The man who had spoken was the same man from the day before. I quickly gathered my belongings, feeling a sense of rush to leave. 

"You're in quite a hurry," he observed, letting out a sigh. 

I paused for a moment, unsure of how to respond. 

"It's already late," I replied. "I need to go home." 

"No interest in grabbing a coffee and - " 

"The restaurant is already closed." I made an excuse.

He leaned in slightly, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "This restaurant is mine, so it's not a problem."

I felt my cheeks heat up at his words, my surprise evident. 

"You- you own this restaurant?" I managed to stammer out.

He nodded, a slight smirk still on his lips as he looked at me intently. "So, what brings you here?"

Mr. Dalton stepped into the room and greeted the man with a familiar tone. "Ah, Mr. Ortiz, I see you've met our new HRD."

"Wait, she's the new HRD?" he asked, his eyebrows lifted in astonishment. "Then where's Ernest?"

"We had to let him go," Mr Dalton stated, a note of finality in his words. "His behavior towards the female staff was unacceptable."

"What did Ernest do, exactly?" Mr. Ortiz asked, his gaze flickering between Mr. Dalton and me.

"He assaulted every female employee here, including Leslie. His behavior was completely unacceptable and could not be overlooked." Mr. Dalton explained. 

Mr. Ortiz's initial confusion transformed into anger, his jaw clenching as his eyes darkened. The news of Ernest's actions had clearly stirred up a deep sense of agitation within him.

Mr. Dalton sighed deeply, his expression carrying a hint of regret. "I apologize for not taking quicker action. We should have removed Ernest from his position sooner to prevent further harm."

Mr. Dalton took my hand and gently tugged at it, a polite but firm gesture. "Let me drive you home. It's already late and you shouldn't be walking alone at this hour."

“N-no—“ 

“Come with me,” he said, leading me out of the restaurant and towards a parked Lamborghini.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should trust him. 

But the fear of what could happen if I stayed in the restaurant compelled me to follow him. As we drove away, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for his  intervention.

I looked at him and whispered softly, "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he replied with a smile.

As we continued driving, the silence grew. Finally, he spoke up. "You know, Leslie, you shouldn't have to work in a place like that. You deserve better."

I tensed at his words, feeling defensive. 

"I have bills to pay," I retorted. "I just recently moved to Boston and I'm struggling to get by."

"You don't have to struggle like this," he insisted. "I can help you, and I can provide you with a better life than what you have now."

I took a moment to process his words. He was right. The restaurant I worked at was filled with men who only wanted one thing, and I constantly felt like a cornered animal. I glanced down at my revealing uniform and grimaced, realizing how revealing it was.

He brought me to his lavish residence and as I took in the opulent surroundings of Rafayel's home, he revealed that he was also the CEO of a company called SEXBOMB ENTERTAINMENT.

"You're the CEO of a what now?" I spluttered, my surprise evident. "SEXBOMB ENTERTAINMENT? That sounds like... like..."

"Exactly what it sounds like," he replied, a twinkle in his eye. "I own an app that specializes in live-streamed adult content and paid dating services."

This felt no different from that restaurant gig, did it? He was offering me a spot in his show, right? This was crazy.

“I’m dead serious,” he said, his tone unyielding. “I’ve been running this operation for a decade.”

“Didn’t you say you were an artist?” I asked, genuinely curious.

“I did.” He leaned in closer, a flirtatious grin dancing on his lips. “So, what’s it gonna be? In or out?”

“Um...”

He raised an eyebrow, his confidence unwavering. “I actually have a job proposition that’s a step up from live streaming.”

“Really? What’s that?”

“Being mine.”

“W-what?” 

As Rafayel pulled me closer, his sturdy arms embracing me, my heart raced and thoughts swirled in a chaotic whirlwind.

"I'd like you to be my companion tonight," he murmured, his voice a velvety whisper that sent a shiver down my spine.

I tried to gather my bearings, my voice quivering as I responded, "I'm not sure...”

He nuzzled against my ear, his breath warm and tantalizing, as he continued to entice me.

"I am prepared to offer you a million dollars monthly if you agree to my proposal."

I stared at him resolutely. "I don't want your money. I just want to earn a living that's honest and decent."

He nodded, understanding my stance. But the worry in his eyes was all too apparent. 

"I get that, Leslie," he insisted. "But please, allow me to take care of you. I promise, I won't let anything or anyone hurt you again.”

I took a moment to study his face, noticing the honest concern etched on his features. Despite my trepidation and uncertainty, a part of me was tempted to take a leap of faith and trust in him

Just as I was grappling with my doubts about accepting his proposition, a booming voice echoed through the foyer.

"Dad!"

Rafayel's expression changed, his eyes widening at the sound. Something about that voice struck me as eerily familiar. What was going on?