Page 17 of Sexted By a Stranger
When the coffee arrived, Luca immediately picked up the sugar dispenser crusted with years of dried sugar and the creamer, adding a spoonful of sugar to my cup and a splash of cream. His movements were fluid, as if he'd practiced a thousand times. He gently pushed the cup in front of me.
"Try it."
I stared at him. In this completely wrong environment, he was doing something so natural. Strange emotions sprouted in my heart.
"What?" Luca looked up at me. "Not to your taste?"
"No!" I hurriedly lowered my head and took a sip of coffee.
The food arrived quickly. Golden fried eggs nestled beside crispy bacon, accompanied by toast with slightly charred edges, all piled on thick white plates with tacky floral patterns. Luca's movements remained elegant as he methodically cut into his eggs and ate, his manner relaxed as if savoring the finest cuisine.
"Not bad," he commented.
Back at the apartment, Luca's car was still parked outside.
The sunlight was stronger now, illuminating the mottled walls.
"Thank you for bringing me home."
"Sheila." He leaned against the car, his profile hard-edged.
"I'll help with Leon's surgery costs." His voice wasn't loud but crystal clear. "On the condition that you leave Celestial. Forever."
The words pierced me like an ice pick, extinguishing the warmth and intimacy in my heart. Though leaving had beenmy plan, the coldness wrapped in his words hit like a boulder crashing into my chest. The sinking feeling blocked my breathing; even my ribs ached.
Were all those compliments and intimacy just a transaction? He'd confirmed the quality of the goods, was satisfied, and now wanted to pay? Planning to keep me somewhere? In some gorgeous golden cage? The shame and anger of being toyed with tore through my chest like lava, incinerating what remained of my rationality.
A mocking laugh escaped my lips uncontrollably. I turned away, refusing to look at him, fingers clutching my clothes tightly.
"Mr. Bellomo," my voice trembled with barely suppressed rage, "it seems you were very satisfied with last night's service. Fifty thousand dollars to buy me for one night—how generous of you!"
The moment the words left my mouth, I turned to leave. I had to get away from here immediately. Away from this man who saw me as a plaything.
But just then, a burning, powerful hand suddenly seized my wrist.
"Let go." I struggled desperately, my other hand beating against his arm, tears welling in my eyes.
"Look at me, Sheila." Instead of releasing me, he leaned closer, his other hand forcefully lifting my chin.
In those deep eyes, storms raged like I'd never seen.
"Who told you that was payment for last night?" His voice practically squeezed through clenched teeth.
"Then what do you mean? Keep me like a birdy? Lock me in your cage?" Tears finally spilled over. "Mr. Bellomo, I don't sell myself."
"Would you just calm down?" Luca growled, fingers on my chin tightening slightly. Deep helplessness flashed through his eyes.
"Listen," he took a deep breath, "I own a jewelry company, Éclat Lumière. You should know it."
Éclat Lumière? I instantly stopped struggling, disbelief written across my face—the company I'd dreamed of joining was his?
Luca released my chin but still gripped my wrist tightly, as if afraid I'd disappear the next second. From his inner suit pocket, he pulled out a thin card.
Pure black, edges inlaid with ultra-fine platinum lines, centered with a dark gold iris surrounded by thorns. In the morning light, it emanated an aura of noble luxury.
"I need a personal assistant." Luca held the black card before my eyes.
"My assistant needs to understand jewelry," he paused, voice low and clear, each word hammering into my chaotic heart. "You're qualified. This isn't charity, Sheila. This is your opportunity. This job will keep you away from trash like Connor. The salary is enough to handle your brother's ongoing treatment. You can continue studying jewelry design—I'll have the company's designers mentor you. The card contains your advance bonus."
