Amara barely slept.
Every time she closed her eyes, she saw his face.
That calm, controlled expression.
That irritating confidence.
That voice.
Be there by 8 AM.
She turned on her bed for what felt like the hundredth time and groaned.
Why am I even doing this to myself?
But she knew the answer.
Money.
Opportunity.
Survival.
By 5:30 AM, she gave up on sleep completely.
By 7:15 AM, Amara was dressed, ready, and standing in front of a mirror that had seen too many of her trying to stay strong moments.
She adjusted her blazer for the third time.
Simple. Clean. Presentable.
Not rich.
Not impressive.
But hers.
You can do this, she told her reflection.
Just two weeks. Endure him. Secure the deal. Move on.
She grabbed her bag and stepped out.
By 7:55 AM, Amara stood in front of Lucas Bennett's house.
And for the first time in a long time
She felt out of place.
The gate alone was bigger than her entire apartment.
Tall. Black. Silent.
The kind that didn't just keep people out,it reminded them they didn't belong in.
She checked the address on her phone again.
No mistake.
This is his house? she whispered.
A security camera tilted slightly.
As if it had heard her.
Amara straightened immediately.
Good morning, she said awkwardly to a camera.
A second later, the gate opened.
Silently.
Of course it did.
Everything about this man was dramatic.
The compound was even worse.
Wide. Clean. Expensive.
Cars that looked like they had never seen bad roads sat neatly parked.
Amara resisted the urge to touch one.
Focus, she muttered.
Before she could overthink anything further, the front door opened.
And there he was.
Lucas Bennett.
Looking like he had stepped out of a magazine.
Crisp white shirt.
Dark trousers.
Sleeves slightly rolled.
Effortless.
Annoyingly effortless.
His eyes moved over her once.
Slow.
Assessing.
Not inappropriate.
But not innocent either.
You're on time, he said.
Amara folded her arms.
Shocking, right?
The corner of his lips twitched.
Come in.
The inside of the house was worse.
Or better.
Depending on how you looked at it.
Everything was neat.
Minimal.
Perfect.
Like no one actually lived there.
Amara stepped in carefully, almost afraid to touch anything.
This place, she muttered. Do you even breathe here?
Lucas glanced at her.
I beg your pardon?
It's too clean, she said, looking around. Feels like if I drop one thing, alarm will start ringing.
It won't.
Are you sure?
Yes.
She nodded slowly.
Good. Because accidents happen.
Lucas watched her for a second.
Then walked past her.
This way.
The kitchen was massive.
Bigger than her entire apartment.
Amara stopped in the doorway.
You're joking.
Lucas didn't respond.
He simply walked to the counter and placed a file down.
Your workspace.
Amara blinked.
My workspace?
For the next two weeks.
She stepped in slowly, still looking around.
Do people cook here?
Yes.
Do you cook here?
No.
Of course you don't.
Lucas ignored that.
He opened the file.
These are the requirements.
Amara walked closer, forcing herself to focus.
This is for the partner outlet, he continued. You'll supply breakfast and lunch packages. Daily.
She scanned the document.
Quantities.
Standards.
Delivery times.
Her brain immediately switched into work mode.
This is doable, she said, more to herself than to him.
Is it? Lucas asked.
She looked up.
Yes.
You're sure?
Yes.
A pause.
Then
Good.
Amara frowned slightly.
You're not going to argue?
No.
You're not going to tell me I can't handle it?
No.
She narrowed her eyes.
This feels suspicious.
Lucas almost smiled.
Let's begin, he said.
Now?
Yes.
Amara dropped her bag on a chair quickly.
Okay. Fine.
She moved around the kitchen, opening cabinets, checking utensils.
Everything was organized.
Too organized.
Where are your ingredients? she asked.
Delivered this morning.
She turned.
Already?
I don't waste time.
She nodded slowly.
Clearly.
For the next few minutes, Amara focused on setting up.
Washing. Arranging. Planning.
Lucas stood nearby.
Watching.
Not helping.
Just watching.
After a while, she felt it.
That gaze.
Heavy.
Constant.
Distracting.
She turned suddenly.
Do you mind?
Mind what?
Breathing down my neck.
I'm observing.
You're hovering.
I'm supervising.
You're annoying.
That made him pause.
Then
I've been called worse.
I'm not surprised.
A small silence followed.
Then Lucas stepped closer.
Not too close.
But enough.
Walk me through your process, he said.
Amara hesitated.
Then sighed.
Fine.
She pointed to the ingredients.
I prep everything first. Clean, measure, organize. Then I cook in batches to save time.
Lucas nodded slightly.
Efficient.
I know.
She moved to the stove.
And I don't cut corners, she added. Quality matters.
I agree.
She glanced at him.
That sounded genuine.
Good, she said. At least we agree on something.
As she started cooking, the kitchen slowly filled with warmth.
With life.
With something that hadn't been there before.
Lucas noticed it.
He leaned against the counter, arms folded, watching her move.
Confident. Focused.
Different from yesterday.
Less defensive.
More herself.
You're different here, he said suddenly.
Amara didn't look at him.
I'm working.
No, he said quietly. You're comfortable.
She paused for a second.
Then continued.
This is my space, she said. Not yours.
Lucas studied her.
Interesting.
A few minutes later, Amara reached for a pot on a higher shelf.
Too high.
She stretched slightly.
Still not enough.
Before she could try again
A hand reached past her.
Effortlessly grabbing it.
Amara froze.
Because suddenly
He was close.
Very close.
She could feel it.
His presence.
His warmth.
His scent.
Her heartbeat shifted.
Just slightly.
Next time, Lucas said quietly, placing the pot down beside her, ask.
Amara cleared her throat quickly.
I didn't need help.
You were struggling.
I was adjusting.
A small pause.
Then
Lucas leaned in slightly.
Same thing.
Amara turned to face him immediately.
Too quickly.
Now they were even closer.
And for a brief second
Neither of them moved.
The air changed.
Again.
Amara's voice came out softer than she intended.
You always this controlling?
Lucas held her gaze.
Only when necessary.
Her breath caught.
Just a little.
Then she stepped back quickly, turning away.
Focus on your supervision, Mr. Bennett.
A beat.
Then
Lucas.
She froze.
What?
My name, he said calmly. Use it.
Amara hesitated.
Then shook her head slightly.
Let's survive today first.
Behind her
Lucas smiled.
Because something told him
The next two weeks?
Were not going to be simple.
At all.