chapter two
Third person POV
The sun was setting on a quiet street as Natalie hurriedly made her way home. Her heart raced with worry, her mind consumed by the urgent need to save her beloved grandmother.
The hospital had given her only one chance, a costly surgery treatment that required a staggering $10,000.
Natalie burst through the front door, she dashed up the stairs, her footsteps echoing through the empty house.
In her room, she flung open the drawer of her worn out wooden desk, revealing a small metal box. With trembling hands, she unlocked it and counted her savings. To her dismay, she realized she had only managed to save $3,000.
Desperation washed over her, tears welling up in her eyes. She knew she had to do something, anything, to gather the remaining funds.
Natalie had been caught up in a dangerous world, selling drugs to make ends meet. She had been saving every penny, hoping to escape this life and create a better future for herself and her grandmother.
With a determined look on her face, Natalie grabbed her jacket and headed out into the night. She knew the risks involved, but she had no other choice. She had to confront her supplier, the notorious and ruthless Tony. She had heard whispers of his cruel nature, but she had no other option.
Natalie arrived at the dimly lit alley where Tony conducted his illicit business. She spotted him leaning against a graffiti-covered wall, a sinister smile playing on his lips. She approached him cautiously, her voice trembling as she spoke.
"Tony, I need your help," Natalie pleaded, her voice filled with desperation. "My grandma is sick, and I need $7,000 more for her treatment. Please, lend me the money. I'll do anything to repay you."
Tony's laughter echoed through the alley, sending shivers down Natalie's spine. He looked at her with cold, calculating eyes. "You think I'm your savior, little girl? You're nothing but a pawn in my game," he sneered.
Natalie's heart sank, tears streaming down her face. "Please, Tony, I'm begging you. She's all I have left. I'll do anything," she pleaded, her voice cracking.
Tony's laughter grew louder, his amusement evident. "Get out of my sight, you pathetic girl. You're nothing but a liability. Find another way to save your precious grandma," he spat, dismissing her with a wave of his hand.
Natalie turned away, her dreams shattered, and her hope extinguished. She stumbled down the alley, her tears mixing with the raindrops that fell from the darkened sky. She had hit rock bottom, but she refused to give up.
The air was heavy with the scent of detergent and the sound of machines humming within the small laundromat.
Natalie found herself sitting on the curb outside, her tear-streaked face illuminated by the flickering streetlights.
As the tears streamed down her cheeks, she whispered to herself, "I just need to find a way to save her."
Unknown to her, a man in his late thirties named Lucas, the owner of the laundromat, watched her from the entrance. Curiosity sparked within him, and he approached her cautiously.
"Excuse me, miss. I couldn't help but notice your distress. Is there something I can do to help?" he asked, his voice gentle and concerned.
Startled, Natalie looked up, her eyes red and swollen. She hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to trust a stranger, but the desperation in her heart pushed her to share her story.
"My grandmother is sick, and I can't afford the medical treatment she needs," she explained, her voice quivering with emotion. "I've tried everything, but nothing seems to work. I'm running out of options."
Lucas' gaze softened, his mind calculating. He saw an opportunity to fulfill his own hidden agenda.
"I understand how difficult this must be for you," he replied, his voice filled with sympathy. "Why don't you come with me to my office? Perhaps we can find a solution together."
Curiosity mingled with desperation, and Natalie cautiously followed him into the laundromat.
The scent of detergent grew stronger as they entered, the fluorescent lights casting an eerie glow on the machines. They walked through the rows of humming dryers until they reached a small office tucked away in a corner.
As they settled in, Lucas leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Natalie. He knew that his ulterior motives would soon come into play, but for now, he wanted to offer her a glimmer of hope.
"My name is Lucas stones, what's your name?" he asked
"Na... Natalie" she stammered a little
"Natalie, I might have a proposition for you," he began, his voice gentle yet tinged with a hint of secrecy. "I can provide you with the money you need to save your grandmother, but in return, I'll need your assistance with something. Something that requires discretion and determination."
Natalie's eyes widened, a mix of hope and apprehension dancing within them. She leaned forward, her voice quivering with a newfound determination. "What is it? Tell me, I'll do anything to save her."
Her heart raced as she watched Lucas drop the bundle of cash on his desk. Her mother's life depended on the treatment this money could provide. She took a step forward, her hand reaching out to claim the lifeline that lay before her.
"Not so fast, Natalie," he said, his voice dripping with a mix of authority and something more sinister. "Before you take this money, we need to discuss something."
Natalie froze, her hand hovering inches above the bundle. She turned to face him, her eyes filled with a mixture of hope and apprehension. "What is it, Mr Lucas? My grandmother's life is at stake."
A sly smile played on his lips as he leaned back in his leather chair. "I want something in return for this money."
Natalie heart sank, her hope fading into a sea of uncertainty realizing what he meant "What do you want?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Lucas' eyes bore into hers, his gaze filled with a hunger that made her shiver. "I want you, Natalie. I want you to spend a night with me."
Shock and anger surged through Natalie's veins, replacing her initial desperation. "How dare you!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with defiance. "My grandmother's life is not a bargaining chip for your desires!"
Lucas chuckled, his arrogance evident. "Think about it, Natalie. One night with me, and your grandmother's treatment will be fully funded. It's a small price to pay."
Natalie eyes blazed with determination as she took a step back, distancing herself from the tainted money. "No, Mr. Lucas. I refuse to compromise my integrity for your selfish desires. My grandmother's life is worth more than any amount of money."
Lucas watched Natalie, her refusal echoing through the room. He had expected her to succumb to his proposition, to trade her body for her grandmother's life. But her unwavering morality intrigued him.
A sinister and creepy smile crept across his face, and he began to slowly cross the room, his gaze fixed on Natalie. Fear gripped her as she took a step back, bumping into the wall behind her. She knew there was no escape.
"Get away from me, Mr Lucas! This isn't right. You can't force me to be with you," Natalie pleaded, her voice trembling with fear.
Stopping just inches before her, he leaned in, his breath cold against her cheek. The room seemed to grow smaller, suffocating her as she faced him.