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“I don’t care!” My eyes lock with his as I take his hand and lead him to my bedroom.
Like the rest of our apartment, the room is dim, with only a single candle flickering on the dresser. It casts a glow over my bed, which has too many blankets and pillows for two people who can’t afford them. But Jake never refused me whenever I found a fabric I liked. Anything I put within an inch of my face, he would make sure he got it for me.
Jake’s lips twitch into a small smile. “You’ve always been so strong-willed, so determined.”
“We’ll find another way. We will build this business on our own terms.” I take a deep breath, my resolve hardening. “We’ll figure this out together. We’ve come a long way, Jake.”
Jake nods, his eyes sparkling before he turns away and says. “He offered you two million dollars.”
“Two mill... million. For my business idea,” I stutter. My mind races as I try to process Jake’s words. Two million dollars. It’s an unimaginable amount of money, one that could undoubtedly transform our lives. But at what cost?
I look into Jake’s eyes, searching for answers, but all I find is fear, which mirrors my own.
“It started with him and his pack mate sharing you for two nights.”
“Why did it change to take my heat when I’ve never had one?” I ask.
“I don’t know,” Jake says. His eyes narrow as he thinks about that.
Jake and I stare at each other. I’m not stupid enough to know if I accept the deal that it puts me and Jake at a precarious position in our relationship.
But two million dollars.
He pushes me gently onto the bed, lying next to me and running his fingers through my hair.
“I can’t have sex with you,” he says.
“Why?”
“He asked if you were untouched a few days ago,” Jake murmurs.
“And you confirmed I was,” I say, my voice raised.
“He knew by my reply… I was hesitant.”
“But why does it matter?” I ask, uncertainty laces my tone.
“Because you swallowed when you heard two million dollars and I saw your face turn ashen.”
“I did not.”
“It’s fine, Ella. I get it. It’s massive. Two million dollars could change our lives, this business... everything forever. We could start a family. We could move overseas.”
We’ve faced challenges together, but this one feels different. This proposition has the power to shatter everything we’ve built—or make us.
“But they’ll own part of me.” Tears well up in my eyes as the weight of the situation bears down on me. “I don’t want anyone else,” I whisper before biting my lip to stop the tears flowing.
Jake’s grip on my hand tightens, his fingers interlocking with mine. “I wouldn’t expect you to do anything you’re not comfortable with, Ella,” he says softly. “No amount of money is worth sacrificing what we have.”
His words soothe my racing heart, but they don’t alleviate the storm raging inside me.
We’ve dreamed of a better life, but at what cost?
The thought of being owned, of my body being a commodity to someone else, fills me with a sickening dread. I bury my face in Jake’s chest, seeking comfort in his warmth.
As we lie there in silence, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on the walls, I think about my sister. “But what if there’s another way?” I turn to face Jake. “My sister told me she has a proposition for me.”
Jake lifts his head slightly, his eyes searching mine. “Two million dollars’ worth?”
