CHAPTER FIVE: THE INITIAL ALLIANCE

"How far are you willing to go, Telsa?"

"You look nervous."

Jeo's voice has a distinct edge despite its calmness. The sort that caused my hands to tighten into fists at my sides and my spine to stiffen.

"I’m not nervous," I responded, trying to maintain a steady tone.

At the corner of his mouth was a smirk. "All right. Then tonight, you won't have any trouble showing yourself."

Show me. As if accepting his contract wasn't sufficient. As if being a part of his universe wasn't a challenge in and of itself.

I should have realized that this would not be easy. Nothing was ever simple under Jeo Donald.

He watched me like a hunter examining his prey while leaning back against his desk and crossing his arms over his chest. "Tonight is an event. A private party. rivals, investors, and others who will be observing my every action." His eyes became gloomy. "And yours."

I took a deep breath. "What do you want me to do?"

He grinned more broadly. "Show them who you belong to."

The Configuration

Two hours later, I found myself looking at a lady I hardly knew in front of a full-length mirror.

It was a sleek, black garment that was dangerously tight. Little was left to the imagination as it clung to every contour. Every feature was accentuated by my immaculate makeup, which was delicate but precise.

I looked...pricey.

I had a target mentality.

I could hear Ava's voice in my mind. Telsa, don't let yourself become absorbed in his world. There is no turning back once you do.

I ought to have paid attention.

I jumped when I heard a knock on the door.

"Ready?"

The voice of Jeo. Easy. Imposing.

I inhaled deeply before I opened the door. Slowly and deliberately, his gaze moved over me, remaining just long enough to warm my flesh.

"Good," was all he said. "Let’s go."

The Test Starts

With its crystal chandeliers, gilded embellishments, and oppressive aura of authority, the setting was elegance cloaked in money. This was not the only event that people attended. They struck agreements. They forged alliances.

Enemies were annihilated.

As if he owned the area, Jeo entered. And he did, in many respects.

Everyone looked at him. Some with dread, some with adoration. One thing was certain, though: nobody dared to oppose him.

Then there was me.

I sensed people talking and observing. Who was I? For what reason was I standing next to him? Was I just another plaything to be thrown away, or was I more?

Jeo lightly but firmly put a hand on my lower back. A quiet reminder of my part in this evening's events.

His.

As he guided me further into the room, my heart raced in my ears.

The true test then arrived.

Langley, Victor.

An Arms-Free Battle

Victor's eyes were evaluated, and he smiled sharply. "Jeo, always a pleasure."

"Victor," Jeo said in an icy tone.

Victor looked across to me. "And this had to be Telsa Reed, the notorious person. You've been spoken about a lot.

I feigned a courteous grin. "Amusing. The same cannot be said for you.

Victor laughed. He reflected, "Oh, I like her," and looked back at Jeo. "But tell me, Jeo, is she here as your assistant or something... more?"

Jeo took a while to respond. Rather, he grabbed my hand, brought it to his mouth, and kissed my knuckles.

Possessive. Calculated.

Mine.

The room seemed to be still.

Although Victor's grin remained constant, I saw a glimmer of something in his eyes. A sharp object.

Whispering, "Interesting," "Very intriguing.

A Risky Dance

Joe guided me to the dance floor while maintaining a tight hold on my waist. It was sluggish, eerie music.

"This is a game," I said to myself. "Isn’t it?"

He hardly moved his lips. "Everything is a game, Telsa."

"And what happens if I lose?"

I was drawn closer as his fingers tightened around my waist. "You won’t."

It was simple for him to say. At this, he was an expert. All I was doing was trying to stay up.

I whispered, "Victor is watching us,"

"Let him."

I got a chill from the way he stated it.

I couldn't tell if it was fear or something far more serious.

Joe then bent down and pressed his warm breath on my ear as the song came to a close.

"Don’t let them see your fear, Telsa."

I took a deep breath. "I’m not afraid."

He smiled again. "Then prove it."

The Last Action

That should have been the end of the night. I ought to have been able to go aside and take a breath.

Joe, however, had other ideas.

"Telsa, there’s someone I want you to meet."

I whirled—and stopped.

The older, stronger guy stood before me. He had the same vicious sparkle in his eyes as Jeo, yet something was different. Something eerie.

"This is Edward Cain, Telsa. He's trying to find a way to invest. Investing? My stomach turned over. This was more than simply a transaction.

I was the subject of this.

Grinning, Cain reached for my hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Reed."

After a moment of hesitation, I shook his hand. His hold was too tight, too persistent.

Joe remained silent. He did nothing except observe.

I understood that this was the exam.

Not the gown. Not the dance.

This.

Would his world allow me to survive?

Or would I be completely engulfed?

Cain grinned broadly. "I have a proposition for you."

I suddenly realized that this night was far from ending.

As Cain's comments lingered, I could feel Jeo's eyes piercing me.

A suggestion.

I had a feeling this was more than just a straightforward commercial deal.

I looked at Jeo, looking for a warning, for a sign.

Nothing was present.

Just that annoying grin.

I was on my own.

And I knew for the first time since entering Jeo Donald's universe that I may not survive.