Chapter 5 The offer
DAPHNE POV
Fixing my phone was such a massive hassle, but I’m just glad I was able to get it done. I spent almost the entire two hundred dollars on the repair, and every single second I sat waiting in that shop was a burning reminder of my theft. If my mum ever found out what I did, I can only imagine the utter disappointment on her face. But it won't be a problem. As long as my plan worked, she would never have to know.
The moment I stepped outside, I unlocked the screen and searched straight for my gallery. The very first file sitting there was the video.
Killian King. The legendary Ice King.
The video was clear. Killian was hunched over a chair, driving a syringe straight into his thigh. I watched as he grabbed a second needle from his bag and plunged it into his arm, his chest heaving. Then came the moment my mic dropped, his head shot up instantly, his eyes bloodshot.
Killian King, you are so incredibly fucked.
I hurried back to the estate. The second I entered the maids' quarters, I spotted Lily heading outside. She was in her thirties with beautiful, long black hair, and she was one of the few staff members who was actually genuinely nice to my mum and me.
“Hey, Lily, can I ask you something real quick?” I called out.
She stopped, turning back to me. “Hey, Daphne baby, what’s that?”
“Do you perhaps know where the new boy is staying in the house? Mr. Richard’s latest son?”
Lily let out a soft laugh at my choice of words. I couldn't blame her—the guy had basically just dropped out of the sky and into the family dynamic.
“You have one hell of a mouth, Daphne,” she chuckled, shaking her head. “He stays in the east wing. I think it's the very last door.”
“Thank you!” I beamed.
“What do you want with him, anyway?” she asked, her eyes narrowing with sudden suspicion.
“Nothing much... bye!” I said quickly, spinning on my heel and running away before she could question me.
I headed straight for the east wing. The King mansion was so ridiculously massive that my legs were actually aching by the time I reached the end of the long hallway. Standing in front of the heavy wooden door, I took a deep breath and knocked.
Two full minutes passed. I kept knocking.
Finally, the door swung open.
Killian stood there.
His low buzz cut made the sharp angles of his face even harsher. Those piercing blue eyes settled on me without the slightest hint of surprise, his broad frame filling almost the entire doorway. The snake swallowing a rose on his neck disappeared beneath the collar of his black T-shirt.
Before I could even open my mouth, he started shutting the door in my face.
I jammed my foot straight into the frame, stopping it.
“Not so fast, Ice boy,” I said, flashing him a smug grin. I pulled out my newly repaired phone, swinging it triumphantly right in front of his face. “Remember the phone you smashed? Fixed it. Now, let’s see if you remember me?”
His hand shot out like lightning, trying to snatch the device, but thank God for my survival instincts. I jerked back just in time, hiding the phone securely behind my back.
“Don’t mess with me, cook’s daughter,” he said, finally speaking his first words to me today. His deep tone was so dripping with arrogance I wanted to smack the disrespect right off his face.
“Cook’s daughter?” I scoffed in disbelief. “Very rich coming from a guy who gets high before every game.” I literally stuck my tongue out at him just to piss him off.
The bastard didn’t even flinch. He clearly wasn’t having it.
“What do you want?” he asked.
This was it. My moment. The scheme was actually working, but I had to play my cards right. If I demanded too much at once, a guy like him might just call my bluff. I needed to hook him first.
“First of all, you’re going to pay me for keeping your secret.”
He let out a scoff, leaning casually against the doorframe. “How much are we talking about?”
“A thousand dollars monthly,” I shrugged.
He let out a defeated sigh. “Fine. Delete the video and get out.”
“Not so fast, Ice boy,” I smiled, tilting my phone. “That was just the down payment for my silence. Number two: I heard you’re a straight-A student. You’re going to tutor me until my grades are up by the end of the semester.”
He just stood there, looking down at me with an icy, unbothered stare that made a cold shiver run straight down my spine.
“You’re terrible at negotiating,” he said quietly, his voice dangerously smooth. “I don’t know how to tutor. Ask for something else.”
“Looks like you don’t mind your video getting out then,” I countered, taking a step backward into the hallway, trying to look like I was ready to walk. “Goodbye, King.”
“Fine.” That single, cold word stopped me. He didn't look angry, he looked like a predator calculating his next move. “You ask for a lot, cook’s daughter. What's the third thing?”
I tapped my foot on the floor, keeping my sweet smile firmly in place as I prepared to spring the last trap. “Fake date me until the end of the semester.”
Killian froze. The look on his face told me he thought I belonged in a mental asylum. He stared at me with pure disgust. “Why in the hell should I do such a thing? You must be out of your mind if you think I'd ever actually touch you.”
“Don't flatter yourself,” I scoffed, crossing my arms. “I don't want you. There's someone I like.”
Killian raised a dark eyebrow, a mocking glint in his eyes.
“If he sees me with the star hockey captain,” I continued, running my fingers lightly across his chest just to annoy him, “maybe he’ll finally notice me. You're just a prop, King.”
He instantly snapped his hand down, slapping my fingers away and glaring at me with pure venom. His massive ego was clearly bruised by the fact that I was using him as bait for another man. His brother to be precise.
“Done,” he snapped, pulling out his phone. “Your account details.”
I told him my banking info, and within seconds I received an alert on my phone. My soul almost jumped out of my body when I saw the money. He actually sent it.
Oh freaking lord, to be a nepo baby.
This is practically the biggest money I’ve ever had.
“Thank you! Seriously, this means so much to me,” I said, dropping my guard for a split second because of the shock.
Killian didn’t say anything. He was clearly not impressed.
“Uhm, about the fake dating thing,” I cleared my throat, trying to regain my composure.
“Can we make it more obvious at home? Maybe when... uhm, your brother is around?”
A knowing look crossed his face and he smirked. “And here I thought you wanted my dick.”
My cheeks blushed crimson at his vulgar words.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” I snapped. “Give me your number so I can send you details of how everything will go. And tutoring starts tomorrow. I’ll be at your door at 5:00 PM sharp.”
He silently took my phone, punched his number into it, and handed it back.
“One more thing,” I warned, sounding as serious as I can be. “Don’t think you can act funny with me. I know what rich kids are capable of, so don't you think you can get this clip from me unless I give it to you.”
He hummed in response, “Okay.”
How in the hell is he so nonchalant? It was creeping me out.
“Good. See you around,” I said, turning to leave.
“Does your mother know you’re like this?” His dead-serious voice stopped me.
I shut my eyes for a second, wondering what my mum would thought of me if she found out I was blackmailing someone. She’d hate me for this. But I wasn’t about to give this rich boy any satisfaction.
I looked over my shoulder, staring him right in his eyes.
“Does your father know you’re a drug addict?”
His face completely fell.
“That’s what I thought.” And just like that, I left.
Life is about to get interesting.
