NATALIE'S POV
Someone's been watching me.
The photo on my phone shows me clearly—standing outside Steele Tower tonight, right before I went up to Adrian's office. The angle suggests they were across the street. Close enough to follow me. Close enough to know my every move.
My hands shake as I stare at the image. Twenty-three hours. That's all I have before this person exposes everything.
I need to think. Need to figure out who's threatening me and why.
But first, I need to get through my meeting with Elias tomorrow. One crisis at a time.
I look down at the contract folder in my other hand—the one Adrian gave me three months ago. The one that started everything.
The memory pulls me back to that night. To the moment Adrian explained exactly what he was offering me.
THREE MONTHS AGO - CONTINUED
I stood frozen in Adrian's office, holding the folder he'd just given me. My mind raced to catch up with what was happening.
"I don't understand," I said quietly. "You want me to sign a contract about... what exactly?"
Adrian sat on the edge of his desk, arms crossed. His gray eyes were serious but not unkind.
"Let me explain clearly. This has nothing to do with your job as my assistant. You'll continue that work exactly as before. This contract is separate—completely voluntary and private."
"Then what is it for?"
"It's about trust and control. Some people find peace in structure. In having someone else make decisions for them in specific situations. It removes the burden of constant choice."
My heart pounded. "You mean like... telling me what to do?"
"In certain contexts, yes. But only contexts we both agree to. Only activities we both want. And only with rules that keep everyone safe."
I swallowed hard. "I've never done anything like this before."
"I know. That's why I'm giving you time to research and think." He pulled out another paper from his desk. "This explains everything in simple terms. What I'm offering. What I expect. What your rights are."
He handed me the paper and I started reading.
This contract establishes a consensual relationship between two adults. The Dominant partner (Adrian Steele) will guide certain activities. The Submissive partner (if you choose to sign) will follow those guidelines within agreed boundaries.
All activities require enthusiastic consent. Safe words will be established and always respected. Hard limits will be discussed and never crossed. Either party can end the arrangement at any time. Complete privacy is guaranteed.
My face felt hot. "The activities you're talking about... what are they?"
"That depends on what you're comfortable with. We'd discuss your limits in detail before anything happens. Some things might be simple—following instructions during private time together. Other things might be more intense. But everything gets negotiated first."
"And if I say no to something?"
"Then we don't do it. Your boundaries are absolute, Natalie. I would never push you past what you can handle." His voice softened. "This isn't about forcing anyone. It's about creating a space where both people get what they need."
"What do you get from it?"
Adrian was quiet for a moment. "Control. Structure. Knowing that someone trusts me enough to surrender their defenses. It's the only time I feel truly at peace."
There was something raw in his voice. Something vulnerable. For a second, the powerful CEO disappeared and I saw someone who was just as lost as I was.
"And what would I get?" I whispered.
"Freedom from the weight you carry. Permission to let go. A place where you don't have to be strong every second of every day." His eyes met mine. "I see how hard you work to hold everything together, Natalie. How exhausted you are. This would give you a chance to rest. To trust someone else to catch you when you fall."
Tears pricked my eyes. He saw too much. Understood too much.
"I need to think about this."
"Of course. Take the full week. Read everything. Research if you want—there's a whole community of people who practice this lifestyle safely and healthily. Ask me questions if you have them." He stood up. "But Natalie? Whatever you decide, I need you to be honest. Don't sign because you think it'll help your career. Don't sign because you feel pressured. Only sign if this is genuinely something you want."
I nodded, clutching the folder to my chest.
As I turned to leave, he spoke again.
"One more thing. If you do sign, there's a room in my penthouse. A private space just for this. You'd have a key. You'd be able to leave whenever you want. The door locks from both sides—your safety is paramount."
A locked room. Just for this. Just for us.
The thought should have terrified me. Instead, something deep inside me stirred with interest.
I left his office in a daze.
PRESENT
Standing in the hallway now, three months later, I remember how I felt that night. Confused. Curious. Terrified. Tempted.
I took the contract home and read every word a dozen times. I researched online, learning about dominance and submission, about safe practices, about why people chose this lifestyle.
And slowly, I realized something shocking: I wanted it.
Not for Marcus's plan. Not to get closer to Adrian's secrets.
I wanted it because Adrian was right. I was drowning in responsibility and grief and lies. The idea of surrendering control—even just for a few hours—felt like finally being able to breathe.
So seven days later, I signed the contract.
That decision changed everything between us. It gave me access to his private world, yes. But it also cracked open something in my heart I didn't know existed.
My phone buzzes again, dragging me back to the present crisis.
UNKNOWN: Twenty-two hours now. Hope you're making your decision. Should I tell Adrian about Marcus? Or will you do the right thing and disappear?
My chest tightens. This person wants me gone. But why?
Then a new text appears from a different number. Elias.
ELIAS: Change of plans. Meet me tonight instead. 10 PM. Same address. Come alone. This can't wait until tomorrow.
My stomach drops. Why the urgency?
Before I can respond, one more message comes through. This one from Marcus.
FATHER: I know about the meeting with Elias tomorrow. Don't trust him. He's working against us. Call me immediately.
Ice floods my veins. How does Marcus know about Elias? Has he been following me too?
I'm trapped in a nightmare with no exit. Someone's blackmailing me. Elias knows my secret. Marcus is getting desperate. And Adrian...
Adrian still thinks I'm the one person he can trust.
I look at the three messages on my phone. Three different people, three different demands, three different threats.
I have to choose who to trust. Who to meet. Who to believe.
But what if I choose wrong?
My phone rings suddenly, making me jump. Unknown number.
Against my better judgment, I answer.
"Hello?"
Heavy breathing on the other end. Then a woman's voice, smooth and cold.
"Hello, Natalie. We need to talk about Adrian Steele. And about what you're going to do for me if you want to keep your secrets safe."
"Who is this?"
"Someone who knows everything. About Marcus. About your contract with Adrian. About the files you've been copying." A pause. "About what really happened to Adrian's father ten years ago."
My blood turns to ice. "What do you mean, what really happened?"
"Marcus didn't just destroy the Steele family business, Natalie. He murdered Adrian's father. Made it look like suicide. And I have proof."
The phone
slips from my shaking hand.
My father isn't just a thief.
He's a killer.