A Word of Praise
Chapter 11

Kiara felt like she was heading straight to a prisoner exchange that sunny Tuesday afternoon. A ring for a bag. Surprisingly, she was feeling more excited about it than scared. Their last encounter was interesting, to say the least. She had a blast seeing that bulked man caving to her, giving her phone back, and getting nothing in return.

She was hoping to get that thrilling sensation again. It felt like those times in her childhood when she took her father's weapon from its not-carefully-enough hidden spot and just held it in her hands, hoping the man didn't wake up from his lazy Sunday naps.

They had agreed to meet in the same spot as last time, the small parking lot in front of the cute coffee shop. She grabbed a latte to go and sat at a bench to wait for him. Turning the ring around her finger, she thought back on the moment she found it in that cluttered drawer.

She had brought the shining object as it was meant to be worn and was perfectly aware it would make him mad. Perhaps that was even one of her reasons to do it. The major reason, however, was her sadness in letting go of her prize. She always chose them based on instinct, relying solely on the connection she felt with the item at first sight. She just wanted to feel it against her skin a bit longer before letting go.

The Aston Martin parked in one of the vacant spots and Kiara checked the time on her phone. Seven o'clock on the dot. At least he was on time, and not one of those snobs who believed in the concept of 'fashionably late'.

He got out of the car without her bag and she began to tap her heels on the floor, wondering if he had a reason to leave it in the car. Maybe he didn't bring it at all. There was a real possibility that she would leave that parking lot empty- handed, but she would not let him go unscathed if that was the case.

"You are early" his tone was undecipherable, she couldn't even sense if being early stroke him positively or not.

"You are on time" She tried to give it back in the same tone, but it came out weird and she felt a bit stupid about her answer. Not the best start for her plan to show power. "Where is it?"

She smiled. That was a wonderful moment to get her leverage back. She extended her hand like a newly engaged bride showing off her big diamond ring to her friends. She paid close attention to his face, knowing he was determined to keep his emotions in check this time. It would only make it better when she saw him losing it.

To her utter frustration, not only did he not give in to anger, but he also smiled mischievously like she was right where he wanted her to be. Fucking hell, what was that man thinking?

"Good, you are in the right state of mind to hear my offer."

"What?" Not only was she losing the battle, but she was also absolutely lost in the conversation.

"Come, I'll get a coffee so we can talk." She wanted to argue, but he strode off into the coffee shop and left her hanging much like she had done to him the day before.

The whole thing was feeling awfully uncomfortable and Kiara thought about fleeing the scene. But then again, she wanted that specific pair of fake lashes that were inside her bag and costed a small fortune considering her limited budget. Once inside, he ordered a coffee and sat at a vacant table, dismissively motioning her to sit across from him. In clear opposition to what she first imagined, she was the one trying to control her rising anger. Did she really miss the mark that much on reading the man? She thought she could have some fun getting under his skin, but man, was she wrong.

"Where is my bag?" she crossed her arms, trying to get some answers from the man.

"In my car. You'll get it soon enough, provided you are a good girl" Good girl? That was an awful sugar-daddy talk, and she was not up for it. She knew her light skin was getting increasingly red with frustration, and she hated how he noticed. "What the fuck?" The only thing that kept her from screaming those three was her irrevocable aversion to making a scene. She was so against calling unwanted public attention that sometimes she questioned why she had become an artist in the first place.

"Don't worry, you'll catch up in a moment. I have a deal for you"

"We already had a deal, your ring for my bag"

"Well, I was getting the worst end of that deal. See, I didn't steal your bag"

"What's the deal?" She gritted.

"I need a girlfriend to accompany me during a small family vacation" If she was lost before, now she was absolutely clueless.

"What does that have to do with me?"

"You will be that girlfriend. Fake girlfriend, at least. I believe you have enough acting skills to make do, considering your line of work" "Are you insane?"

"No. You will do it." There it was again, that tone. She had to break that tone. No one should be allowed to order people around with that much confidence.

"Oh yeah? And what if I don't?"

"Then I must send you to jail for stealing."

No force in the world could prevent her jaw from dropping to the ground with his words. Was he serious? She lost that sense of safety she had around him before, noticing for the first time how much power he had over her. He was stronger. Physically, socially, economically. She was nothing in comparison, and she knew he could fulfill his threat if he wanted to.

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"Try me"

"Why me? I just stole something from you"

"You won't dare do it again. I'll know if you do❞

"I can't be your fake girlfriend! What the hell? I don't even know you"

"We have a month until the trip, we'll spend enough time together to get the details straight for my parents"

"That is not the fucking point! Why are you doing this to me?"

"I am doing it because I can." At that moment, enlightenment came upon Kiara's mind and she saw clearly for the first time since he began that crazy talk about a fake girlfriend and jail.

It was an all-is-lost moment, and she saw clearly for the first time since the beginning of their conversation. She understood the cards that had been dealt with a clarity she didn't think was possible in such a stressful situation. It was either complying with his demands or going to jail.

She took out the ring and placed it on the table.

"Fine. Call in the cops."