Chapter 12

Iris paced around her room, nerves frying with every passing minute. The event of the morning replayed in her mind, Ryan's touch both cruel and electrifying. She felt a knot of dread in her stomach, knowing she had to face him again.

She had dressed as instructed, in a revealing outfit that made her feel more exposed than she had been working as a stripper.

The thought of stripping for Ryan filled her with both anger and resignation. This was her life now bound by a contract she couldn't escape and every day brought new humiliations.

A soft knock on the door broke her from her thoughts. It was Sarah looking uncomfortable as she stepped inside. "Ma'am, Mr Ryan is in his room. He asked for you."

Iris nodded, her heart pounding. Thank you, Sarah. You can go.

As Sarah left, Iris took a deep breath, trying to muster the strength to face whatever lay ahead. She walked to Ryan's room, her footsteps echoing in the quiet house. The door was slightly opened, and she pushed it open, stepping inside.

Ryan was standing by the window, the city lights casting a soft glow around him. He turned as she entered, his gaze sweeping over her outfit with an approving glint.

"You're here,"he said, his voice low. "Good. Close the door."

Iris did as she was told, feeling the weight of his stare. "Ryan, about this morning....."

He cut her off with a dismissive wave. "We don't need to talk about that. What I need from you now is simple. Show me what you can do."

The command was clear, and Iris felt a surge of defiance. She walked over to the center of the room, the soft carpet muffling her steps.

Iris was putting on red lingerie, a black patent leather stripper shoe with her hair let down and a matching red lipstick.

 She began to move, her body obeying the choreography she'd practiced in her mind, though her heart wasn't in it.

Ryan watched her, his expression inscrutable. She felt his eyes on her, every move scrutinized. The humiliation was almost too much to bear, but she pushed through, reminding herself why she was doing this-for her mother, for a chance at a better life.

"Show me more," he said sternly.

Iris gave a polite nod, as she began to move her body, this time to the rhythm of the slow song Ryan played from his Old Record Player With Tonearm And Cover Sound.

Iris slowly whined her waist as her hips followed, in a seductive way. She saw an office chair in his room, she walked around the chair as she stretched her legs across the chair.

As she finished, she stood there, breathless and exposed, waiting for his response. Ryan walked over, his gaze intense.

"You did well," he said, his tone surprisingly gentle. "But remember, this is only the beginning. We have an agreement, and I expect you to fulfill your part."

Iris nodded, her eyes downcast. "I understand."

"What about my proposal, is it a yes or a problem?" he asked, looking at the iris from head to toe.

"I will do it on one condition," she spoke softly.

"You are still giving me conditions"? Ryan barked, tightening the fist he had made.

" Let's hear it," he spoke calmly this time.

"I will still have access to the child after the contract is over, I want to still be a part of his life."

"That won't be a problem, as long as you don't act smart". He replied.

Iris gave a polite nod as Ryan's fingers brushed her cheek, a touch that sent shivers down her spine. "Good. Now, go to bed.

The following morning, Ryan left for the office early. 

The Kendrick Empire weighed heavily on his mind. He needed to prove himself, not just to his father, but to everyone watching.

His chauffeur, John, opened the door of the Black GMC Hummer EV SUV as Ryan approached. "Good morning, Mr. Kendrick."

"Morning, John," Ryan replied, slipping into the backseat. The drive to the office was spent in silent contemplation, his mind switching gears to the tasks ahead.

As they arrived at The Kendrick Empire, Ryan stepped out, adjusting his suit jacket, and made his way inside. The staff, accustomed to his presence, greeted him with respectful nods and smiles.

Luca Was waiting for him at the entrance of the executive suite. "Morning, Ryan. Ready for another day?"

"Always," Ryan replied with a determined glint in his eye.

They entered the elevator, the familiar ding announcing their arrival on the first floor. 

Lucas Placed the briefcase on Ryan's desk and took a seat. "We've got a busy day ahead. There are a few contracts that need your immediate attention, and your father wants to discuss the new project proposals."

"Let's get started," Ryan said, taking a seat and opening the briefcase.

For the next few hours, Ryan immersed himself in the work. Contracts were examined, proposals were carefully considered, and decisions were made with a keen eye for detail. The morning flew by in a blur of paperwork and meetings, his mind used on the empire he was set to inherit.

Around noon, Luca Knocked on the door, interrupting Ryan's concentration. "Ryan, it's lunchtime. Also, Emily's waiting outside. Shall I send her in?"

Ryan's lips curled into a smile. "Yes, send her in."

Emily walked in, her demeanor professional yet slightly anxious. "You wanted to see me, Mr. Kendrick?"

"Yes, Emily. Please, have a seat," Ryan said, gesturing to the chair across from his desk. "I wanted to get to know you better, see what you're all about."

They chatted for a while, discussing her background, her ambitions, and her plans for her role at The Kendrick Empire. Ryan found himself genuinely intrigued by her intelligence and drive. But beneath the surface, his thoughts were anything but professional.

"Emily, there's som

ething else I would like to show you," Ryan said, standing up. "Follow me….."