Romance: Hired Read Free Page A

advice, it would be – Don’t let opportunities pass you by.  No matter how crazy they sound.”
    I smiled to Caroline’s advice and changed the subject.  I looked up to Caroline like an older sister and I really respected her opinions, but I didn’t know if I could personally go through with it. 
    It just wasn’t something I ever did.
    After the warm coffee and warm chat, I returned to my blacked out apartment but my luck just continued to spiral downwards.
    I tripped over the cat as I made my way through my dark apartment to the bathroom.
    I checked the kitchen to see if I had any flashlights but the batteries were dead in all of them. 
    I opened the refrigerator and felt that the little bit of food that is left in it was slowly spoiling.
    Damn.
    My sigh only became louder when I realized I couldn’t take the hot shower I wanted.
    Life couldn’t fall apart any further.
    Alone in the dark, I sobbed quietly into my hands.
    This was the pits.
    I was alone, cold and dirty.
    I was vulnerable.
    In my moment of deep despair, I pondered Damon’s offer.  I couldn't accept his offer, but I couldn't refuse it, either. 
    Maybe we could do something in between…
    With no choices left, I dialed the number on my mobile phone.  The phone trembled in my hand as I listened to it ring.
    To my astonishment, Damon answered on the first ring in a business-like voice.  He must have thought I was a client. 
    “Hi… it’s… um… Abbey.  The girl you met today.”
    “Hello Abbey.  It’s a pleasure to hear from you.  How can I help you?”
    “Um… your offer today?”
    “Yes.”
    “May I ask what exactly can I do for you?”
    “I think if you come with me to my place for two nights, that should suffice.”
    “And the repayment?”
    “As much as you need to pay off your debts.”
    Richard left me with a lot of debts that I don’t have the ability to pay.  It would take me years to work them off.
    “Even if it those debts ran into the tens of thousands?”
    “Yes.”
    His response was honest.
    I have no doubt that he could pay for it but I felt sorrow deep with my soul.   
    Taking piece of towel with my trembling hands, I dried my eyes. I have no other solution but to accept.
    “And this won’t be talked about to anyone?” I asked.
    “If you wish.”
    “And there will be no photos,” I stated.
    “That’s fine,” he replied calmly.
    How could he be so calm with what he was asking me?
    He must have done this before.
    This must have been a normal day for him.
    With all my strength, I mutter the acceptance of his offer.
    “Ok.” 
    I couldn’t believe what I was saying. 
    I couldn’t believe what I was agreeing to… 
     
     

 
    Chapter 3
     
     

 
     
     
     
    Damon arranged for a limousine to pick me up at my apartment complex. 
    I watched out the window of the back seat while the luxury vehicle drove away from the city and through the suburbs.  It took at least an hour before we arrived at Damon’s large mansion. 
    There was a large iron-wrought fence around the perimeter of the property that seemed to disappear into the distance and the surrounding vegetation.  The car drove through the elaborate front gate, past the security guards office and up a long gravel driveway lined by large trees.  I was amazed at the expanse of lush manicured green grass.  As we passed around a bend, the house became increasingly more visible. 
    It took my breath away. 
    The mansion was massive, made of brick with portions of it covered in ivy.  The mansion was at least a hundred years old, but happened to be in perfect condition.  I shudder to think of the number staff needed to maintain this place. 
    “Hello Abbey.” Damon was there to greet me at the car door. “Thank you for coming.”
    He opened the door of the car and offered his hand to me. 
    Hesitantly, I took it and stepped out from the comfortable leather seats. 
    This was the first step to selling myself. 
    I imagine if Neil Armstrong