The Arrangement: Chapter 9

In my study, scotch in hand, I watch the fire. Tonight, Adelina’s at her grandparents’, giving me a rare moment alone.

Tiffany, my stepmother, is a complex figure. She’s great with Adelina, and for that, I’m thankful. But between us, there’s always been tension. She sees me as a threat to Aleksey, her own son. It’s clear I’m not her favorite person, but as long as she’s good to my daughter, I can live with that.

The flames flicker, pulling my thoughts to Tory. Clearing her debt was a move against my usual play, driven by something I can’t quite nail down. My father won’t be happy to hear what I’ve done. It’s a risk, stepping out of the shadows for something personal.

I’ve always played it safe, sticking to the shadows where I thrive. But with Tory, it’s different. There’s a pull there, something that’s got me stepping into uncharted territory.

In this life, you don’t get many chances at something genuine. I’m willing to take this one, see where it leads.

I settle behind the study desk and boot up my laptop. There’s this twist in my gut, a hint of being a stalker, as I pull up the app connected to the camera in Tory’s office. With her debt wiped clean, I’ve got no business keeping tabs on her like this. The right move is to disconnect the camera, cut the tie.

But I can’t bring myself to do it.

I catch a bit of conversation between her and Ty, who’s speaking in animated tones and waving his hands around. The sound’s off, so I can’t hear what they’re saying – it’s likely not important. Tory steps out, leaving the office empty for a spell before she comes back. I adjust the volume, turning it up.

There’s a stretch of silence, just the mundane sounds of the shop, until I hear her laugh. It’s a sound I haven’t heard enough, light and genuine, cutting through the silence like a beam of light. It’s beautiful, her laughter, drawing me in, holding me without effort.

I know I should shut it down, cut off this one-sided window into her world. But her laugh makes it impossible. It’s a reminder of what’s pulling me toward her, beyond debts or obligations. It’s real, it’s human, and it’s utterly captivating.

Sitting there, lost in the sound of her laughter, I’m struck by the absurdity and the gravity of my situation. A man like me, finding something close to peace in the simple sound of a woman’s laughter through a hidden camera. It’s a contradiction that would be laughable if it weren’t so damn compelling.

So I watch, and I listen, caught between the role I play and the man I might be, if things were different.

Ty and Tory exchange a few more words at her desk before Ty bids her farewell for the night. She springs out of her seat, grabbing a bag and heading into the employee bathroom, disappearing from sight.

This is where I should turn off the recording. What else could I possibly expect to see?

But I keep watching, hitting the fast-forward button until she’s back in the frame. She’s wearing nothing but a long tee shirt and panties, her shapely legs on display. My cock is pulsing to life, growing harder by the second.

She climbs into bed and looks at her phone for a few minutes before tossing it aside and reaching into the bag next to her bed. She pulls out something long and purple and I can’t believe my eyes. A grin spreads across my face as I realize she’s about to pleasure herself. I watch as she slips out of her panties and places the vibrator against her clit.

It’s all I can take. Matching her urgency, I undo the buckle of my belt and pull my pants down enough for my cock to jump out. My eyes locked onto the screen, I take hold of my length and begin stroking, the pleasure instantaneous.

I turn up the volume on my computer, her soft moans pouring from the speakers. I don’t know what she’s using for inspiration, but whatever it is, she’s soon thrashing back and forth, moaning and writhing.

“Maksim…”

I pause, my cock still in my hand.

Did I hear that correctly?

I rewind the recording, playing it again. Sure enough, it’s my name she’s moaning as she brings herself to orgasm. I grin, knowing she’s as much on my mind as I am on hers.

In tandem, we pleasure ourselves. Soon her back is arching, my name coming from her mouth over and over as I bring myself to climax. With a hard grunt, I release at the same time she does. My eyes stay locked onto her body, my ears focused on her moans.

When I’m done, I clean myself off and close the laptop.

It should be enough. I’ve just come, which should quell my desire for the night.

But it doesn’t. I still want her, and only one thing will satisfy my yearnings.

After composing myself, I hurry downstairs, my footsteps echoing through the expanse of my home. I grab my keys, throw on my coat, and head out into the night.

Before the sun rises, Tory will be mine.