Prince Player(75)

She looks down at the contract. “Life,” she says, and I feel like an asshole. She goes back to reading, the moment lost between us.

What a stupid question to ask. I know she’s clearly not a doctor, though I can’t help but wonder why she’s doing this. From what I can tell, she’s normal, though very attractive and intelligent. I don’t know her at all though, and people have their reasons. It’s just another mystery I’ll have to unravel. I want to get to know the real girl sitting across from me, not just the girl she’s going to pretend to be. I don’t want her to be some slave that makes me happy. I want to own her completely, not just because I’ve spent money on her.

It’s a dangerous feeling, but I can’t help myself. She finally makes it through the contract and signs her name at the end before spinning it around toward me.

“Thanks,” I say.

“You’re welcome.”

She watches me as I start reading. I glance up twice before smiling at her. “Your turn to watch me?” I ask.

“Exactly.”

I can’t help but grin and she smiles back. “I’ve tasted my own medicine and it is bitter.”

She laughs. “A friend of mine used to say that a long time ago.”

“It’s a good one.” I flick the pen, twirling it around my fingers, an absent-minded gesture. “Go ahead and watch if you want. We might as well get comfortable with each other.”

“Good point,” she says, and puts her chin in her hands. “Don’t be shy, Ethan. I’ll just sit here quietly, judging and such.”

I laugh and shake my head. She’s clever and funny once you get past her nervousness.

I go back to the contract and begin to read.

The Syndicate

Herein, Ethan Locks (“The Client”) and Aria Taylor (“The Seller”) enter into a legally and emotionally binding contract with The Syndicate. Breaking of any stipulation, in spirit or in letter, results in a voiding of this contract. Consequences will be swift and merciless. Nothing protects a bastard, a cheat, or a thief.

The Client agrees to provide all basic needs to The Seller for the duration of the contract, here listed as One Month. The Client agrees not to harm The Seller without her consent. The Client agrees to allow The Seller to contact The Syndicate at least once a day, and The Client will submit to all inspections by The Syndicate.

The Seller agrees to obey The Client unless it risks her safety. The Seller agrees to do everything in her power to satisfy The Client. This includes but it not limited to sexual favors, housework, emotional comforts, public displays, gifts, and so on. The Seller is owned by The Client and is bound to do her duty.

The contract goes on from there, dropping into ever more legalistic jargon, but that opening is fascinating. It’s unlike any contract I’ve ever seen, and the bit about thieves and retribution is fascinating. The Syndicate is obviously a serious and professional group just based on their facilities, but this contract hints at something much more.

I skim the rest of it. Everything seems standard, laying out NDA clauses, liability clauses, and finally payment. The amount I bid on her is listed there at the bottom. I smile and turn the page toward her.

“Did you see this?” I ask.

Aria glances down and looks back up at me. “I did,” she admits.

“How does that make you feel?”

She pauses for a second, clearly searching for words. Finally, she says, “I’m not worth that much money.”

I stare, surprised. I didn’t expect that response, but it hints at something much deeper to her.

“You’re worth more than two million,” I say.

“Maybe,” she says, looking away.

I watch her for a moment then turn the contract back to me. I flip to the last page and sign it, not needing to read the rest of it.

That moment sealed it for me. I have to have this girl. I need her. I want her more than I could ever have imagined. Not just because I’m paying two million dollars for her, but because she fascinates me. The money is nothing. But her submission, her obedience, her genuine seduction... that’s worth it all.

Once the pages are signed, the door suddenly opens and the young woman steps inside. “Are you all ready, Mr. Locks?” she asks.

“I am,” I say, standing.

“Good. Please, bring that contract and follow me.”

I look at Aria and she smiles at me. “See you later,” I say.

“Yeah. See you.”

I smirk at her for a second longer then turn and follow the woman out of the room.

My heart is hammering and I don’t know what’s going to happen from here. I just signed that insane contract and now it’s official. I’m going to pay these people then take Aria home with me.