Chapter 3 : Forbidden Proposal

Ava

Emma manages to pull off a miracle.

She gets me in, and not only that, but she insists on taking me shopping for a dress. The gown she chooses is a floor-length masterpiece in a rich, royal blue that clings to my curves in a way that makes me feel both elegant and vulnerable. The low back is definitely more skin than I am accustomed to showing, but I can't honestly say I hate it.

"Seriously, Ava, you look incredible!" Emma exclaims, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I twist and turn in front of the mirror, still getting used to the sight of myself in such a glamorous ensemble. "I don't know about incredible, but it's definitely ... something."

“Something” being that the price tag is worth at least two of my regular paychecks.

Emma rolls her eyes playfully. "Don't be modest. You're going to turn heads tonight."

I hope so, considering that's the whole point of tonight's excursion. Being added to the guest list of this event means I am effectively trying to become someone's sugar baby—a term I never thought I would use for myself.

Then again, I never thought my dad would be accused of murder, either.

Even though she offers to arrange for a hair and makeup artist to come in, I decide to tackle that part on my own. I need something to hold onto—a piece of normalcy amidst the madness that's consumed my life. If that means handling my own smokey eyeshadow and lipstick, so be it.

The hours fly by, a blur of anticipation and anxiety. Emma helps me with the finishing touches, her enthusiasm, and support are a lifeline I desperately need.

The final result surprises even me.

"Good luck, Ava. You've got this," she says with a reassuring smile.

I wish I had half her confidence in me.

And then, just like that, I'm on my way.

The car ride is a mix of nerves and second-guessing. I contemplate telling the driver to turn around, to forget about the whole thing. But then I remember the image of my dad, alone in that jail cell, and my resolve strengthens. I can't back down now, not when he needs me the most—not like Catherine.

Not when nobody else is in his corner.

As the car comes to a stop in front of The Beekman, I take another deep breath. I need to be strong, to keep my goal in mind.

“You’ve got this, Ava.”

I step out, the grandeur of the building momentarily taking my breath away. I've never been in such an opulent setting, and it's almost overwhelming. This is different from the mansion party I’d been to a week ago—a step up from even that.

The staff is efficient, escorting me to a rooftop terrace where the party is in full swing. I try not to feel out of place as I take everything in, scanning the crowd of people curiously. The view is breathtaking, the city lights painting a vivid backdrop to the extravagance around me. I'm handed a glass of champagne by one of the servers wandering, and I take a sip, willing my heart to settle in my chest.

I start mingling, attempting to project confidence even as I'm consumed by uncertainty. An older man strikes up a conversation, and we discuss a range of topics. I nearly convince myself he’s the one—the lucky guy I’m going to try to snooker into helping me in exchange for my company.

But just as I'm settling into the conversation, I hear a familiar voice.

"Ava, isn't it?"

Liam's voice sends a jolt through me, and I turn to face him. The hairs on the back of my neck stand, as heat scorches down my spine.

Emma's dad.

My mystery man.

Phenomenal kisser.

I offer a small smile, trying to suppress the shock of seeing him here. Emma hadn’t mentioned her dad was going to be one of the men looking for company—if she had, I might not have mustered up the courage to come.

"Yes, that's me."

The other man excuses himself, and I find myself alone with Liam. The tension is palpable, but he breaks the ice. "About the other night—I want to apologize. I had no idea it was you in there."

I wave off his apology, my nerves still on edge. "It's okay, really. It’s not the worst kiss I’ve ever had."

Why did I say that? My flirting falls a little flat when he just … stares, his dark eyes unreadable.

Awkward silence lingers for a moment.

Liam's presence, the memories of that kiss—it's all too much to handle while trying to maintain a composed facade.

As if sensing my discomfort, Liam clears his throat. "I'm glad we can put that misunderstanding behind us."

I nod, struggling to find the right words. "Yeah, me too."

He offers a warm smile that eases some of the tension. "You look stunning tonight."

I glance down at the dress, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "Thanks. Emma picked it out."

Liam's eyebrows raise in surprise. "My daughter has always had great taste."

Before I can reply, the conversation is momentarily interrupted by a passing waiter offering more champagne. I accept, hoping the bubbly liquid will calm my nerves. It's not every day you find yourself in a situation like this, and I need the liquid courage to get through it.

Liam's gaze remains on me as I take a sip, and I'm painfully aware of his scrutiny.

"So, Ava, what brings you to an event like this?" he asks, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.

I take a deep breath, reminding myself why I'm here. "I'm hoping to ... make some connections. You know, expand my horizons a bit."

He raises an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Connections, huh? Is that a fancy way of saying you're looking for someone to help you financially?"

I flinch, and his head cocks to one side.

Caught off guard, I stumble over my words. "I ... well, I mean..."

Liam chuckles softly, and to my surprise, it's not mocking. "Relax, Ava. You don't have to explain. We all have our reasons for being here."

I'm torn between feeling relieved and wary. I remind myself that I'm doing this for my dad, for his sake. That thought strengthens my resolve.

"Right," I say, straightening my posture. "Connections are what I'm after."

Liam's gaze holds mine for a moment longer, as if he's trying to read something in my expression.

The conversation continues, shifting to lighter topics. Surprisingly, I find myself opening up about my studies and my dreams for the future. Liam, in turn, talks about his own journey, from his humble beginnings to his current success. It's strange to realize that we share more in common than I ever would have thought.

As the night progresses, Liam's presence becomes a source of comfort in this unfamiliar territory.

He’s distracting me from what I came to do, but I can't seem to pull myself away. His magnetism is mind-blowing—everything about him screams power, and I’m struggling to keep myself packed neatly away in the box he’s trying to put me in.

Eventually, the party begins to wind down, and Liam glances at his watch.

"I should probably start saying my goodbyes," he says with a wry smile.

I nod. "Yeah, I should head out too."

The weight of my complete failure is heavy as his dark eyes meet mine again, searching. His lips press together, and I know he’s going to ask again.

I just don’t know if I’m going to answer honestly this time or not.

“Tell me why you’re really here—what are you looking for, Ava?”

I swallow hard, feeling my heart race as I lock eyes with Liam. The moment of truth has arrived—am I really going to take him up on whatever offer he makes? I can't help but think of Emma. What would she think? What would she say?

I take a deep breath, realizing that I've come too far to back down now. Emma had already offered me her dad’s money, and I had rightfully declined, but it’s harder to ignore him when he’s standing in front of me, asking point blank.

"I'm looking for help," I admit my voice is steady but laced with vulnerability. "My dad ... he's been accused of something he didn't do, and he needs legal representation that we can't afford. I came here tonight, hoping to find someone who might be willing to help us. Or, at least, pay me for my company so we can afford to help ourselves."

My face is burning at the admittance. Will he think less of me? Surely not, right? He’s here too, even though he’s on the opposite end of the spectrum.

Liam's expression shifts, his brows furrowing as he processes my words. "Accused of something he didn't do? What happened?"

I glance away briefly, trying to gather my thoughts. “He’s being framed, I think. It’s a complicated situation, but I can’t stand by and watch his life be destroyed. I’m doing whatever it takes to clear his name.”

Liam studies me for a moment, his gaze intense. "And you thought this event—this arrangement—would be a way to find that help?"

I nod, feeling the weight of my desperation pressing against me.

His silence stretches for a moment, and he takes a step to close what little distance there is between us… A wave of his body heat and intoxicating cologne engulf me. Warmth rushes to my face as heat seems to ignite all over my body.

I hold my breath, awaiting his response. Slowly his eyes trail over my body.

Finally, he speaks, his voice measured. "Do you know what men that come here would want from you in exchange?”

I felt my body tremble and he put a steadying hand on my back.

“I … I’m not sure.” I say uncertainly. "But, I don't have many options left at this point.”

"You know, Ava, this isn't how I imagined tonight would go,” he grumbled looking deep into my eyes as he trailed a finger over my jaw. “I was supposed to find some age-appropriate arm candy, but it seems I’ve found myself saving my daughter’s best friend from a massive mistake.”

"What do you mean?" I furrow my brows and try to step away but he presses me closer to him and it's all I can do not to melt all over him.

“I’m not gonna let these creeps here take advantage of your situation.”

“Then what are you gonna do?”

“I’m going to make you a deal … I’m going to loan you the money you need. No personal strings attached—”

“Wait, that’s not—”

“However, you are going to work for me after you graduate, to pay me back. I’ll take the money from your checks since I’m certain you won’t have it any other way.”

I feel myself go breathless as I gape at his smirk—at how sure he is that I’m going to take him up on it. I’m glad for the steadying hand he has on my back as my legs go weak with gratitude and relief.

“That’s… thank you,” I say, and find the strength to straighten my legs and finally take a step back. He releases his hold and I instantly miss the secure warmth.

My cheeks burn with embarrassment, and Liam scans my face again.

“I'll take you home.” His dark eyes dart around the room, and I realize that the party is beginning to wind down.

“No, I—I don’t want—”

“That wasn’t a question.”

I snap my jaw shut as he leads me by the elbow to the door and next thing I know I’m in the back of his limo.

The ride is silent and all too brief as I get acclimated to the feeling of being so close to him that our legs touch. As we arrive I reach for the door but he takes my hand in his.

“Wait for the driver,” he says, gently running his thumb over my knuckles.

I turn to say it’s not necessary and inhale sharply as he leans in, his lips brushing softly across mine. The kiss is barely anything, but my heart flip-flops and stumbles in my chest.

“Good girl,” he whispers as the door opens. He releases my hand and I hurry out of the limo.

It isn’t until I’m alone and in my building, walking up the stairs that everything starts to hit me—but the most important things keep pinging around in my head.

What just happened? He said no personal strings, but everything from the way he looks at me to the insistence on taking me home and especially that kiss … Everything about this deal feels extremely personal.

If it is, then how on Earth am I going to keep it from Emma?