The morning sunlight crept through the blinds of Mia's small Los Angeles apartment, falling in stripes across her slim bodycon gown. She sat on the edge of the bed, fingers gripping the phone tightly, waiting for it to ring. Her heart skipped when the screen finally lit up with her mother's name.
"Hi, Mom," she said softly, trying to hide the fluttering anxiety in her chest.
"Mia, honey! How are you doing? Have you seen any jobs yet?" Lauren's voice was full of warmth, but it carried the weight of worry, like every word had been measured to keep her daughter from panicking.
"Yes, Mom," Mia answered, forcing a smile she knew her mother couldn't see. "I've been searching. Layla's helping me."
"That's my girl," Lauren said. "I know it's hard, baby, but you're strong. Remember, life doesn't always go as we plan, but it always finds a way."
Mia swallowed, the knot in her throat tightening. Her mother's voice was soothing, but it reminded her of everything at stake. Bills were piling up. Max and Maverick were depending on her. Her father's accident had stripped away their stability. And now, Mia had to step into a world she barely knew, one where mistakes could cost her more than just a job.
"I'll be okay, Mom. I promise," she whispered, though the words felt small compared to the weight on her shoulders.
"I know you will, baby. Just remember to take care of yourself too," Lauren replied. "We all love you, and we're proud of you. You've always been capable of more than you realize."
Mia ended the call, holding the phone close to her chest for a few moments before exhaling slowly. Her mind raced. Los Angeles was vast, bright, and intimidating. She had left Ohio with only a suitcase, hope, and the promise to make her family proud. And now, the next step was waiting for her—Layla's car keys, and a journey into the unknown.
Layla appeared in the doorway holding a small, sleek set of keys, her ever-present confident grin in place. "Here," she said. "Your ticket to independence… and chaos. Don't lose it."
Mia laughed nervously, taking the keys. The car was beautiful, black, polished, and intimidating. Just like the city it belonged to. She had never driven in L.A., but she forced herself to remain composed. One step at a time.
"Just follow the address Dean sent you," Layla said, waving a folded piece of paper in the air. "Short drive. Don't freak out. You'll be fine. Trust me."
Mia nodded, hands tightening around the keys. The city hummed around her—cars honking, people rushing past, the scent of fresh coffee and exhaust mixing in the air. She adjusted the mirror, smoothed the fabric of her gown, and started the engine.
The streets of Los Angeles were alive. Bright signs, honking taxis, people moving faster than she could comprehend. Every turn she took made her pulse faster. She tried to focus, tried to calm the fluttering in her stomach. Every red light felt like a pause in a movie she hadn't auditioned for.
When she finally arrived at the office building, she felt her breath catch. Glass walls stretched up like mirrors, reflecting the sunlight and the city's energy. This was real. She was here. Mia took a deep breath, straightened her gown, and walked toward the revolving doors, heels clicking confidently on the polished pavement despite the tremor in her legs.
Inside, a woman at a sleek reception desk smiled politely. "Take a seat," she said, gesturing toward the waiting area. "He'll see you shortly."
Mia settled into the chair, smoothing her dress over her thighs. Her nerves were alive in every fiber of her body. She fidgeted, adjusting her hair and tapping her fingers against her knee. Each minute felt heavier than the last.
And then she noticed him.
A commotion at the far end of the lobby drew her eyes. Roman. He was flanked by five security guards, holding a woman closely, lips pressed together in a kiss that seemed to command the entire space. Mia froze. Her heart thudded. She'd heard Dean's warnings, but seeing him in person, the way he carried himself, the authority and magnetism—it was something else entirely.
The older woman stepped back, and the security detail parted to let her leave. Mia felt a shiver run down her spine. That was Roman—the man whose reputation preceded him. Dangerous, controlled, and intoxicating.
An older secretary approached Mia gently. "Follow me, please," she said, guiding her through the long corridors. The office was modern, sleek, and intimidating, with floor-to-ceiling windows that gave a perfect view of the city below.
Mia's pulse raced as she walked. She was acutely aware of her own presence—her slim bodycon gown, the careful steps in her heels, the way her heart felt like it was trying to leap out of her chest.
Finally, they arrived at a large office. Roman was there, standing casually but impossibly commanding behind his desk. The woman from before was leaving, her eyes wary, but Roman's attention immediately shifted to Mia.
Without warning, he stepped forward. His hand rested on her waist as he pulled her slightly into a hug. The warmth of his body was intoxicating, his presence overwhelming.
"You got the job," he said, his voice calm but firm, leaving no room for argument.
Mia blinked, barely able to form words. "I… I did?"
Roman's eyes softened, but there was still an edge—control, dominance, and something else she couldn't name. "Yes. But I want you to meet me at the hotel by 10 p.m."
Mia's chest tightened at the command. It wasn't a question. It wasn't optional. And somehow, even in that instant, she knew this was the beginning of something she couldn't resist.
Her thoughts spun as she left the office, her legs moving automatically. She climbed into the car, the city lights of Los Angeles blurring past as she drove. Her mind replayed every detail—his touch, his gaze, the way he spoke with certainty.
By the time she returned to the apartment, her stomach was tight with anticipation. The hours stretched ahead of her like a countdown. 10 p.m. couldn't come fast enough. And yet, she couldn't stop the nervous excitement building in her chest.
Mia didn't know what awaited her at the hotel. She only knew that this night, this man, and the city itself had changed the course of her life forever.