relationship. I didn’t want to die alone. I wanted to get married and have children. I wanted, no, I needed the confidence to be able to out into the world and do that. I wasn’t going to get anywhere like this. I could barely look at myself in the mirror, let alone let anyone see me in a more intimate setting.

My mouth twitched, before I finally said through gritted teeth, “fine.”

A devilish smile spread across his face. “There’s a good girl.” He retreated back to the desk and leaned against it, placing his palms onto the edge.

“Now. I’ll ask you again. Take off all your clothes.”