A Deal with the Devil
“You’re late.” Ethan leaned back in his chair, an infuriating smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.
Ashley stepped into the dimly lit restaurant, every nerve in her body screaming to turn around and leave. She wouldn’t have been here if it weren’t for the threat looming over Demitri. Ethan had ensured her compliance, leaving no room for negotiation.
“I didn’t realize this was a job interview,” Ashley replied coolly, sliding into the chair across from him.
Ethan chuckled, the sound low and patronizing. “Punctuality isn’t just for interviews, sweetheart. It’s for people who respect the company they’re in.”
“Respect?” Ashley arched an eyebrow, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “That’s rich coming from you.”
Ethan’s grin widened. “Touché. Shall we order?”
Ashley clenched her jaw, resisting the urge to lash out. She scanned the menu briefly, though her appetite was nonexistent. The waiter approached, and Ethan took the liberty of ordering for them both.
“I hope you like red wine,” he said with a wink.
Ashley remained silent, her mind racing with the possibilities of what Ethan could do if she didn’t play along. She knew the lengths her parents would go to, and Ethan clearly wasn’t bluffing when he threatened Demitri’s life.
The wine arrived, and Ethan lifted his glass. “To us. A match made in... well, let’s not kid ourselves. It’s not heaven.”
Ashley raised her glass reluctantly, taking a small sip. The wine was bitter, much like the situation she found herself in.
“Why are we here, Ethan?” she asked finally, breaking the tension.
Ethan leaned forward, his expression turning serious for the first time that evening. “We’re here because you’re going to marry me.”
Ashley nearly choked on her wine. She set the glass down, staring at him in disbelief. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me,” Ethan said nonchalantly, leaning back again. “You and I are getting married. It’s time to put an end to this cat-and-mouse game.”
Ashley’s laugh was bitter and humorless. “You must be delusional if you think I’m going to marry you.”
“Am I?” Ethan’s eyes narrowed. “You’ve already proven you’re willing to do whatever it takes to protect Demitri. What’s one more sacrifice?”
Ashley’s heart sank. She hated how easily he could manipulate her, how he dangled Demitri’s life in front of her like bait. “This isn’t about Demitri, is it? This is about you and whatever twisted game you’re playing.”
Ethan shrugged, swirling the wine in his glass. “Call it what you want. The fact remains—if you don’t marry me, Demitri won’t just lose his life. He’ll lose everything he’s worked for.”
Ashley’s hands balled into fists beneath the table. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. “Why?” she asked, her voice quieter now. “Why do you want this?”
Ethan’s smirk returned. “Because I can.”
“That’s not an answer,” Ashley snapped.
“Fine,” Ethan said, his tone turning playful. “You’re intelligent, beautiful, and untouchable. Most men are too intimidated to approach you. You’re a trophy, Emerald. And I like trophies.”
Ashley’s eyes widened, disbelief and anger coursing through her. “A trophy? Are you hearing yourself right now?”
“Don’t take it the wrong way,” Ethan said, feigning innocence. “I mean it as a compliment. You’re one of a kind. And now that everyone knows how Demitri treated you like garbage, no one else wants you. Except me.”
The room seemed to blur as Ashley’s fury reached its boiling point. Without thinking, she grabbed her glass of wine and threw its contents in his face.
Ethan froze for a moment, the red liquid dripping down his smug expression. Then, to her utter shock, he began to laugh.
“Well, that’s one way to keep things interesting,” he said, wiping his face with a napkin.
Ashley stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. “We’re done here.”
Ethan’s voice stopped her in her tracks. “Walk away, Emerald, and I’ll make good on my promise. Demitri will be six feet under, and his company will crumble. You have one week to decide. Think carefully.”
Ashley turned to face him, her eyes blazing with defiance. “You’re despicable.”
Ethan’s grin widened. “And you’re out of options.”
Without another word, Ashley stormed out of the restaurant, the weight of his threat suffocating her. She hated him. She hated the position she was in. But most of all, she hated that he was right.
For Demitri’s sake, she didn’t have a choice.