Corporate Blackmail Pt. 04

Author's Note: This story is set in the fictional country of Nordland, a small island nation in the North Sea between the UK, Norway, and Denmark.

This story is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places described in this narrative are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

This is an abridged version of Parts 4 and 5 that I originally wrote -- I'm publishing these in order to complete this series. The changes I have made haven't affected the overall storyline but have improved the pacing.

Appreciate all comments and feedback.

HF

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"Yes, Minister... the North Sea Initiative will play a significant role in the long-term energy security around the North Sea region," Astrid said in flawless French to the French Energy Minister. She'd met the Minister several times over the past year in relation to other projects that North Sea Oil and Gas were pursuing, and she had found him to be a friendly and approachable man, but with absolutely no idea about details.

"And what do you believe to be the long-term potential for this project?" the Minister asked. Astrid smiled and answered his questions. Here, in this professional, corporate environment, she felt at home. She was at an EU-hosted European energy conference in Paris, networking and discussing the North Sea Initiative to the respective government representatives. At 5'8", with striking blue eyes and blonde hair, Astrid, the Vice President Strategic Initiatives at the Nordland government-owned North Sea Oil and Gas Corporation, cut an impressive figure amongst the crowd of overwhelmingly male conference attendees.

Clad in a stylish Hugo Boss charcoal grey pantsuit, paired with a white silk Equipment blouse and black leather Salvatore Ferragamo pumps, Astrid was the epitome of a sophisticated European corporate executive. As she conversed with the Minister, it was clear to not just him, but also to the other members of his party standing nearby, that she wasn't simply just an attractive, well-dressed woman, one of many who would hang on the fringes of the European Union political machine, but a confident and capable executive.

Her insights into the evolving European energy market and the energy issues facing the Continent, including Nordland, over the next ten, twenty, thirty years marked her out as one of the rising stars of the North Sea Oil and Gas Corporation. Several of the Minister's aides, waiting for him to finish conversing with her, surreptitiously eyed the attractive blonde woman standing in front of them.

It was only when their gaze drifted down to her left hand that they felt a twinge of disappointment when they saw the wedding ring, specially made by a specialist craftsman in Nordhaven, on her ring finger -- a gift from her loving husband, Erik, given over twelve years earlier, a promise for the two of them to love and be faithful to each other forever. Although they didn't realize it, the other items of jewelry she wore, a delicate gold necklace from Tiffany & Co. and gold stud earrings from Cartier, were also presents from Erik, the necklace for her birthday several years earlier and the earrings on their fifth anniversary.

However, the aides and indeed, the Minister himself, would have been stunned if they had realized that the confident, capable, and exquisitely put together female corporate executive in front of them had actually been blackmailed by an up-and-coming black American energy executive over the past several months. None of them could have imagined seeing her come apart in ecstasy on his black cock, nor thought that she would have willingly taken another black corporate executive to bed before engaging in a wild threesome with both him and her blackmailer. Neither would they have expected that she would turn over reams of confidential corporate files that would give Horizon Energy Solutions an edge in the competitive European market.

"The North Sea Initiative project holds immense long-term potential for both our corporation and the European energy landscape as a whole. With advancements in technology and a strategic focus on sustainability, we envision the North Sea becoming a cornerstone of the EU's clean energy production for decades to come," Astrid said. "How so? Can you elaborate?" the Minister asked, a look of puzzlement on his face.

Astrid smiled to herself; he really didn't have any idea about the details. "Certainly, Minister. Our project is centered around maximizing the utilization of renewable energy sources such as offshore wind and tidal power in the North Sea region. With vast untapped potential in these areas, we aim to harness the natural energy resources available to us in a way that minimizes environmental impact and maximizes efficiency."

The Minister smiled. "Thank you, Ms. Bjornsdottir, for your insights. It's clear that the North Sea Initiative holds great promise for the future of energy. We look forward to continued collaboration and progress in this important endeavor." He held out his hand to her.

"Thank you, Minister. We appreciate your support and look forward to working together to achieve our shared goals for a sustainable energy future," she replied, shaking his hand. It had been a good discussion, one that she had prepared for and achieved the outcomes she had hoped it would. On her mental conference checklist, she ticked off the French Energy Minister.

Her feeling of comfort disappeared abruptly as she saw a familiar, but certainly unwanted, figure in the crowd. She swallowed nervously, feeling a knot of fear and anxiety tightening in her stomach as Richard weaved through the crowd towards her. She had hoped to avoid the black man, especially in such a professional setting. It had been nearly a month since his visit to Nordland, and she had been relieved by the lack of contact from him since then, beyond the standard corporate communications between their two firms. Yet here he was, striding purposefully toward her with a confident smile plastered on his dark face.

As he approached, she realized there was no escape from him, not with the explicit video of their first night together in his possession that he held over her as leverage for her continued compliance in his twisted scheme of corporate blackmail.

"Richard," she greeted him in English with forced cordiality, her azure eyes betraying the barest hint of apprehension. What does he want? Why is he here? she thought to herself.

"Astrid," he responded smoothly, his brown eyes gleaming with a mixture of charm and mischief, like a snake viewing its prey. "What a pleasant surprise to see you here."

Astrid forced a polite smile, her mind racing with thoughts of how to handle this unexpected encounter in such an environment. "Yes, I'm here to speak at the conference tomorrow," she replied, trying to keep her tone neutral.

"Ah, yes, I heard about your keynote address," Richard said, nodding approvingly at the blonde executive. "Quite an impressive achievement, I must say."

Astrid's heart sank as she realized where this conversation was heading. She had hoped to avoid any further interaction with Richard, especially after the ordeal he had put her through back in Nordland during the visit by the Horizon executives. Yet here he was, inserting himself into her professional sphere once again. Will he ever leave me alone? Will this ever end? she thought to herself.

"Thank you," she replied tersely, her voice betraying a hint of irritation. How can I get rid of him? "Is there something you need, Richard?"

Richard's smile widened, and Astrid felt a surge of unease wash over her, a sinking feeling growing in the pit of her stomach. "Actually, I was hoping we could catch up," he said casually. "Perhaps over dinner tonight? I know a charming little bistro not far from here. Le Petit Bouchon."

Astrid's mind raced as she considered her options. She knew she couldn't risk angering Richard, not with the leverage he held over her. But the thought of spending another evening in his company made her stomach churn with both dread, but also with a twinge of excitement. She hurriedly forced herself to push down the thoughts of excitement. This man was a disgusting asshole, she told herself firmly.

Astrid felt the sinking feeling in her stomach grow even more pronounced as she forced a smile onto her face and acquiesced, inwardly cursing her predicament. Not again... she thought to herself. She'd just managed to get over the events of his visit to Nordland. It had taken her over a week just to let Erik touch her intimately in bed. What can I do? she pondered to herself, hoping for an answer, yet none was forthcoming.

"Actually, Richard, that sounds lovely," she replied, her tone strained as she struggled to maintain her composure. I really have no choice... not while he has that video... she rationalized to herself.

"Excellent," Richard said, his grin widening. "I'll see you there at 7:00."

Astrid's heart sank at the thought of spending another evening in Richard's company, but she plastered on a fake smile and nodded. "Sounds perfect," she said, her voice devoid of enthusiasm.

As Richard sauntered away, Astrid felt a wave of anxiety and guilt wash over her. She knew she couldn't keep doing this forever, but with him having leverage over her, she didn't know what else to do. The video would be the end of her marriage and her career if either Erik, her husband, or her employer, the North Sea Oil and Gas Corporation, ever found out about it. Resigned to her fate, she turned her attention back to the conference, forcing herself to focus on the tasks at hand. But deep down, she couldn't shake the feeling of impending disaster for both her personal and professional lives that lingered in the back of her mind.

*****

That evening, Astrid paced nervously in her hotel room, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting long shadows on the walls. Her heart raced as she dialed Erik's number, eager for the comfort of the voices of her husband and daughter, even more so in this worrying time. The screen lit up with their familiar faces as they answered the FaceTime call.

"Hi, Mama!" Ingrid's voice chirped in Nordic through the phone, her bright blue eyes shining with excitement at the sight of her mother.

"Hey, sweetheart," Astrid replied, mustering a smile despite the continuing unease gnawing at her insides at what she was about to do with Richard. "How was school today?"

"It was good! We learned about dinosaurs!" Ingrid exclaimed, her enthusiasm for her studies clearly infectious. The sight of her daughter's happiness helped dispel some of the anxiety in Astrid's mind.

"That sounds fascinating," Astrid said, her attention momentarily diverted from the impending dinner with Richard, a brief smile flickering across her face. "Did you have fun?"

"Yeah! And guess what? I drew a picture of a T-rex!" Ingrid exclaimed, holding up a colorful drawing to the camera.

"It's amazing, Ingrid," Astrid said, genuine pride evident in her voice. As much as she hated herself for what she was about to do, the sound of her daughter's voice reminded her of what she had to lose if she didn't go along with Richard's vile plan. "I can't wait to see it when I get home."

Erik's voice interrupted their conversation, his image smiling warmly at her from the small screen. "Hey, Asa. How's the conference going?"

"It's going well, Erik," Astrid replied, forcing a smile despite the knot of anxiety in her stomach. Her gaze flickering to her reflection in the mirror. She was dressed in nothing but a towel, her blonde hair still damp from the shower. "Just getting ready for dinner with some of the other attendees." Astrid replied evasively, unwilling to reveal the true nature of her plans for the evening. "It's nothing major."

Ingrid's face appeared beside Erik's again, her blue eyes wide with curiosity. "Are you going to a fancy restaurant, Mama?"

Astrid chuckled softly, forcing a touch of levity into her voice; nonetheless, the sound was hollow in her ears, as she realized the deception she was being forced to maintain. "Yes, honey. It's a very fancy restaurant."

Erik's brow furrowed with concern. "Are you sure you're okay, Asa? You seem a bit tense."

Astrid's smile faltered, her gaze dropping to the floor. Can he tell? she thought to herself. "I... I'm fine, Erik. Just a little tired, that's all."

Her husband's expression softened with understanding and Astrid felt another pang of guilt. He was always so supportive of her. "Alright, love. Well, have a good night, okay? We miss you."

"We love you, Mama!" Ingrid chimed in, waving enthusiastically at the screen.

Tears welled up in Astrid's eyes as she blew them both a kiss. "I love you both so much. Goodnight," she said, her heart heavy with a mixture of guilt, shame, and regret as she ended the call.

Placing her phone down, Astrid took a deep breath and forced herself to focus on the task at hand -- she had to get through the evening with Richard. She made her way to the bathroom where she used the hairdryer and brush to dry and style her hair. She then began her ritual of applying her makeup before dinner. With practiced precision, she brushed on foundation, concealer, and blush, accentuating her features with subtle shades of eyeshadow and mascara. She reached for her favorite lipstick, a luxurious red shade, and carefully applied it to her pink lips.

Next, Astrid turned her attention to the wardrobe, carefully selecting the perfect outfit for the evening from the limited selection of clothing she had brought with her for the conference. Fortunately, she had been to numerous conferences before and knew there was always a good possibility of heading out to dinner to network and discuss future deals.

Slipping the towel from her pale body, she chose a sleek black Diane von Furstenberg dress, aware that its fabric would cling seductively to the curves of her body and paired it with a matching set of lacy black La Perla underwear. She rolled a pair of sheer black Wolford stockings up her pale legs, fastening them to a matching La Perla black garter belt, and slid her feet into a pair of strappy Jimmy Choo heels adorned with sparkling rhinestones.

As she admired her reflection in the mirror, a surge of conflicting emotions washed over her. The revulsion she felt at the thought of being with Richard warred with the undeniable arousal that pulsed through her veins at the thought of sharing a bed with Richard again. It was a maddening contradiction, one that left her feeling both disgusted and strangely intrigued and excited.

With a heavy heart filled with reluctance over what she was being made to do, Astrid forced herself to push aside her feelings and focus on getting through the evening. Maybe this will be the last time, she thought hopefully to herself, but something inside her told her that this was far from the end. She took one last look in the mirror, adjusting her hair and smoothing down the fabric of her dress. Then, with a resigned sigh, she slipped her phone into her purse and headed out the door, steeling herself for the evening ahead.

*****

Astrid entered the cozy little bistro that Richard had selected, her heels clicking softly against the polished wooden floor. Her cool gaze swept the room until it landed on Richard, seated at a secluded table near the window. He looked up as she approached, his charming smile unwavering. The sooner I do this, the sooner I can leave, she rationalized to herself.

"Good evening, Astrid. You look lovely," Richard greeted her in English, his voice smooth as silk, a small grin plastered on his face. Despite the loathing she felt towards the black man, she couldn't deny that he cut a handsome figure in his suit.

Astrid offered a curt nod in response, her demeanor frosty and distant. She took a seat opposite him, her expression guarded. Alright, let's get this over with... she thought unhappily to herself.

"Cut the pleasantries, Richard. What do you want?" Astrid's tone was sharp, devoid of any warmth. This is just a transaction, a business transaction, she rationalized to herself.

Richard's smile faltered for a moment before he leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on her. "Straight to business, as always. I appreciate that," he remarked, unfazed by her clear hostility. "I wanted to discuss the upcoming agreement between Horizon and North Sea Oil and Gas. It seems things are progressing quite well on that front."

Astrid tensed slightly, her guard slipping momentarily at his choice of topic. He wanted to talk about business? "Yes, it's nearing finalization," she replied cautiously, not sure where this conversation was going to go. "Our board has approved all the conditions Horizon requested. The ball is now in your court" she told him. He smiled casually at her words. "Board sign off for us is now a formality, we should have it completed within the week."

Richard's eyes sparkled with interest as he leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "But I hear there have been some interesting developments at the conference you're attending. Care to share?"

Astrid's heart skipped a beat as she realized his true intentions. Oh, God... not more information... She had expected him to proposition her for another illicit rendezvous, not to pry for confidential information. She hesitated, her mind racing as she weighed her options. With a painful realization, she knew she had no other options -- not if she wanted to keep this all a secret from her family and the Corporation. Despite this, she still tried to play for time.

"What makes you think I have any information to share?" Astrid's words were laced with skepticism, but Richard merely chuckled in response, a little grin on his dark face.

"Oh, come now, Astrid. You're far too valuable to North Sea Oil and Gas to be left out of the loop," Richard countered smoothly, his gaze unwavering as it bore into her, causing her to flinch slightly. "Besides, we both know how this game is played."

Astrid's jaw clenched as she fought to maintain her composure. She knew the risks of divulging sensitive information to Richard, but the thought of defying him sent a shiver down her spine. Just give him enough, but not too much... she rationalized to herself.

"Fine," she relented, her voice barely above a whisper, as if worried anyone nearby would hear her. "The French Energy Minister mentioned potential regulatory changes that could impact European energy markets. It's still preliminary, but it could give Horizon a significant advantage over our competitors if we can implement these changes early."

"Come on, Astrid, don't be coy. I know you're privy to more than just regulatory changes," Richard pressed, his tone bordering on impatient, clearly sensing she was stalling.

Astrid swallowed hard, her palms growing clammy in her lap as she weighed her options. She knew she was treading on dangerous ground, but the thought of defying Richard sent a shiver down her spine. If only I could get my hands on that video...

"There have been discussions about potential offshore drilling sites in the North Sea," she began tentatively, choosing her words carefully. "It's a sensitive topic, but if Horizon were to secure exclusive rights to those locations, it could significantly bolster their position in the European market."

Richard's eyes gleamed with interest as he absorbed her words, a calculating smile playing at the corners of his lips. She felt a shudder of disgust and fear flash through her heart at the sight of his smile. How can I ever escape this...?

"Go on," he urged, leaning in closer towards her, as if hanging on her every word. His brown eyes were fixed on her blue ones, and she saw that there was no affection in them, only lust. Lust for her body and her knowledge.

Astrid hesitated, her stomach twisting with apprehension. She knew she was treading on thin ice, but the pressure of Richard's relentless scrutiny was impossible to ignore. At least while he held the video over her head. One day... she thought to herself. When the tables are turned, you're going to pay for all of this...

"There's also been talk of potential mergers within the industry, between EuroEnergy and Continental PetroSolutions" she continued, her voice barely above a whisper, as if she were worried about being overheard. "If Horizon were to gain insight into those negotiations, it could give them a decisive advantage over everyone else in the European energy market. We've done an analysis of EuroEnergy, and believe their financial projects are wildly inflated. Our assessment is that they are keeping this from Continental."

Richard's smile widened into a predatory grin as he absorbed her revelation, his eyes alight with excitement. She swallowed nervously, aware that she was revealing valuable corporate information to a competitor.

"Now we're getting somewhere," he purred, his tone dripping with satisfaction, and it took all of Astrid's self-control to suppress her body from visibly shuddering. "You have no idea how valuable this information is, Astrid. With your help, Horizon will be unstoppable."

Astrid's heart sank as she realized the gravity of her words. She had crossed a line she could never uncross, betraying not only her company but also herself in the process. What have I done...?

"I've told you what you wanted to know," she said, her voice hollow with resignation as she slumped in her seat. "Now leave me alone. Please."

But Richard merely chuckled in response, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that sent a chill down her spine.

"Oh, Astrid, you and I both know this is just the beginning," he replied, his tone laced with a veiled threat as if he knew she couldn't resist him. "There's so much more you have to offer, and I intend to make the most of it." Astrid's blood ran cold as she realized the depths of Richard's manipulation. She knew she was trapped in his web of blackmail and deceit, and there was no escape in sight. Why did I ever go out for drinks with him...? she thought bitterly to herself, regretting that foolish decision months earlier.

"And what about North Sea's potential partnership with the Danish offshore wind farm project?" Richard inquired, his voice low and insistent. It was clear he knew more than he was letting on.

Astrid hesitated, her mind racing as she weighed the consequences of divulging yet another piece of confidential Corporation information. She knew the implications of betraying her company's trust, but the threat of Richard's leverage, the incriminating video, loomed over her.

"There have been discussions," Astrid admitted reluctantly, her voice tinged with reluctance. "But nothing concrete yet. It's a delicate matter." She paused, her eyes lowering to the table. "Our CEO is planning to offer them 125 million Euros as the initial investment, spread over a five-year period. She's got a target return on investment of 12.5% over the lifetime of the project," she said in a defeated whisper.

Astrid's stomach churned with guilt as she watched Richard scribble notes on a napkin, her heart heavy with the weight of her betrayal. She knew that her actions would have far-reaching consequences for her Corporation, but she felt powerless to resist Richard's manipulative grasp, not while he held that video over her.

Richard's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he absorbed her words when he looked up at her. "Excellent," he murmured, his tone dripping with approval. "You've always been so accommodating, Astrid. It's one of the things I admire about you."

Astrid blanched and fought to suppress the surge of hatred bubbling up within her. She despised the way Richard manipulated her, but she knew she was trapped in his web of blackmail. If only this would end...

Astrid's blue eyes flickered with unease as Richard leaned in closer, his gaze piercing, as if he knew her thoughts. "Now that we have work out of the way... won't you join me for some dinner?" Richard's voice was smooth, his charming smile unnerving in its calculated warmth.

Astrid's mind reeled at Richard's proposition, her pulse quickening with a mixture of disbelief and dread. She had hoped their encounter would be strictly business, but Richard's ulterior motives were becoming increasingly apparent. First information, now dinner? Then what, sex? she wondered to herself.

She sat there stunned, her mind racing as she struggled to comprehend the gravity of his invitation. "Dinner?"

Richard's smile widened, his gaze penetrating as he leaned in closer. "Yes, an evening meal between two industry colleagues... who have shared more than just corporate secrets..."

Astrid felt a knot form in the pit of her stomach, a sickening realization dawning upon her. Richard's intentions were clear, and she knew she was in no position to refuse. I... I can't do this... she thought to herself.

"What do you want, Richard?" she asked, her voice tinged with a touch of desperation. "What do you really want from me? I've given you confidential information... for God's sake, I let you fuck me so many times... I even fucked Marcus back in Nordland... just like you wanted... what else do you want from me?"

Richard's expression softened, his gaze unwavering as he regarded her with a mixture of amusement and pity. "I've told you before... I want you to realize who you are... the real Astrid... not this corporate drone sitting in front of me."

Astrid's heart sank at his words, a bitter taste of defeat flooding her senses. She knew she had fallen prey to Richard's manipulation, losing sight of herself in the process. But even as she recoiled at the thought of succumbing to his demands, a small voice in the back of her mind whispered the unsettling truth -- perhaps Richard knew her better than she knew herself. No, stop it... I'm not like that, she tried to tell herself.

Astrid's resolve dissolved under Richard's unrelenting stare. "Fine," she muttered, the word slipping out like a surrender, which she realized it was. "Dinner. But that's all."

Richard's grin sharpened, victory gleaming in his eyes as he signaled the waiter. "Glad you see reason," he said, voice slick with satisfaction.

She slumped into her chair, fingers gripping the menu until her knuckles whitened. Anger, shame -- it all churned in her gut. No way out. He's trapped me.

The waiter, a trim man with a pencil mustache, glided over. "Bonsoir. Votre commande?" His tone was polished, but his gaze lingered a beat too long on Richard's casual posture.

Astrid stared blankly at the menu, the text blurring. How can I focus with him watching? "Le bar rôti," she managed, French flawless yet hollow.

Richard didn't bother with the menu. "Filet mignon. Medium-rare." English, blunt and unapologetic. The waiter's lip twitched at the English words, but he scribbled the order and retreated.

Leaning in, Richard's voice dropped. "How's Erik?"

Her spine stiffened. "Fine." Why ask? What's your game?

"And you?" he pressed, eyes narrowing. "Sleeping well?"

She looked away. "It's... complicated."

"Complicated?" He chuckled. "Or guilty?"

Her nails dug into her palms. "I can't keep doing this."

"You'll do as long as I say." His tone left no room for debate. "That video's not just leverage -- it's a leash. And you're learning to like the pull."

"You're delusional," she spat, but her voice wavered.

"Prove it." He leaned back, smug. "Tonight, I walk away if you say the word."

Astrid's breath hitched in the back of her throat. He's bluffing.

"But you won't." His gaze raked over her -- the heels, the dress clinging to her thighs, the faint outline of her garter strap. "Stockings, Astrid? For a business dinner?" he observed with a grin.

Heat flooded her cheeks. He's right. God, he's right.

"Show me."

Her hand trembled as she inched her hem up, revealing the black lace strap.

"Beautiful," he murmured, hunger darkening his face.

She dropped the fabric, pulse racing. "Now what?"

"Now," he said, he mouth curling into a little grin. "we enjoy the show."

*****

Richard awoke in his hotel room to predawn shadows and Astrid's tangled blonde hair across the pillow next to him. He considered waking her -- again -- but a full bladder dragged him to the bathroom. As he relieved himself, he smirked at the smudge of lipstick on his forearm. Her anal debut. Bet she's still sore.

Returning, he paused. Moonlight softened her sharp edges, almost making her seem... vulnerable. What if we'd met before Erik? Before all this?

He shoved the thought aside. She's a tool. A damn enjoyable one.

Climbing back into bed, he'd barely closed his eyes when warmth enveloped him. Blinking awake, he found Astrid's head bobbing between his thighs, fury burning in her azure-blue eyes.

"I fucking hate you," she hissed, then swallowed him deeper.

"Uhhh... fuck..." Richard groaned as Astrid twirled her tongue around the head of his cock as she bobbed her mouth up and down, her saliva coating the dark shaft.

"Yeah... that feels so fucking good..." he moaned, reaching down to grab her head, clearly intending to control her actions, but she wrenched free. "Shut. Up."

Her teeth grazed his tip -- a warning. Pleasure-pain seared through him until he came with a curse.

She swallowed, lips glistening with residue of his creamy seed. Richard could see the anger, turmoil and guilt reflected in her sparkling blue eyes and, as he lay there in his own post-orgasmic glow, he half expected Astrid to spit the mouthful of sperm into his face.

To his surprise, she swallowed the contents of her mouth and licked her lips clean. Her azure blue eyes now glinted with anger, hatred, and desire as she whispered "I. Hate. You."

But her legs were already parting under the sheets.

*****

Pinned against cold tiles, Astrid choked on steam and regret. "Harder, you bastard!" Each thrust drowned her guilt in raw need and arousal. But even then it wasn't enough. Not nearly enough for what's he'd awakened inside her.

Richard growled, dark hands bruising her pale hips where he held her in place. "Where?"

"Inside," she begged, hating herself even more. "Fill me."

He obliged, cumming deep inside her with a roar.

She came with a sob, thighs clamping around him. Disgusting. Perfect.

*****

Astrid stepped out of her X4 in the empty parking lot beside the North Sea Oil and Gas building, the sharp sound of her heels echoing against the smooth concrete. The crisp Nordic morning air bit her skin as she grabbed her work bag from the back seat. She'd skipped her usual run to get to the office early, hoping to tackle the mountain of paperwork waiting for her.

The North Sea Initiative was moving full speed ahead. The contract with Horizon was signed, and both companies were deep into the implementation phase. On top of that, she had a handful of other projects demanding her attention. Professionally, things were going better than ever. But her thoughts kept circling back to Richard. Whatever was happening between them -- if it could even be called blackmail anymore, not after that last night in Paris -- left her uneasy.

With a sigh, she locked the car. It had been two months since Paris. They hadn't been intimate since that night, but at Richard's insistence she'd been sending him confidential files from North Sea Oil and Gas. Lately, there'd been whispers in the industry about Horizon's aggressive moves in European markets. She couldn't help but wonder how much of that was because of the information she'd handed over.

Catching her reflection in the glass window, Astrid paused. The last few months had clearly worn her down. Her face looked thinner, her eyes shadowed. Was it just her imagination, or was it that obvious? Erik had mentioned she looked exhausted, and last night she'd snapped at Ingrid, something she never did. What would her daughter think if she knew the truth? That her mother was trading secrets -- and her body -- with a man like Richard? A Black man.

"Fru Bjørndottir?" The voice cut through her thoughts, and she spun around. Two men stood in front of her, their presence so quiet she hadn't even noticed them approach. "J... ja?" she stammered, a flicker of unease in her voice.

The older man reached into his coat and pulled out a small wallet, flipping it open to reveal a government ID. "Nordland etterretningstjeneste," he said. The Nordland Intelligence Service. "Could you come with us, please?"

Her stomach dropped. The NEJ--Nordland's shadowy intelligence agency. What could they possibly want with her?

*****

Astrid sat nervously in the small room, its bare painted walls seemingly reflecting back the thoughts, concerns and fears that swirled through her mind. The pair of NEJ agents had driven her from the car park outside her work to a plain building on the outskirts of Nordhaven. The drive had been in silence, further exacerbating Astrid's concerns. What was going on? Why was she here? What about Erik and Ingrid? Her job?

Deep down, Astrid knew she was in trouble. The NEJ simply didn't pluck people off the street, especially a highly respected corporate executive working for a major government-owned corporation without a good reason. With a sinking feeling, she realized this was due to her relationship with Richard. Oh, my God... what have I done... what's going to happen to me...?

*****

(One month earlier)

The headquarters of the NEJ was located in a squat, unremarkable building not too far from the Nordland Parliament in the center of Nordhaven. Inside, the small but dedicated staff of NEJ agents worked tirelessly to protect Nordland from both internal and external threats. The Director-General of the NEJ, Bjorn Petersson, looked more like someone's jovial grandfather, rather than the leader of a secretive intelligence and security organization.

Sitting at the head of the conference room table for a weekly update briefing, he turned his attention to Lars Sørensen, the Director of Operations for the NEJ. "What have you got for us this morning, Lars?" he asked calmly in Nordic.

Lars, a dour and serious man in his early fifties, stood up from his seat and made his way to the briefing screen at the end of the room. The other NEJ senior executives watched him as he picked up a controller and activated the screen. On it flashed up a picture of Astrid.

"This is Astrid Bjornsdottir, 37 years old, married with one child. Born and raised in Nordhaven. Attended the University of Nordland where she obtained a bachelor's degree in business administration. Subsequently, a master's degree in Energy Management from the University of Stockholm. No criminal or indication of extremist behavior. She is currently the Vice-President Strategic Initiatives for the North Sea Oil and Gas Corporation."

Lars paused. "We have reason to believe that for approximately the past four months she's been providing confidential Corporation information to this man." He pressed a button and the image on the screen changed to Richard.

"This is Richard Thompson, 49 years of age, divorced with no children. Born in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States, completed a degree in Business Administration from Moorehouse College and then an MBA from Harvard Business School. Some low-level criminal activity when he was younger, underage drinking, some minor drug possession, nothing too serious. He is currently the Vice President of Global Operations for Horizon Energy Solutions, a US based energy conglomerate."

"Corporate espionage?" Bjorn asked as he read the details in the file in front of him. Lars nodded. "That appears to be the most likely case. As you know, the Corporation falls under the remit of Section 12 of the Act, so we keep close tabs on the network activity. We detected some unusual downloads from Astrid's laptop several months ago while she was in New York at the Horizon office building. The download to a USB device triggered several red flags for us in the system. We have reason to believe he has possession of this material now."

Bjorn and the other members of the committee reviewed the material in the files in front of them. "And you think this Richard Thompson has convinced this Astrid Bjornsdottir to hand over this sensitive information?" Bjorn asked. He looked up and glanced at Lars. "How?"

"We're not sure of that yet, sir. We'd like your approval to continue our surveillance and, if necessary, detain her for questioning."

Bjorn pondered the situation for a moment. "Ok, continue your surveillance. I'll sign an authorization for you to detain her for questioning when you feel it is necessary."

*****

As she waited in the interrogation room, Astrid's mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions -- fear, guilt, shame, and the gnawing sense of unease that had plagued the back of her mind ever since she had first acquiesced to Richard Thompson's blackmailed demands. She knew that revealing confidential Corporation information was a serious crime, now she realized she was about to find out just how serious it was.

As the door swung open, a dour and serious looking man entered the room, his expression grave as he took a seat opposite Astrid. He wasted no time getting to the point, his voice firm and commanding as he addressed her.

"Astrid, you can call me Lars. I work for the NEJ" he began. "I'm sure you're aware of why you've been brought in for questioning," he said, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made her squirm in her seat. "We have reason to believe that you've been involved in the unauthorized transfer of sensitive information from the North Sea Oil and Gas Corporation to Richard Thompson, a senior executive at Horizon Energy Solutions."

Astrid's heart froze in her chest at the mention of Richard's name, a surge of panic coursing through her veins as she struggled to compose herself. She knew that her actions had put her company and her country at risk, but the thought of facing the consequences of her betrayal filled her with a sense of dread that she couldn't shake.

"Please... I... I can explain," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper as she met the agent's steely gaze. "I was... I was coerced into it. Richard... he... he had leverage over me."

Lars' expression softened slightly at Astrid's words, a flicker of sympathy in his eyes as he regarded her with a mixture of pity and understanding. But beneath the surface, he remained resolved, his duty to protect Nordland's interests outweighing any personal sympathy he might feel for her plight she found herself in.

"I understand that you may have felt pressured, Astrid," he replied, his voice gentle but firm. "But the fact remains that you compromised the security of our nation by divulging sensitive information to an outside party. We need to know the extent of your involvement and whether there are any further risks to our national security."

Astrid swallowed hard, the weight of her actions pressing down on her like a lead weight as she struggled to find the words to explain herself. Oh, my God... they know... they know... She realized that she had made a grave mistake, one that could have far-reaching consequences for herself and those she cared about. But as she met the agent's unflinching gaze, she knew that she had no choice but to face the truth -- no matter how painful it might be for her and her family.

Slowly Astrid started to recount her story. "It... it all began in New York when I was there for negotiations with Horizon..."

Two hours later, Lars closed his notebook and laid down his pen. Astrid sat sobbing in front of him, a ball of tissues in her hand. She'd revealed everything, the first night in New York, Richard's blackmail, her acquiescence to his demands, the subsequent passionate encounters, her falling deeper and deeper into the web of blackmail, deceit, and desire.

Without saying a word, Lars stood and left the room, walking into an adjacent room with a screen that observed the interrogation room. Bjorn was standing there, sipping a coffee. "I caught the last twenty minutes of that... pretty damning stuff," he remarked to Lars.

Lars nodded, a plan already forming in his mind. "Yes, it is indeed but I have an idea," he said. Bjorn looked at him quizzically. "What do you propose?"

"We can use her... her role with North Sea, she has access to Ministers and bureaucrats all across Europe and further abroad. This could be an opportunity for us to influence the energy sector across Europe." Bjorn thought for a moment. Energy security was a key concern for the Nordland government.

He gazed at Lars. "You want to bury her treason charge?" he asked. Lars nodded. "She knows that what she did was treason -- she'll do anything we want to avoid that, to save career, to save her family the embarrassment."

The Director General thought for a few moments and then nodded. "Ok, make her an offer." He paused, pursing his lips. "What do you propose to do with this Richard Thompson?" he asked.

Lars gave a sigh. "The information is already in Horizon's hands; we can't do anything about that. They'll have an edge, at least in the short term." He paused and then looked into Bjorn's eyes. "I'd like to remove Richard from the equation. Make sure this doesn't happen again to us. Or anyone else."

Bjorn gave Lars a steely look. "A US citizen. On US soil. The Americans are not going to react well to that," he told his subordinate. "We can do it, cleanly, no fuss. I have an asset available in New York at the moment," Lars replied.

There was a long moment of silence. "Ok, do it," Bjorn said. "Make sure it's clean. No witnesses." He turned to leave the room. At the door he looked back at Lars. "Oh, Lars... make sure he knows before the end." Lars nodded as he looked at the image of Astrid on the screen. She was still sobbing, her face buried in her hands. She doesn't realize how lucky she is, he thought to himself as he made his way back to the interrogation room.

*****

The dimly lit street was deserted as Richard Thompson made his way towards his car, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of his latest conquest. He had just left the apartment of yet another unsuspecting woman, a junior executive with one of Horizon's partner firms. She had become another pawn in his ongoing game of manipulation, desire, and deceit.

As he approached his car, he recalled how he'd walked her back to her front door after dinner. How he'd casually suggested a nightcap and she had accepted. How he'd pushed her up against the wall of the hallway in her apartment. How he'd hiked her dress up around her waist and her panties and pantyhose down around her knees. How he had thrust into her with a brutal force that sent shockwaves of pain and pleasure shooting through her body.

He had left her sprawled on the floor of her apartment; clothes disheveled. He knew the photos of her now safely recorded on his phone would ensure her silence. Yes, things were going well, he thought to himself as his mind switched to his next conquests, both personal and corporate.

As he approached his car, he thought about the latest package of files that Astrid had sent him a few days earlier. Not only had she turned out to be one of the best fucks he'd ever had, but she had also proven to be a goldmine of information. His reputation within Horizon and the wider industry was on the rise thanks to her confidential knowledge.

As he fumbled for his keys at his car door, a voice cut through the silence, causing him to pause in confusion. "Richard Thompson," it called out, the tone cold and unwavering. Richard turned, his brow furrowed in irritation, only to come face to face with a figure shrouded in the dim light of the New York street.

"What the hell..." he began, his words cut short by the sight of the small, silenced pistol glinting in the dim light. Fear clawed at his throat as he realized the gravity of the situation, his heart pounding in his chest as he struggled to comprehend what was happening.

Before he could react, the first shot rang out, the sound muffled in the stillness of the night. Pain exploded in Richard's chest as he staggered back, his body convulsing with the force of the impact. He fell against the hood of his car, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he struggled to stay conscious. This wasn't meant to happen to me, he thought to himself as he slumped to the cold ground.

As the darkness closed in around him, Richard's gaze locked with the cold, merciless eyes of his assailant. "Astrid Bjornsdottir sends her regards," the man said in flawless English, his voice devoid of emotion as he raised the pistol once more.

Richard's brown eyes widened in shock and disbelief, a flicker of recognition crossing his features. All he could say was a wheezing "N... no..." before the final muffled shot echoed through the night, the slug tearing through his skull as if it were tissue paper. His body went limp against the cold pavement, a pool of blood rapidly growing on the ground around his dead body.

With practiced efficiency, the NEJ agent quickly went to work, frisking Richard's lifeless body for any incriminating evidence. He pocketed his wallet, smartphone, and watch, making sure to leave no trace of his presence behind. It was a clean job, with all the hallmarks of a robbery gone wrong, with no one the wiser to the true motives behind Richard's untimely demise.

And with that, the Nordland agent melted into the shadows, disappearing into the night without a trace, leaving behind nothing but the lifeless body of a man who had ruined the lives of countless others and had thought himself untouchable.

*****

As Astrid strolled along the beach with Erik and Ingrid, the warm sun kissing their skin, she felt a sense of peace washing over her. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, the weight of Richard's blackmail and manipulation no longer hung heavy on her shoulders. The email from the CEO of Horizon Energy Solutions, informing her of Richard's untimely demise in what appeared to be a robbery gone wrong, had brought a wave of relief crashing over her, freeing her from the overpowering grip of his control.

Despite the contents of the email, Astrid knew better; she understood that the covert hand of the NEJ had orchestrated his demise, but she didn't care. For her, it meant liberation from the suffocating clutches that had bound her for far too long.

As they walked, Ingrid skipped ahead, her laughter mingling with the gentle lapping of the waves. Astrid glanced at her daughter, a rush of maternal love swelling in her chest. She had done everything in her power to protect her family from the chaos that had engulfed her own life, and now, finally, they could all breathe a little easier.

As the cool water lapped at her feet, Astrid exchanged a contented smile with Erik, a silent acknowledgment of the joy that came with the newfound freedom. Ingrid skipped ahead, her laughter echoing in the sea breeze, blissfully unaware of the tumultuous events that had shaped her mother's recent past.

The beach was dotted with families and friends enjoying the serenity of the day, and Astrid's gaze drifted toward a nearby cafe. A group of African migrants stood outside, new members of Nordland's increasingly diverse community, engaged in animated conversation, their vibrant energy palpable even from a distance. It was a scene that would have gone unnoticed in the past, but now, in the aftermath of the storm of unleashed desire and passion that had gripped her life in recent months, Astrid felt a flutter of something unexpected in the pit of her stomach.

She noticed a group of young African men playing football nearby, their shouts ringing across the beach as they kicked the ball backwards and forwards. As Erik chased after Ingrid, Astrid smiled as she continued her path across the sand, her thoughts reflective of the past and hopeful for the future. Her musings were interrupted by the approach of the football. With practiced ease, she stopped the ball with her foot and picked it up from the sand.

A young African man in his early twenties rushed up, his dark skin covered with a sheen of sweat from the exertion of playing with his friends. She gave him a friendly smile and held out the ball to him. She said, "Here you go." He returned the smile and said "Thanks" in accented Nordic as he collected the ball from her hands.

She watched him run back to the game, her eyes tracing the outline of his lean, dark form for a few more seconds before she turned her attention back to her husband and daughter who were still splashing and chasing each other in the water.

Eventually Erik returned to her as Ingrid started to collect shells on the beach. "You're looking relaxed today" he said to her with a grin. She smiled back. "Just feel like this is the beginning of a new start... the Horizon deal is done... Anna's promised me some time off... it's been a pretty challenging couple of months."

Erik nodded. "I know. We've seen how much you've been pushing yourself lately," he told her.

She reached down and held his hand. "That's over now... let's focus on us," she replied with a warm smile. He grinned back. "What do you say to a holiday then?"

Astrid cocked her head and thought about it. "Somewhere nice and warm?" she asked with a smile. Erik nodded. "My current project is about to wrap up... how about in a couple of weeks?" he asked.

"Well, the Horizon Project team that will be working with us on the North Sea Initiative are arriving next week. I'll need to spend some time with their project lead to get him up to speed on everything but then I should be free," she replied, her mind briefly flicking back to the evening she had spent with Marcus and Richard. She quickly pushed that thought from her mind and smiled at her husband.

"How about we discuss some locations tonight... in bed?" she said with a flirty grin as they continued down the beach.

As she walked hand in hand with her husband along the sun-drenched shore, Astrid couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the possibilities that lay ahead, both personally and professionally. She knew that the NEJ would call on her in the future, but for now, in the wake of Richard's untimely demise, she had been offered the chance for a fresh start in life, free from the shackles of his vile scheme of corporate blackmail.