HARRIET'S POV
My hands trembled as I picked up the pen from his desk.
"Go on, sign it," he urged.
I hesitated for a moment, but the thought of my father's life hanging in the balance gave me the strength to proceed.
I signed the contract.
"Are we going to do it now?" I asked desperately. "And I'll get the money right after... Right?"
He chuckled, a cold glint in his eye. "Take it easy, baby girl. You'll get your money, just like I promised. But on one condition."
"Which condition again?" I demanded, my voice rising.
He slammed his fist on the desk, making me jump.
"Don't you dare raise your voice at me," he growled.
I lowered my head, tears welling up in my eyes. "I'm so sorry," I whispered.
He nodded.
"Good girl. Now, the condition is that you obey all my commands. Remember, this is my territory, and I rule here. With that, you'll get what you want."
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. "I'm ready to obey," I said.
He walked over to me, his proximity making me feel uneasy. "Before we start, I have some questions for you."
"Has a man ever fucked you? Has a man ever touched you?" he asked, his eyes locked on mine.
I shook my head, his questions making me feel so uncomfortable.
He took a step closer, his breath whispering against my skin. He touched my lips, and I was immediately taken aback.
That touch was soft, it sent a shiver down my spine.
"Have you ever kissed a man?" he asked, his thumb rubbing against my lips.
I shook my head again.
"Harriet... have you ever touched a man?" he continued, his voice low and seductive.
I hesitated before answering. "Yes, but we just held hands."
He chuckled.
"You're so funny and boring. You don't even know what intimacy looks like."
I felt a sting from his words, but I tried to defend myself. "All I know is it's an act meant for couples. It can be beautiful, since it binds them. It's like... a newborn's breath."
He burst out laughing. "You've got to be kidding me, Harriet. That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard."
My face heated up with embarrassment.
"Poor you. You have no idea what we're about to do, Harriet. It would be fun taking you through this slowly."
"Slowly?" I repeated.
"You know what, it's almost evening. I'll have the maid prepare a room for you," he said.
I shook my head.
"No, please, I can't stay. We need to get this done so I can get the money."
"Are you out of your mind ? I told you to obey my every command. I don't repeat myself, so get that through your head," he raged and walked out of the office.
I knew I had no other choice than to obey.
*************************************
The kind maid escorted me to my room.
My breath was taken away by the room's opulence. It was larger than my entire apartment, and was adorned with expensive artwork.
Right at the centre was an inviting, oversized bed. The room literally had all that one would need.
The maid's warm smile put me at ease. "Why don't you take a shower, miss? I'll bring you a nightgown and dinner. You look exhausted."
I thanked her sincerely, returning her smile.
"Uhm… can you do me a favour?" I requested.
"Of course, señorita. What is it?" she replied.
"I really need to speak with Don Sanchez tonight. There's some unfinished business we need to discuss, and I'm worried about my sick father," I expressed my worry.
"I'm afraid that's not possible, señorita. You can only see him tomorrow, if he doesn't have any business trips scheduled," the maid said.
I couldn't hide my disappointment. "Okay... thank you."
As the door closed behind her, I let out a deep sigh and walked over to the couch.
"I need to get hold of this money soon to save Dad's life. I just can't bear the thought of losing him," I whispered to my desperate self.
"Papa really needs me."
I was completely lost in anxious thoughts when I received another call from Doctor Leo.
It jolted me back to reality.
Oh no. What again?
I took a deep breath before answering the call.
"Hello Doctor," I spoke, knowing very well he was going to talk about the money.
"Still about your dad, I gave him some medicine to ease his discomfort. He feels a bit better now," he replied.
"Uh… I wanted to ask if there was any alternative treatment other than surgery?" I hesitated a bit before asking.
"No, Miss Harriet. We need to get the procedure done, it is the best option. Without it, his condition will get out of hands and you know what that can lead to," he said firmly.
"Okay doc. I'll get you the money as soon as I can," I assured.
"Very well, Miss. Mr. Blackwood has a few weeks left so it's advisable we get surgery done immediately," he said and ended the call.
Don Sanchez was now my main concern. I thought he was going to fulfill his end of the bargain tonight.
However, things weren't going as I thought they would.
The maids words still lingered in my mind: I couldn't see him until tomorrow.
I couldn't wait that long. I needed to take matters into my hands.
I was going to find Don Sanchez myself and get this over with…