Days later;
Emily balanced a tray of drinks and navigated the bustling restaurant floor when suddenly, a familiar figure appeared at the table she was serving. Marcus Donovan, dressed in a tailored suit and exuding confidence, smiled at her as if he owned the place.
Emily's eyes widened in shock, her mind racing with questions. What was he doing here? How did he even know her shift periods?
"Marcus, what...what are you doing here?" Emily stammered, trying to maintain her professional composure despite her inner turmoil.
Marcus chuckled and took a seat, his presence commanding attention from the surrounding diners. "I needed to talk to you, Emily. And I prefer table talk conversations."
Emily's co-workers began to stare, sensing the electric tension between them. Emily's face flushed with embarrassment and surprise.
"Okay, let's...um...take a quick break," Emily suggested, quickly handing off her tray to a colleague and following Marcus to the restaurant's outdoor patio.
The cool evening air and soft music provided a stark contrast to the chaos inside, but Emily's nerves remained on edge. Marcus leaned against the railing, his eyes never leaving hers.
Emily hasn't seen him for days but she must confess he got more handsome and insanely charming. She felt her panties dropping to the floor.
"Stay with me for a year."
"What?" Emily jaw dropped to the floor in sudden shock.
"I want an answer, Emily. Will you accept my offer?" he asked, his voice low and commanding.
Emily's mind raced as she tried to process the sudden turn of events. Marcus Donovan, the powerful businessman, was standing in her workplace, asking her to make a deal with him. It was surreal, to say the least.
Emily's eyes darted around the patio, ensuring they were out of earshot. "Marcus, this isn't the right time or place. I'm working," she whispered, trying to sound firm but her voice betraying a hint of curiosity.
Marcus smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I know, Emily. But I don't have time to waste. I need an answer. Will you spend a year with me in exchange for your mother's medical expenses being covered?"
"My… my Mother?" Emily stammered, "How did you know about her?"
Marcus smiled. "I know you very well, MiLady,"
Emily's face flushed, her mind racing with the implications. It was a ridiculous proposal, yet...the prospect of her mother receiving the best care possible was tantalizing.
"Marcus, I...I need time to think," Emily stammered, her eyes locked on his.
Marcus nodded, his expression unreadable. "Very well. But know this, Emily. I always get what I want. And I want you."
Emily frowned. "We had just a one night stand. Stop talking like you own me or something," she chastised him.
Marcus stepped closer, his eyes blazing with intensity. "Listen, Emily. I'm not asking you to be my mistress or my trophy wife. I'm offering you a deal. A year of your time, and I'll make sure your mother's medical expenses are covered. You'll have a roof over your head, food on the table, and a chance to pursue your dreams without worrying about money. And in return, I want your presence by my side. Your wit, your intelligence, your fire. I want it all, Emily. Unapologetically."
Emily's eyes flashed with defiance, but Marcus could see the hint of temptation lurking beneath. He pressed on, his voice low and commanding.
"Don't pretend you're not interested, Emily. I saw the way you looked at me that night. I saw the spark in your eyes. You want me, and I want you. Let's not play games. We're two adults, so let's make a deal. A year, Emily. That's all I'm asking for."
Marcus's words were laced with a quiet confidence, a sense of authority that brooked no argument. Emily's face was a mask of conflicting emotions, but Marcus could see the resolve weakening in her eyes.
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Emily feeling like she'd just been hit by a storm. She stood there, frozen, as the restaurant's doors swung shut behind him.
Emily stood frozen, her mind racing with the implications of Marcus's proposal. She couldn't believe he had the audacity to ask her to spend a year with him in exchange for her mother's medical expenses. It was ridiculous, yet...the prospect of her mother receiving the best care possible was tantalizing.
As she stood there, lost in thought, Marcus reappeared with a small folder in his hand. "Here, Emily. This contains all the details of our proposal. Read it carefully, and let me know your decision by tomorrow."
He handed her the folder, his eyes never leaving hers, and turned to leave once again. This time, Emily couldn't help but call out to him.
"Marcus, wait!"
He turned back, his expression unreadable. "Yes, Emily?"
"Why are you doing this?" Emily asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why me?"
Marcus smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You're smart, Emily. You're witty, and you're beautiful. And I want you by my side. Simple as that."
Emily shook her head, feeling a mix of frustration and confusion. "That's not an answer, Marcus. There's more to this than just your desire for a pretty face."
Marcus chuckled, his eyes never leaving hers. "You're right, Emily. There's more to this than just physical attraction. I want someone who can keep up with me, intellectually and otherwise. And I think you're that person."
Emily felt a shiver run down her spine as Marcus's eyes seemed to bore into her soul. She knew she had to make a decision, and fast.
Emily took a deep breath and walked into the restaurant, her heart pounding in her chest. Marcus looked up from behind. Emily turned, and at that moment, his eyes locked onto hers.
Emily hesitated, her mind racing with the implications. And then, she spoke.
"Expect me tomorrow, by 10 am,"
Marcus smiled, his eyes glinting with triumph.
"Sure, MiLady. I'll send a car your way,"
"I don't need you cars," Emily hissed softly and walked into the restaurant.