Chương 1 - The Black Card
Maya stared at the quiet, terrifying man standing across from her espresso machine.
She should have said no.
She should have walked away and faced Aunt Judith's relentless judgment alone.
But she was exhausted, desperate, and completely out of options.
"Fine," she breathed out, her hands shaking as she wiped the counter.
"Pick me up tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. sharp."
Mason Reed did not smile, but a dangerous glint appeared in his dark eyes.
He reached into his tailored charcoal suit jacket and pulled out a sleek, matte-black credit card.
He slid it across the polished wooden counter.
"Buy a dress that fits the occasion," he commanded softly.
Maya shook her head immediately.
"I can't accept your money."
"You are walking into a room on my arm tomorrow, Maya," he replied.
"You will wear something that proves you belong to me."
Before she could argue, he turned and walked out of the café.
Two hours later, Maya stood inside the most exclusive boutique in downtown Seattle.
She handed the black card to the snooty saleswoman to pay for a simple navy gown.
The saleswoman swiped the card, and her arrogant expression instantly vanished.
She turned pale white, her hands trembling violently as she handed the plastic back.
"Everything is complimentary, Miss," the saleswoman stammered, bowing her head in sheer panic.
Maya frowned in deep confusion.
"What do you mean complimentary?"
The boutique's heavy glass front doors suddenly locked with a loud, electronic click.
A massive man in a sharp black suit stepped out from the employee break room.
May you like
He walked directly toward Maya, unbuttoning his jacket to reveal a holstered gun.
"Mr. Reed sent me to ensure you make it home alive, Mrs. Reed," the armed man said.
