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Chapter 3: Meeting Fitz
Olivia awoke to find a slip of paper resting atop her dresser, bearing the name "Tony" and the details of their meeting. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized that her mother had orchestrated this encounter, leaving her to navigate the consequences of Maya's desperate actions.
With a heavy sigh, Olivia decided to delay confronting the situation and opted to wait until the appointed day. Two days later, she found herself standing on the platform of the T, subway station, the bustling crowd a stark contrast to the turmoil within her. As she boarded the train, her mind raced with uncertainty, her thoughts consumed by the impending meeting with Fitz.
Arriving at her destination, Olivia emerged from the subway station and made her way to the Grant building, an architectural marvel nestled in the high-end part of town. The sight of the towering structure filled her with a sense of awe, its sleek lines and modern design a testament to the wealth and power that resided within.
Entering the building, Olivia approached the front desk, her nerves tingling with anticipation. "I'm here to see Tony," she announced, her voice steady despite the butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
The receptionist glanced up from her computer, her expression impassive. "And your name?"
"Olivia Pope," she replied, her heart racing as she awaited the receptionist's response.
A moment later, the receptionist nodded and gestured towards the elevator. "Mr. Grant will see you now. Please, follow me."
As they rode the elevator to the upper floors, Olivia's mind raced with questions. Who was this Tony? What kind of name is that, anyway? It's one of the most common names in Boston, only losing to Joe. The anticipation gnawed at her, a mixture of apprehension and curiosity swirling within her.
When the elevator doors opened, Olivia followed the receptionist down a long corridor, her footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors. Finally, they reached a set of imposing double doors, where the receptionist paused and turned to face her.
"Mr. Grant is expecting you," she said, her tone clipped and professional. "Please, go right in."
With a deep breath, Olivia pushed open the doors and stepped into the opulent office beyond. Her eyes widened at the sight before her a spacious room bathed in soft light, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the city skyline.
Seated behind an expansive mahogany desk was a man who could only be Tony. He was tall and impeccably dressed, his soft curls and chiseled jawline adding to his aura of power and authority. His toned body, not even concealed by the impeccable suit, hinted at strength and confidence. His piercing blue eyes seemed to sparkle with hidden depths as they met Olivia's gaze.
As Olivia entered the room, Fitz's eyes narrowed slightly, the color shifting from piercing blue to a stormy gray as his gaze swept over her with a mix of appraisal and interest. He had never needed to pay for the company of a woman before women had always thrown themselves at him willingly, drawn to his charm and charisma.
But there was something different about Olivia a quiet strength and resilience that intrigued him, a challenge that he found himself drawn to. She exuded confidence and elegance, her chocolate skin glowing in the soft light of the office. Her doe eyes held a captivating allure, her plump lips subtly beckoning to him, and he couldn't help but imagine the myriad of pleasures they could provide. She was much more beautiful than he had anticipated, a realization that stirred a deep sense of satisfaction within him. It was clear that he was paying for beauty, and he couldn't deny the thrill of anticipation that coursed through him at the thought of what lay ahead.
"Welcome, Olivia," Fitz said, his voice smooth and velvety. "I'm glad you could make it. My name is Fitzgerald Grant." He extended his hand in greeting. "Please, have a seat."
Olivia hesitated for a moment before taking the proffered hand and lowering herself into the chair opposite him. "I'm here to see Tony," she said, voice steady despite the nerves that fluttered in her stomach.
She wouldn't be this fortunate, would she? That man appeared ready to guide her into womanhood.If she was, at least he would be easy on the eyes amidst everything.
Fitz's lips curved into a faint smile. "I'm Tony, Olivia. Fitz is just my legal name. But please, let's get down to business."
Fitz leaned back in his chair, his eyes lingering on Olivia's curves as he spoke. His thoughts drifted to the possibilities that lay before him, the image of Olivia beneath him, her soft skin yielding to his touch. He suppressed a smirk, knowing that she had no idea what she was in for.
Olivia remained silent, her heart pounding in her chest as she faced Fitz's penetrating gaze. His presence commanded attention, his every movement calculated to assert dominance. Despite her apprehension, she refused to let him see her fear.
Fitz's scrutiny intensified as he leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied her reaction. There was a challenge in his demeanor, a silent
invitation for her to challenge him. Olivia met his gaze with steely determination, her resolve unyielding in the face of his silent provocation.
The tension between them crackled in the air, each refusing to be the first to break the silence. Olivia's mind raced with a thousand thoughts, her instincts urging her to stand her ground against this formidable opponent.
Finally, Fitz's lips curved into a faint smirk, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes. It was a silent acknowledgment of the battle they were waging a clash of wills that promised to be as exhilarating as it was dangerous.
Fitz's voice cut through the tense silence, breaking the spell that had enveloped them. "Shall we get down to business?" he repeated, his tone smooth and authoritative.
Olivia nodded, her jaw set in determination as she met his gaze. She had come here with a purpose, and she wasn't about to let Fitz intimidate her into submission.
Fitz leaned forward, his voice low and seductive as he delivered his words, "Your mother entered into a contractual agreement with me to settle her indebtedness. I trust you are cognizant of this fact."
Olivia's breath hitched at the sound of his voice, a shiver running down her spine as the intensity of his gaze washed over her. She swallowed hard, trying to maintain her composure despite the unsettling sensation that engulfed her. "I am," Olivia acknowledged evenly, her voice tinged with resignation. Her heart raced at the mention of her mother's involvement, a mix of anger and frustration bubbling beneath the surface. She fought to keep her emotions in check, locking eyes with Fitz as she braced herself for what was to come.
Fitz's voice carried a refined air as he spoke, "Good, this relieves me of the duty to deliver disheartening news," Fitz stated his tone refined. "However, it's imperative you understand: this arrangement wasn't my initiative; it was entirely your mother's doing. Typically, I abstain from such negotiations; I maintain a roster of women available to me at all times, day or night. Women are often drawn to me."
Olivia's response was quick and firm, "I acknowledge it was my mother's proposal, yet you chose to comply. Your confidence is palpable, but rest assured, I'm not one of those women."
"If you agree to this arrangement, you'll find yourself in quite a different position," Fitz retorted smoothly, his gaze unwavering.
Olivia remained silent, her expression unreadable as she processed Fitz's words, her thoughts racing.
Fitz's lips curved into a faint smirk, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes as he observed Olivia's reaction. He admired her quick wit, her ability to hold her own even in the face of adversity. There was a fire within her that intrigued him, a strength that he found both alluring and challenging.
Olivia met Fitz's gaze head-on, her expression unreadable as she confronted him. Beneath her calm exterior, a whirlwind of emotions raged a mix of anger, frustration, and a hint of vulnerability. She refused to let Fitz see her weakness, to give him the satisfaction of knowing he had gotten to her. Instead, she held her ground, her resolve unwavering as she prepared to face whatever came next.
Fitz reclined in his chair, his stance unwavering. "In response to your earlier statement, if I resorted to violence against her or you, or tarnished her reputation, I would gain nothing in return. However, with this arrangement, I stand to recoup some of the investments I've made. Furthermore, I have a preference for experienced partners; virgins are not usually my inclination. Moreover, I do not condone non-consensual encounters. I anticipate mutual satisfaction in any liaison. Given that your mother initiated this agreement, I am under no obligation to fulfill her terms. The decision rests with you‚"you can fulfill her obligations or opt out altogether."
Olivia met Fitz's gaze with unwavering determination. "And if I choose to opt out?" she challenged, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.
Fitz's expression remained unchanged, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered Olivia's question. He admired her courage, her refusal to be swayed by his words. There was a strength within her that intrigued him, a resilience that he found both admirable and enticing. He leaned forward slightly, his gaze piercing as he locked eyes with her.
"If you choose to opt out," Fitz replied, his voice retaining its legal precision, "then I would have to handle your mother's situation through alternative means. However, I trust you're already cognizant of this."
Olivia's jaw clenched, her resolve hardening as she met Fitz's gaze head-on. Despite the uncertainty swirling within her, she refused to show any sign of weakness. She squared her shoulders, her voice steady as she prepared to face whatever consequences awaited her decision.
Olivia's brow furrowed, her concern palpable. "Are you suggesting you might resort to violence?"
Fitz's response was calculated, his tone laced with veiled threats. "I cannot say for certain. Perhaps I will resort to extreme measures, or perhaps I will opt for a subtler approach, tarnishing her reputation beyond repair. Picture this scenario: a prominent financial advisor entangled in a web of failed ventures, indebted to the underworld for a sum that cripples her credibility. Can she salvage her career after such a downfall? Perhaps I won't need to take direct action; she may bring about her own demise."
Olivia's breath caught in her throat, a chill running down her spine at the coldness in Fitz's tone. The implications of his words weighed heavily on her mind, the gravity of the situation sinking in. She struggled to maintain her composure, her heart pounding with fear and uncertainty. Despite the fear that gripped her, she refused to show any sign of weakness, her resolve strengthening with each passing moment.
Olivia's retort dripped with bitterness as she observed, "You seem to believe you're presenting me with choices."
Fitz countered, his eyes narrowing slightly, a hint of amusement flickering in their depths. "I'm certain you harbor resentment towards your mother for bargaining your virginity and your year-long sex life in exchange for her debt. Nevertheless, you still retain the option to walk away."
Olivia fell silent, her emotions churning as she absorbed Fitz's words. Anger and resentment boiled within her, fueling her determination to defy both him and her mother. Despite the fear and uncertainty that gnawed at her, she refused to let them dictate her actions. With a steely resolve, she met Fitz's gaze head-on, her eyes flashing with defiance as she contemplated her next move.
Fitz rose from his desk with a graceful fluidity, his movements exuding a quiet confidence as he addressed Olivia, "I'll give you a moment to ponder your decision. Would you care for something to drink? Water, coffee, or perhaps, given the gravity of our discussion, a bourbon?"
"A bourbon, please," Olivia replied, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness.
Without a word, Fitz made his way to the sleek bar nestled in the corner of his office. The bar was a masterpiece of dark mahogany, its polished surface gleaming softly in the ambient light. He selected a bottle of fine bourbon and poured generous measures into two crystal tumblers, the rich aroma filling the air.
Returning to his desk, Fitz handed one of the tumblers to Olivia, his eyes never leaving hers. "Do you require some time alone to deliberate?" he inquired, his tone soft yet insistent.
Olivia's heart pounded in her chest as she considered his question. The weight of her decision hung heavy in the air, the bourbon burning a path down her throat as she took a fortifying sip. "No, that won't be necessary," she replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.
She felt Fitz's gaze bore into her, his piercing blue eyes seeming to search her soul for the truth. "You see, Olivia," he began, his voice low and measured, "I need to be certain that this is your choice. I won't have you later claiming coercion or manipulation. This must be your decision, freely given."
A surge of frustration washed over Olivia at his words. "But how can you expect me to accept this willingly when I feel like I have no other option?" she protested, her voice tinged with bitterness.
Fitz held up a hand to silence her, his expression firm. "You have two options: accept your mother's agreement willingly, or decline it. I won't entertain any other alternatives. Now, do you require time alone to consider?"
Olivia hesitated, the weight of Fitz's words pressing down on her. "Can I have another bourbon?" she asked, seeking solace in the amber liquid.
Fitz's gaze narrowed slightly, a hint of exasperation flashing across his features. "Answer the question first," he insisted, his voice firm.
"No," Olivia conceded, her resolve hardening as she met his gaze head-on.
With a nod, Fitz returned to the bar and retrieved the decanter, pouring Olivia another drink before returning to his seat. "Since you don't need time alone to think, I'll await your decision here," he remarked, his tone even.
Olivia took another sip of bourbon, the liquid warming her from the inside out. "Can I have more?" she ventured, her nerves still raw.
Fitz shook his head, his expression stern. "No, you have a decision to make, and we don't want alcohol clouding your judgment. Two drinks are more than enough."
The silence that followed was palpable, the tension between them thickening with each passing moment. Fitz watched Olivia closely, his eyes flickering with a mixture of concern and curiosity.
Meanwhile, Olivia's mind raced, her thoughts swirling in a maelstrom of uncertainty. She couldn't help but find Fitz undeniably attractive, his piercing blue eyes and chiseled features stirring something within her. Despite the circumstances, she couldn't deny the allure of his presence, the way he seemed to genuinely care about her well-being. Yet beneath her attraction lay a deep-seated fear, a nagging doubt that threatened to consume her.
As they sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, Olivia couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. Would she be able to make a decision that she could live with? And what consequences would her choice ultimately bring? Only time would tell.
The minutes stretched on, the only sound in the room the soft clink of ice against glass as Fitz swirled his bourbon absently. Fitz watched her closely, his expression inscrutable as he waited for her decision.
Olivia finally spoke up, breaking the silence. "Will I have a say in anything?" she asked, her voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.
Fitz regarded her for a moment before responding, his expression unreadable. "If you agree, we will hash out an agreement," he replied evenly.
Olivia nodded, her decision made. "Okay, I'll do it," she said, her voice firm.
"Very well," Fitz said, his tone measured. "Now, we hash out our agreement. I'll give you a piece of paper, and you write down your requirements. Then, I'll review them and decide whether or not to accept them. By the end of today, you'll walk out of here with the agreement clauses finalized."
With that, Fitz handed Olivia a stack of blank sheets of paper, and she began to write feverishly, her thoughts racing as she tried to articulate her desires and concerns. Fitz observed her with a sense of amusement, knowing full well that he would likely only agree to a fraction of what she proposed. Still, he couldn't help but admire her determination to assert some semblance of control over her fate.