Chapter 39: deals

David, his pride wounded, retreated, maintaining a wary distance between them. "How dare you slap me?" he demanded, indignation dripping from his voice.

Celine's lips curled in disgust, a reflection of her inner turmoil. "And how dare you think it's okay to touch me without my consent?" she fired back, drawing on her experiences of such violations.

David let out a cruel laugh, devoid of any humor. "I'm doing you a favor, my dear.”

"You should be grateful," David continued, his smirk growing more sinister by the second. "With a little 'cooperation' from you, I can ensure you become a household name."

“That bullshit.”

"Don't you want the leading role?" David purred, his predatory gaze fixed on Celine. "All you need to do is give me a night of your time, and I'll ensure you're a star."

Celine took a step back, her fear palpable as she stared into David's eyes, venomous with desire. "I don't want your offer. I don't want anything to do with you," she said, her voice shaking.

David's smile