Nina didn't sleep that night.
She lay in her narrow bed, staring at the ceiling while Adrian's card burned a hole in her jacket pocket. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw his dark gaze, felt the weight of his attention, heard his voice: When you're ready to stop pretending you have better options.
By dawn, she'd convinced herself a dozen times to throw the card away. By noon, she'd pulled it out just to look at the embossed number on the back.
By evening, her email dinged with another reminder: 48 HOURS REMAINING.
Her roommate, Keisha, noticed her distraction over their shared instant noodles. "Girl, what's wrong with you? You've been staring into space all day."
"Nothing. Just… tuition stress."
Keisha grimaced sympathetically. "Still short? I wish I could help, but my aid barely covers my own"
"I know. It's fine." Nina forced a smile. "I'll figure something out."
But there was nothing to figure out. She'd exhausted every legitimate avenue. The only path forward sat in her pocket, smooth and black and dangerous.
That night, Nina found herself back at Café Luna. She told herself she needed the coffee, the atmosphere, a place to think. But when Adrian walked through the door at exactly 9 PM, she realized she'd been waiting for him.
He saw her immediately. A slight smile curved his lips as he crossed the café, his men fanning out to their usual table while he approached hers.
"I wondered how long you'd last," he said, sliding into the seat across from her without invitation.
"I haven't decided anything," Nina said quickly.
"Then why are you here?" His eyes held amusement. "This is my café. I own it. Which means you either came hoping to see me, or you're more self-destructive than I thought."
Heat flooded her cheeks. "You own"
"Half the businesses in a six-block radius, yes." He leaned back, utterly relaxed. "So. Are we doing this, or are you going to waste both our time with more pretense?"
Nina's hands clenched in her lap. "I need to know exactly what you expect. No vague promises. No games."
Approval flickered across his features. "Smart. I like that." He pulled out his phone and opened a document, sliding it across to her. "I have social obligations. Dinners, galas, business meetings where appearing civilized is beneficial. You'll accompany me to these events."
"As what? Your girlfriend?" The word tasted strange.
"As my companion. We won't define it beyond that." He watched her scroll through the document. "You'll be available when I call within reason. You'll dress appropriately, which I'll provide for. You'll be discreet about anything you see or hear. In return, your tuition is paid immediately, plus a monthly stipend of two thousand dollars."
Nina's breath caught. "That's… that's too much."
"That's what your time is worth to me." His voice was firm. "I don't do things halfway, Nina. If you're going to be seen with me, you'll look the part. No arguments."
She stared at the contract on his phone. It was professional, detailed, almost mundane except for the sums involved and the name at the bottom: Adrian Moretti.
"What about…" She swallowed hard. "Physical expectations?"
"None, unless mutually desired." His gaze intensified. "I'm not in the business of coercion. If something happens between us, it'll be because we both want it. Clear enough?"
It should have reassured her. Instead, the way he said "when" rather than "if" made her pulse race.
"How long does this last?"
"One semester. After that, we renegotiate or part ways, if you prefer." He pulled his phone back. "Seventy-two hours until you lose everything you've worked for. Or you can sign now, and tomorrow morning your tuition is paid in full."
Nina's hands shook. She thought of her mother's apologetic text, her father's medical bills, the three years of late nights and sacrificed meals that would mean nothing if she couldn't finish her degree.
"If I sign…" Her voice wavered. "Can I still say no to specific requests?"
"Within reason. I'm not a monster, Nina." Something almost soft entered his expression. "I'm offering you a way out of a trap. What you do with it is your choice."
She took a deep breath. "Okay."
"Okay, you need more time? Or okay, you're in?"
"I'm in."
Adrian's smile was slow and satisfied. He typed something on his phone, then showed her the screen a transfer confirmation for her exact tuition balance, sent to the university. "Done. You're paid through the semester."
Nina's eyes widened. "But I haven't even signed"
"Consider it good faith." He stood, buttoning his suit jacket. "Tomorrow night. I'll pick you up at seven. Wear something nice I'll have options sent to your dorm by noon."
"Wait, I don't even know where"
"You'll find out tomorrow." He paused, looking down at her with an unreadable expression. "Welcome to my world, Nina. Try not to drown."
Then he was gone, his men following him out into the night.
Nina sat alone at her table, her heart pounding, her phone buzzing with a confirmation email from the bursar's office: PAYMENT RECEIVED. ACCOUNT CURRENT.
She'd done it. She was safe.
So why did she feel like she'd just signed away more than money could ever repay?
CHAPTER 3: DRESS