My heartbeat races as time slows when Jane turns towards me, and I take a deep breath. This is it. I’m here, about to meet whoever it is on the other side.
But questions whirl in my mind. Is this still an interview process or will I be a companion to the person behind this door? Who is this mysterious person anyways? Is it a he or a she? Someone old or young? My mind is filled with so many confusing thoughts, and I know Jane doesn’t plan to answer any given her vague replies so far.
Stepping aside, the blonde indicates a massive door before with a golden handle. Is this the dungeon?
“Just relax and be yourself,” she whispers encouragingly. “You’re going to be fine!”
The fact that she’s egging me on like I should be worried makes me even more worried. Again, I feel the inclination to run—as far and fast as my legs will take me. I should get away and never look back because this situation was never supposed to happen. I shouldn’t be wearing a tiny slip of a glittery gold dress, my assets barely covered while going on an interview. I’m supposed to go to college and attend parties while trying to fill my head with books and learning. And yet, this is my fate … and I step forwards, shaking yet excited.
Chapter 3
Trina
I take a deep, shaky breath and push open the heavy door. Inwardly, I cringe. What’s waiting for me on the other side?
But I’m pleasantly surprised because it’s not a firing range, nor am I jumped by mobsters. Instead, the chamber is beautiful and elegant, almost smelling of money. The walls are covered in textured wallpaper that looks so soft I yearn to run my fingertips across the fabric. The space is cavernous, with a giant chandelier dripping with crystals. Yet oddly, there are no windows in the room, creating a dark and sensual vibe.
“Do you like it?” a low male voice growls.
My head snaps forward. Oh my god, there’s someone here! My eyes catch sight of a man standing in the middle of the room, so still that I didn’t notice him at first. He’s huge—deliciously broad shoulders are squared as he gazes at me with bright blue eyes. His obsidian hair is so dark that it almost absorbs light.
“H-hello,” I manage to stammer.
He smiles. “Trina. Welcome.” His voice is smooth, yet deep with a hidden roughness to it. “I’m Grayson Knight. Please, come in.” He extends his hand. Glancing down, I can tell he’s wealthy and refined. He’s got a watch on his wrist that gleams subtly, his hands elegantly manicured despite their powerful size.
“Nice to meet you,” I murmur, moving towards him. But instead of letting me sit, Mr. Knight catches my wrist, and an electric volt sparks through me, placing my step on shaky footing.
“Do you know what you’re applying for?” he asks.
“Yes…um, a-a position as a companion?” I utter nervously.
Mr. Knight throws his head back before releasing a throaty laugh from his chest, glancing down at me as he flashes his pearly white teeth.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart, but it’s a little more to it than that,” he says, the corner of his mouth twitching up just slightly.
“The listing was really vague. I wasn’t sure what exactly it entailed, but I, um…” I trail off, unsure of what to say.
My mind is barely working right now. His body alone is magnificent, dominating my field of vision in that elegantly cut black suit. The air in my lungs stops, making it difficult to breathe in his presence.
“Let me just tell you what to expect,” he rumbles, his full lips captivating me.
God, he’s sexy. His face is the perfect addition to his glorious body. I begin to wonder what he looks like beneath those clothes.
Oh, God! What am I saying? I can’t think like this. It’s a job interview for crying out loud! Pay attention, Trina! You can’t afford to wander off into La-La Land right now.
“Um, yes of course,” I murmur again, biting my lip while stealing a look at him. “I’m happy to hear what this job entails.”
He looks at me, his face smooth while those blue eyes glimmer.
“Well sweetheart, this is a companionship position yes, but the question is how you’re going to attract that companion. So first things first – you’ll be auctioned at the Billionaire’s Club.”
Mr. Knight speaks the words like it’s no big deal, watching for my reaction with observant eyes.
“Auctioned?” My voice is barely above a whisper, hoping I’ve misheard him, although I’m sure I haven’t.
“Yes, sweetie. A group of reclusive billionaires like their women a certain way. But before I get into any details, let’s see if you have what it takes,” he says authoritatively.
And taking my hand, he leads me to a raised dais in the middle of the room. It’s a subtle circle, probably about five inches off the floor. Hesitantly, I step onto the dais. He releases me and I feel an emptiness deep in my chest, craving the connection again.