Aria Lancaster knew how to survive. She'd spent years clawing her way out of her father's gambling debts, bad publishing deals, and a love life that resembled broken glass—shiny, sharp, and impossible to hold onto. So when a black envelope slid under her apartment door with her name etched in blood-red ink, she didn't panic.
She poured a drink.
She opened it.
And she read the offer three times before laughing, then crying.
An exclusive contract. Ninety days. Discretion mandatory. Compensation obscene.
And the client?
Zayn Astor. CEO of AstorTech. Infamous billionaire recluse. A man with a reputation for three things: control, silence, and absolute power. He wasn't just feared—he was untouchable. And yet… he'd asked for her.
Why?
The details were vague. But there was one non-negotiable clause attached:
"One inked confession. His, tattooed onto her skin—undisclosed until signed."
It was insane. It was seductive.
And Aria was the kind of woman who touched fire just to see how long it would take to burn.
She showed up at the location listed—Echelon, an underground agency masked as a luxury gallery. Inside, security guards with emotionless eyes patted her down. Her heels echoed on black stone floors. Everything smelled of sandalwood, secrets, and sin.
"Ms. Lancaster," a woman greeted her, dressed in all black, her lips painted wine-dark. "Mr. Astor has reviewed your file. He's accepted your application. But there's something you should know."
Aria crossed her arms. "If it's another NDA, I've already signed two."
The woman smiled like a blade. "Zayn Astor doesn't just collect lovers. He collects obedience. He'll test yours, piece by piece. If you walk in, there's no safe word. There's only the contract."
A long pause.
And then Aria smirked. "Where do I sign?"