Harry and Arianna - Chapter 2 - The Proposition

Harry and Arianna - Chapter 2 - The Proposition
"That has nothing to do with me!" Arianna spat.

"It has everything to do with you. Once the debtor skips town, the lender is still out of the money. In this instance, the next of kin is on the hook, and that means you," Harry explained cheerfully.

"I'm not paying shit!" Arianna snarled.

"You will pay it back or find yourself auctioned off to the highest bidder. I'm actually giving you a fair shake. Historically, we would've kidnapped you and sold you to recoup our funds; however, I'm giving you a chance."

"How much do they owe?"

"Upwards of $500,000."

Arianna snorted. "I don't have that kind of money."

"Well, you'd better get your hands on that money somehow, or that's your ass. Trust me. You don't want to be auctioned off; those animals aren't nearly as cordial as I am."

"How long do I have to pay it back?"

"Three months."

Arianna's eyes bulged out of her head.  

"I can't possibly pay that back in three months!"

"Your new car would put a nice little dent in the debt."

Arianna narrowed her eyes at Harry.

"What? I'm just offering a friendly suggestion. Also, tell anyone about this, and I'll kill anyone you blabbed your big mouth to."

"This is fucking bullshit!" Arianna yelled as she yanked her stilettos off her dainty feet. Harry chuckled as he watched the young woman curse like a sailor and fling the heels into the back of her closet. He couldn't help but acknowledge how attracted he was to her.  

"You know...there is another way."

"What?" Arianna asked suddenly.

"I may not have to auction you off, and I'll let you off the hook for the $500,000."

"This seems highly suspect, and I'm not popping my pussy in exchange. You might as well kill me now."

"No. I plan on paying off your debt and keeping you for myself."

"What the fuck does that mean? I hope you don't think I'm about to become a house slave or some shit!" Arianna spat.

"Goodness, no. You bring way more to the table than that. Essentially, you would be my partner."

"Partner as in...assistant to a hitman?"

"You're adorable. No, you would be my partner in the romantic sense."

"I'm sad for you," Arianna giggled.

"Why?"

"Are you really that undesirable that you have to pay for a girlfriend?"

"No, the women love me. In fact, they can't get enough of me, but finding one I want to stick around is difficult."

"And I promise I'll be one of them," Arianna insisted.  

"Don't be so negative, Arianna. You can continue to live your life as normal without any major disruptions. You can still work at Elite SA, and I'll even pay for you to go to school."

Arianna's eyebrows quirked in surprise.

"Are you serious?"

"Yes."

"Am I expected to put out for you?"

"You won't be coerced. I'm sure you'll fall and give yourself to me eventually."

"What's the catch?"

"There is no catch. I find you refreshing, and I feel I would enjoy your company."

"And you're going to pay for my college tuition without the expectation of pussy?"

"That's correct."

"And if I refuse?"

"Off to the highest bidder you go," Harry sang. Arianna shivered in disgust.

"Do I have to move in with you?"

"Yes."

"I need a moment. Excuse me," Arianna mumbled. She pulled bedclothes from one of her dresser drawers and went to shower. Harry spent the time getting to know Legs.  

"Why the hell did she name you Legs? You're literally all ankles," Harry chuckled as the feisty munchkin cat nipped at his hand. "It's clear you dislike me, but I'm sure you and your mother will warm up to me eventually."

A few minutes later, Arianna exited the bathroom wearing an oversized t-shirt and shorts. Harry was still sitting on her bed when she climbed over him onto her preferred side of the bed. She snuggled underneath the comforter and closed her eyes.  

"Um...Arianna?"

"Hmmmm?"

"Are you going to give me an answer?" 

"Oh...right. I hope you're not allergic to cats. Hit the lights."



"So...what are your first impressions?" Harry eagerly asked once he had set Arianna's bags down in the foyer.

"Meh," she replied with an unimpressed shrug.

"Meh? Is it not to your liking? I can assure you my home is better than the shoebox you were living in."

"I don't mean to be rude, but I expected something...grander. You are a hitman, right? Don't you guys make good money?"

"I do, but it's called living under the radar. Trust me. I have properties all over the world that are grander than this," Harry explained.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend. It's the interior designer in me. Do you mind if I take a look around?"

"Mi casa es su casa."

"Thanks. Come on, Legs," Arianna said as she made her way through the bottom level of the home. The home had three bedrooms and four bathrooms and sat on an exact acre. Arianna was fronting when she told Harry she wasn't impressed. She absolutely loved his home. It had the perfect French Chateau design elements, boasting exquisite details, a dramatic architectural presence, and an organic indoor-outdoor flow, with light-filled interiors that revealed a gracious floor plan for entertaining. The finishes were top-tier, and Arianna appreciated the custom solid-wood doors, built-ins, and stacked-brick wall accents.  

Arianna's mouth dropped when she entered the kitchen. It was a chef's kitchen complete with an oversized island, custom cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. She was relieved to not have to cook in her tiny kitchenette any longer.  

She ventured outdoors and was awed by the park-like paradise. There was an extensive travertine deck, a water fountain, and an Artesia pool shrouded by endless oaks for privacy.  

She re-entered the home and traveled upstairs. She found a theater room and a well-appointed study connected to an exercise room with a full bathroom and a steam shower. Arianna toured the guest rooms and was thrilled to see she didn't have to make any significant design changes. The rooms were tastefully decorated, and she had to wonder if Harry had Amara Lewis design the interior.  

Arianna finally entered the primary bedroom, where she found Harry emptying her suitcase onto the massive California King bed. Arianna picked up Legs and flopped onto the bed with a heavy sigh.  

"Is it still a 'meh,' or does my humble abode have your seal of approval?"

"It's lovely. Who did you hire as your interior designer?"

"Amara Lewis."

"I knew it," Arianna scoffed.  

"Jealous?"

"Absolutely.  Amara's the best of the best in the design industry. I could never be her."

"You're right. You could never be her."

Arianna was a second away from siccing Legs on Harry when he interrupted her. 

"You'll never be her because you're supposed to be Arianna. Don't try to emulate her. What works for her may not work for you. The world doesn't need Amara 2.0. Give them an original."

Arianna tore her gaze away from Harry.  

"You're right. I just really respect her craft, and I look up to her."

"That's understandable. Which brings me to our next topic. I enrolled you in school. You start next week."