I stood at the threshold of Kyl’s penthouse door, the final click of the elevator sounding like a verdict. I took a deep breath before I knocked on the door, although the door was half open. Candlelight flickered from inside, casting long shadows through the cracks. My heart throbbed, no longer just from nerves, but from an anticipation I couldn’t name.

I couldn't believe I was doing this, selling myself to actualize my dream.

When the door opened, he stood framed by warm light. His ...