"The contract."
I've heard the rumors about Richard Blackwood, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to get caught up in anything else he had to offer.
"What do you want from me?" I ask, the question burning my throat.
Richard studies me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "You're a medical student." He sets down his mug, his eyes meeting mine. "A smart one. One with potential. With drive."
I shake my head slightly, confusion swirling through me. "I don't understand."
Richard leans forward slightly, his voice dropping lower. "I have need of someone with your skills and discretion."
The implication hangs in the air between us, heavy with unspoken meaning. I've heard the rumors about what goes on in the upper floors of Rhapsody, about the things Richard Blackwood is involved in, about the lines he's willing to cross.
I've never wanted to be involved in any of it before.
Now, I'm not so sure I have a choice.
"What exactly are you asking?" I say, my voice steady despite the fear coiling in my stomach.
Richard's expression doesn't change, but something in his eyes softens slightly. "I'm asking you to consider an opportunity. One that would allow you to finish your education debt free. To secure your future."
"And in return?" The question burns my throat, but I need to ask it. Need to know what he expects, what he wants, what he's willing to take.
His voice is firm, certain. "Your skills, when I need them."
I stare at him, trying to process what he's saying. Trying to reconcile it with everything I've worked for, everything I've dreamed of, everything I've fought to become.
"You want me to be your doctor," I say finally.
Richard's expression doesn't change, but something in his eyes shifts slightly. "Yes."
"I need to think about it," I say finally, the words tasting like ash on my tongue.
Richard nods once, his expression unchanging. "Of course." He stands, straightening his suit. "But don't take too long. Opportunities like this don't stay open forever."
The words hang in the air between us, a promise and a threat wrapped in one. I watch as he leaves, his presence seeming to take all the air in the apartment with him.
I sink down onto the couch, my hands shaking, my mind racing. This is everything I've ever wanted—the chance to secure my future, to guarantee my education, to build the life I've dreamed of.
But at what cost? What will I have to do? What will I have to become?
And what will it do to me?
I don't know. Don't know if I can do this.
But as I sit there, the weight of Richard's offer pressing down on me, I know one thing for certain.
Everything has changed. And nothing will ever be the same again.
I try to breathe but my lungs won't expand fully. It's like there's a vice around my chest, tightening with each passing second. I press my palms against my thighs, feeling the rough denim under my fingertips, trying to ground myself in something—anything—tangible.
Richard Blackwood wants me to be his doctor.
Richard Blackwood. The man whose name is whispered with equal parts fear and reverence throughout this city. The man who owns half of downtown but appears in no official records. The man whose enemies have a habit of disappearing without a trace.
He wantsme.
"Fuck," I whisper, the word inadequate for the storm raging inside me.
