✔️ The Arrangement (A Kinky Romance) [1st Draft]

The Buyer

"The reporter came to me with this. Apparently, she was one of several who received the package. We've managed to retrieve everything and have coordinated to keep it out of the press," Mills was explaining.

"They're trying to intimidate her by calling her out," Nick grumbled. "She'd be humiliated – devastated."

The sharp-dressed woman at the end of the conference table nodded. "That is how we convinced them to keep it quiet. We also explained that releasing anything about this would damage our chances to save a large number of enslaved children. Needless to say, they didn't fight it too hard. We did ensure they would be the first names on the list when we hold the press conference and be allowed to see some of the evidence."

Nick was frowning deeply as he considered this. "Can we keep her identity secret?"

The woman glanced at a man that had been introduced as the department head. "I have personally double-checked every document, every note, every last tag on every item to make sure she is only referred to by the anonymous name. However, we can't doctor the photos in order to hide her face and she may have to testify."

"Which is where we come in," the U.S. Marshall deputy interjected. "We would like to put her in witness protection and give her a new identity."

"No. You are not taking her from me," Nick stated flatly. "She won't just leave, either. She is safe with me."

"But not necessarily her identity," he pointed out. "We can keep her hidden. And... her parents aren't the only threats to her life."

Nick shook his head. "No. I can do anything you can. I have the money to hide her away anywhere in the world. It would be detrimental to her mental state."

"What if they come after you to get to her?"

"I'll hire extra security."

"If they try to get to her at the restaurant?"

"I've got eyes on that building already," Nick told them. "If she needs to take a break for a while, Paul will understand."

The Agent sighed and shook his head. "Are you sure this is what she'd want?"

"Absolutely," Nick answered with absolute certainty. "And I will do anything necessary to protect her. You tell me what you want her to have and I'll double it with the best that money can buy. If you need access to the building, I can arrange it."

"Alright," the man relented. "We'll do it your way. But don't think we won't take her into protective custody – by force if necessary – should we believe what you're doing isn't adequate."

"Don't even make that threat to me," Nick thundered in outrage. "She is going to be my wife and no one will ever keep me away from her."

"I didn't realize you two got engaged," the man said. "When did this happen?"

"On her birthday," Nick answered smoothly.

"I don't recall seeing her wearing a ring..."

"I had to have it cleaned and resized. Selene has very small fingers," he stated convincingly. "It's my mother's ring, you see."

The man raised his hands. "My mistake, then. Fine. I'll make recommendations and we'll see if we can't give her the best protection possible. I'd rather see her hidden, but I understand. You had better be ready to split town if things get too hot, though. These things are usually tied to at least one criminal organization somewhere down the line."

"If we have to move into some movie star style secure compound, that's what we will do," he stated flatly. "I know where a few that can be secured well are for sale – I've already looked into it."