**A Darker Proposal**

As Mr. Jenkins' eyes seemed to gleam with a different kind of interest, Sophie felt a shiver run down her spine. The warmth and kindness she had grown accustomed to in his presence now seemed to be a facade, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. "Ah, Sophie, I think we can come to some sort of arrangement," he said, his voice taking on a sly tone. "But I need to see you in a different light, so to speak." Sophie's instincts screamed at her to get out of there, but her legs seemed rooted to the spot. Mr. Jenkins leaned back in his chair, his eyes roving over her body in a way that made her skin crawl. "I think it's time we dropped the formalities, don't you, Sophie?" he said, his voice dripping with innuendo. "Why don't you just get undressed? I think it would be much easier to discuss the... details of our arrangement if you're more... comfortable." Sophie's mind reeled in horror as Mr. Jenkins' eyes seemed to bore into her skin. She felt a wave of revulsion wash over her, and her body began to tremble with fear. "Wh-what are you talking about?" she stuttered, trying to keep her voice steady. Mr. Jenkins chuckled, a low, menacing sound. "Oh, come now, Sophie. I'm not as old as I seem. I know exactly what I'm talking about. And I think you do too." He leaned forward, his eyes glinting with a lecherous light. "I've been watching you, Sophie. I've seen the way you move, the way you smile. And I think you'd be perfect for this little arrangement of mine." Sophie's skin crawled as Mr. Jenkins' gaze seemed to strip her bare. She knew she had to get out of there, and fast. But as she turned to make a hasty exit, she realized that her feet seemed rooted to the spot. The room seemed to spin around her, and Sophie felt like she was trapped in a nightmare from which she couldn't wake up. She knew she had to escape, but Mr. Jenkins' words seemed to echo in her mind, making her feel like she was frozen in terror. With a surge of adrenaline, Sophie turned and ran, not stopping until she was back in the safety of her apartment, the door locked and bolted behind her. She leaned against the door, her heart pounding in her chest, and knew that she had to get out of there, and fast. She couldn't stay in a place where the landlord was willing to exploit her in such a way. But where could she go? And what would happen to her if she stayed? The questions swirled in her mind as she tried to catch her breath.