BLACKMAILED BY THE BILLIONAIRE

Chapter 16: Games of Desire

Chapter 16: Games of Desire

On Monday morning, the office was busy as usual. Harry and I were going from one meeting to another. Mya, who works at the front desk, came up to me and gave me a bouquet of flowers. Inside the flowers, there was a note from Sam. He wrote about how much he enjoyed our time together last night and that he was looking forward to seeing me again. Reading his words made me smile.

Harry's reaction was immediate, his voice a blend of sarcasm and something indefinable. "Those flowers? Really? Whoever picked them clearly has a fetish for mediocrity."

I met his challenge, holding the bouquet protectively. "I find them beautiful, actually," I retorted, my voice tinged with defiance.

Harry leaned in, his presence imposing, the scent of his cologne wrapping around me. "I would've chosen something far more exquisite for you," he said, his voice low and suggestive.

Rolling my eyes, I stepped closer, entering his space. "The last thing I want is your taste in flowers, or anything else for that matter."

Yet, Harry followed, his steps echoing the certainty and arrogance that defined him. He leaned casually against my office door, an uninvited but captivating presence.

"So, what's this? You've got a boyfriend now? And here I was, thinking you had higher standards," Harry's voice sliced through the air, each word laced with a hint of derision that pricked at my patience.

Irritation ignited within me at his audacious implication. "Since when do I discuss my dating life with you? Why would it be any concern of yours?"

His response was swift, catching me off guard. "Since I've chosen you to accompany me to an event tonight."

Confusion clouded my expression as I stared at him. "What do you mean, 'taking me to an event'?"

He stepped closer, his tone becoming more serious. "Exactly that. There's an event I must attend, and you're coming with me."

"Harry, that's ridiculous. I'm not attending any event with you," I said, my bewilderment quickly turning to indignation.

"Watch your tone, Bella. You'll be there, whether you agree or not," he asserted.

My frustration boiled over. "Harry, I already have plans. Why not invite one of your usual crowd? Surely, they'd love to go."

His eyes narrowed, voice deepening with firmness. "I'm not interested in them."

Driven by curiosity and irritation, I demanded, "Why not?"

"Because I want you there. No more questions. I expect you to be ready by 7. Dress appropriately," Harry's command echoed in the room, leaving little room for argument.

I opened my mouth to voice my objections, but he swiftly silenced me. "Bella, you're coming with me tonight. And if you refuse, we'll need to revisit your 5-year contract."

His words struck me like a blow, freezing any further protests. I couldn't risk my job, my future, over this. With a heavy heart and a mind swirling with confusion, I nodded silently. The frustration and resentment bubbling within me only intensified, fueled by the unfairness of his demands. Why did he choose me? Why not one of his other companions? It made no sense.

Later that afternoon, as I was navigating the hallway, Kim zeroed in on me with a determined stride, her intentions as clear as day.

"Look, I'm not one for beating around the bush, so I'll just say it—stay the fuck away from Harry. I've noticed you trying to snag his attention," she stated bluntly, her voice thick with disdain. A laugh followed, one that carried a tone of mockery, suggesting the mere idea of Harry showing interest in me was a joke to her. Without pausing, she barreled on, seemingly pleased with her own condescension, "Trust me, Bill—"