Chapter 5 - A New Beginning
I stared at him over the rim of the glass, my heart hammering against my ribs. "Target you? Because of me?"
"Because of my enemies," Roman corrected smoothly, leaning back. "Donovan was a leak. He’s been funneling information to rival syndicates. I needed a reason to clear this room of compromised people, and your clumsy entrance with that water pitcher gave me the perfect cover to bring you inside where it's safe, while simultaneously testing your character."
A wave of disbelief washed over me. "So the six-thousand-dollar suit..."
"Was custom-made, yes. But I have a closet full of them," Roman said with the faintest hint of a smirk touching the corner of his mouth. "You showed up, you stood your ground against men twice your size, and you didn't break. That’s a rare quality in this city."
He stood up and walked over to a heavy oak desk against the far wall, unlocking a drawer with a small brass key. When he turned back around, he held out a crisp, white corporate envelope.
"My legitimate holding firm, Gallow Enterprises, needs a new head of logistics," Roman said, placing the envelope on the small table beside me. "The salary is five times what you made at the Onyx Room. Full health insurance, paid time off, and an explicit clause that no one—under any circumstances—is allowed to grab your wrist."
I opened the envelope. The numbers on the contract blurred slightly through a sudden film of grateful tears. My rent problems, my medical bills, and my endless exhaustion—all of it vanished with a single signature.
I looked up at him, shaking my head in disbelief. "And if I say no?"
Roman offered a slow, genuine smile that completely transformed his hard features, making him look less like an untouchable crime lord and more like a man who had finally found what he was looking for.
May you like
"Then you’re still welcome to come back next Friday," he said smoothly. "Though I’d recommend staying away from the water pitchers."
I laughed, wiping a stray tear from my cheek, and picked up the pen. The debt was settled, but looking at Roman Gallow, I realized my real story was only just beginning.
