Jinx

“Open the damned door!” I yelled at him, banging my fist on the ebony surface which, of course, didn’t even budge an inch.

Ouch. Taking it out on a thick wooden door was not a good idea. Trust me. My throbbing hand can confirm. Guess I’m stuck here. Great great! I can’t wait to see what he has in store for me. Actually I can. But that would mean staying longer in the same room than this fucking perv’ and we all know how bad it turned out for me the previous time. Yesterday. In case you don’t remember I’m referring to the locker room’s incident. I ended up with a bruise on my cheek. And a hickey on my neck.

However, since he already took care of the hickey part tonight, maybe he has planned something else. Hope it isn’t worse. Like squeezing my balls or feeling me up. Wait! He had already done that too. So it can’t get any worse, can it? I don’t think it’s safe to ask. I turned over to face the-man-who-is-fucking-getting-off-by-pushing-me-to-the-limit-and-back, my brows furrowed in anger and a displeased scowl stuck to my face. As for the cunning bastard, he was perfectly relaxed, nonchalantly blowing small puffs of smoke slowly clouding the air, his legs elongated in front of him, his crossed feet lying on the coffee table. A cocky smirk across his red lips. This fucking asshole was enjoying himself! Damn! Can he get any more annoying? He’s fucking pissing me off!

“Sit.” He ordered and motioned to me to sit in the armchair in front of him, the one that Phantom had occupied earlier.

Yes, yes, your Highness. I considered a split second to stay defiantly right where I was but standing like an idiot against the door wouldn’t make all the crap that was sure to come more bearable. Being a bit comfy wouldn’t do me any wrong. Plus, the coffee table would be between us. Not that I’m stupid enough to actually believe that it will effectively stop him if he decides to make a move on me. Nope. But obstacles will slow him down. Definitely. I lolled in the pointed armchair, my back sinking in the black velvet, the soft material caressing my tender neck. I crossed my legs casually, my hands coolly resting on the armrests in a foolish attempt to hide how tense I really was. I shot him a dark glare when he leaned forward to crush his cigarette butt in the ashtray and planted his chin on his crossed hands.

“What do you want?” I asked stubbornly, shifting awkwardly in my seat because his blue gaze was riveted on my face so intensely that it felt like he was searching my soul.

“How rude! I’m quite disappointed that it took you no more than five minutes to forget your manners and reverted back to your bold self.” He scolded me with a falsely patronizing tone and I shrugged in response.

“Still I must praise you for the soapy innocent act you put up earlier. You almost baffled me. I thought for a minute that you would be able to control your hot temper. It would have been a first. But a little provocation sufficed to reveal your true colours. Tsk. It’s rather deceitful. Even if your offended expression and the fire in your eyes were priceless.” He whistled and a strange glint shone suddenly in his cold eyes making me shiver.

Baffled? Deceitful? Like I care about his opinion! Still. It means that this cold-hearted devil can actually feel some emotions! I would have sworn that nothing could touch him. Guess I was wrong. He just shows nothing. I gritted my teeth and pressed my lips firmly to ensure that I shut my big mouth for once. Don’t want to worsen my situation. I’m not cowering but hey, he switched from manic asshole to my boss in less than a day. He can throw me out without even a flick of his pinkie. And I gave him far enough reasons to do so. Crap!

“Personally, I would love to see more of your fight to the death attitude. However, as your employer, I must say that the little stunts you pull are not to my liking. In twenty-four hours, I saw you lose your temper already two times. One would have been enough to make a bad impression on me. But two…” He left his sentence unfinished, but the insistent look he sent me made his dissatisfaction fully apparent.

“Cut me a break!” I exclaimed, clawing my hands on the armrests. “Why do you use this against me? Shit! You were there. How can I not react when they throw such insulting comments at my face?” I let out bitterly, my cheeks flushed pink with indignation and my eyes opened wide in awe as I had never seen him wearing such a grave expression before. There was no teasing anymore and the air was full of silent tension. Scary.

“I don’t care about your explanations, Marcus. Whatever you may think, your acts are disgraceful towards this job’s ethics. As a waiter, you should have been able to let this kind of offences pass without a word. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can say to justify your stubborn attitude.” He pointed out cruelly, making my heart sink further in my chest with each one of his words.

Like he would have shut up if he was in my place! Don’t make me laugh! What a fucking hypocrite! Hell! He’s the type to beat the crap out of you were you to dare breathe without his permission. No doubt you would end at least at the hospital, if not in a coffin, if you tell him less than a quarter of what these so-called well-mannered upper-class asses threw at my face. Try it if you don’t believe me. By the way, I know a great burial spot. In a calm place. With many trees. Where the little birds chirp all day. Not that you would hear them in your state. Still. I wasn’t expecting that our little chitchat would take this shape. He really threw me off with this one. Yep. He actually takes his role as our boss seriously. Hard to believe but it’s business after all. He wouldn’t be so successful if he was an angel. Whatever. No way in hell I show him that he hit a nerve! I straightened my back and locked gazes with him, mentally getting ready to receive the next blow.

“As the owner, I can’t seriously have an employee ready to lash out on the customers for any reason work in one of my clubs. I’m sure you understand.” He stated, a creepy smile dancing on his lips, and put his hands down on his laps.

Hey, no surprise here. I knew what was to come. Though it still hurts the same. I gulped since I had some difficulties to swallow as my throat painfully tightened. I took a deep breath to erase the burning feeling spreading in the pit of my stomach, threatening to make me puke. Shit! Wasn’t I the one experiencing it, I wouldn’t have believed that such bad luck existed. Must be the voodoo tricks.

“So you’re gonna fire me?” I asked bluntly after a prolonged silence, my eyes on fire as I was fighting back my tears with all my might fastened on the blue ocean of his gaze, offering no comfort.

“It depends.” He teased with a cocky smirk, deliberately asserting that he held my fate in his hands.

Oh God! Seems like I’m in more trouble than I thought. However, I have no choice but to take his bait. If I could just crawl into a dark hole and disappear! No? Damn it! This kind of tremendous way out only happens in cartoons. What a shame!

“On what?” I inquired hesitantly, biting down nervously on my lower lip. A drop of blood dripped from the reopened cut and rolled on my chin. I stopped it with my finger and suck on it to clean it. His eyes were following every single gesture I made with great interest and when I stuck my tongue out to lick at my lip, the strange glint I had noticed earlier clouded his glance again. Eck! That was creepy!

“You’ll see. It’s only my first point.” He replied coolly, his smirk spreading wider.

“But...” I began to be immediately silenced by an annoyed sigh. He waved his index at me from side to side as if I was a disobedient kid. I rolled my eyes in response and swept some black strands from before my eyes.

“Don’t try my patience Marcus. You won’t like the consequences if you do.” His tone was imperial and for once I got the hint and kept silent.

Hey, I heard the not so hidden threat. I’m perfectly aware of what he’s capable of even when I don’t voluntary provoke him. What I still don’t know however is what he’s gonna do to me if I defy him consciously when he took the great pain of warning me against it beforehand. If I’m lucky he’ll just kill me slowly. If not, he’ll fuck me to death. Aw. Some things are better ignored.

“The second issue is far more serious.” He asserted formally, tilting his head with all the arrogance he could gather. I gave him a WTF look because I had no fucking clue of what was going on. Forgive me, I’m not a forecaster. Grrrr. He really loves keeping me on my toes, huh? Sorry man! I’ve got a good balance so I don’t give a damn!

“I don’t tolerate people lying to me.” He proclaimed as if I had committed an unpardonable sin.

“I didn’t lie.” I protested instantly. He ticked his nails impatiently on the leather couch and slightly shook his head.

“You did when you deluded me in believing you were someone else.” He retorted, taking still another cigarette from his packet.

God! Can’t he stop polluting my air? Does he want to die early? And no, I don’t care about his health. As long as he doesn’t drag me down with him, it’s his fucking problem if he has suicidal tendencies.

“Don’t make it sound like I tricked you. That’s not the case and we both know it. You only believed what you wanted to. I just didn’t correct you. Not that you would have let me, even if that was my intention, huh?” I fired back, the memory of yesterday’s events still bitterly fresh in my mind. And well standing proudly on my neck. He blew his smoke right on my face making me scoff my lungs out. Bastard!

“Don’t play with words. Not telling is the same as lying for me.” He clarified for stupid me.

“My bad.” I admitted, half-laughing, not quite sure why he was bitching like that. He chuckled and brought his cigarette to his lips. He inhaled deeply and blew the smoke to the ceiling.

“You don’t know when to stop, do you? It’s quite impressive that you’ve managed to go this far in age with being so totally oblivious of what’s good for you.” He lectured in a very ‘Hey, I’m a grown-up man while you’re still a kid.’ like way.

“You’re one to talk.” I laughed and he raised an eyebrow to get me to go on. “Well, chain-smoking is not proven to be the healthiest thing in the word. So you’re no better than me.” I explained, imitating his superior tone.

He stared a second at the stick cancer fuming between his fingers, and nodded as if to say ‘point taken’. Yep, we’re still two in the game. Don’t know for how long but I’ll go with the flow. He laughed frankly this time, running his fingers in his sandy blond hair, not messing it the slightest bit.

“You’re one hell of a cheeky brat! You’ve got an answer prepared for everything, huh?” He noted after a pause.

Obviously not. Or I would be the greatest genius on earth, which I’m not. Damn!

“Hey, I try.” I boasted with a cocky smile.

“Smartass.” Please? That sounded almost like a compliment. “Nevertheless, you’ve made a big mistake if you believed that you would actually be able to get off with cheating me. Trust is essential in professional relationships. Even more between lovers.” He declared, his unpleasant smirk back on his lips.

“I’m not your fucking lover!” I shot back bravely with a dark glare. He sighed and shook his head as if I was a lost cause. Which I’m not, thank you very much.

“I thought we were already over it.” He regretted with a false sad expression on his face. I bet even his puppy eyes are scary. Ew, imagining him with puppy eyes is kinda odd, so I’ll just forget about that. You should do the same.

“Well, we’re not. Get it in that thick head of yours.” I groaned angrily.

“Here I thought that you would be wise enough to drop the subversive act considering the amount of troubles you’re in! I advise you friendly to stop talking back to me.” He warned me with a not so friendly laugh. More like the crawly snicker of a mischievous witch.

Or what? You’re gonna gag me, huh? Bad idea! I’ll just shut up.

“Don’t push your luck too far! After the fusses you created, you effectively dared leading me on. Tsk. That alone is unforgivable. Not to mention you doing unauthorized extras beside your current employment. What am I going to do with you? You’re lucky I’ve taken a liking to you. Otherwise you would already be jobless instead of peacefully discussing your case around this table.” He insinuated, eyeing me up and down not wanting to miss the moment I would explode.

“A liking? Who are you kidding? It’s more like you’ve got a sick interest in tormenting me. Look, if you’re gonna fire me, spare me and do it already! Listening to your old hag’s grunting is boring.” I snorted sarcastically. He sighed again.

“You really are hopeless. Don’t you ever listen? I’m giving you a choice here. I may overlook your behaviour under one tiny condition.” He offered graciously but his carnal smile showing his pointy shiny teeth made goosebumps spread across my arms.

I shivered and shifted uneasily in my armchair while I was madly trying to figure out what the hell he exactly wanted from me. Apologize? Comply with his every word? Serve him in a tutu? Play a nostalgic song on a ukulele? Strip? Be his lover? Let him fuck me? Aw. Just stop thinking already. I told you already that I’m no good with riddles.

“Which is?” I asked the query that was burning my tongue.

“Answer my questions.” He let on but I was still in the dark.

I blinked. Could you be more specific please? I’ve already established that I can’t read your mind.

“Huh?” I gave him a dull look.

“Tell me everything I want to know about you. Satisfy my curiosity and I’ll let it pass.” He clarified with a triumphant smile.

Now that I think about it, didn’t he promise me that he had his own way to find information about me? The idea didn’t even cross my mind that questioning me directly was the quicker option.

“No way!” I refused categorically.

“Consider it carefully. You should be grateful I even gave you a choice.” He informed me, unbuttoning his vest to remove it swiftly. It landed on the couch next to him, where Lara had previously been sitting. Hope her drool won’t get on it.

“A choice? Grateful? You’re joking, right? It’s purely blackmail!” I burst out, steadying myself to appear composed. To tell the truth, I was starting to panic. He had set his own pace from the start and I lamentably failed to catch up and retake the upper hand.

“The way I see it, it’s the better deal you’ll get.” He corrected, gratifying me with a perfect business smile.

“Take it that way. I quit. I’ll find another job.” I yelled at him, jumping on my feet, ready to stomp my way out of here. Minus one tiny detail. The door is still locked. Shit!

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” He teased and I stopped dead on my tracks. I turned over, hands fisted on my wrinkled apron, and stared at him in disbelief.

“What? Why?” I inquired incredulously.

“If you pass this door right now, I’ll make sure that no one will employ you.” He guaranteed, nonchalantly caressing his thigh with the back of his hand.

“You wouldn’t.” I denied. A sharp look. He would. Damn it! “You’re the worst! Fine, what do you want to know?” I growled, sprawling back in the armchair which didn’t appear so comfy all of a sudden.

“Let’s begin with your family situation.” He demanded and my heart skipped a bit.

Time froze. I stared aimlessly without seeing anything. Shit! It’s personal! His hand landed on my shoulder and squeezed it gently. I looked up and meet a comforting gaze. Why? Why was he backing me up against a wall if he knew it would hurt me? He consoled me with a soothing smile and I took it. This time, it was a real smile. A genuine one. I hate him! Time unfroze.

“You’ve already read my file. There’s nothing more to say.” I mumbled confusedly, averting my gaze shamelessly to the door.

I turned bright pink when I realized how vulnerable I was. He was bringing down all my defences one by one, relentlessly attacking the wall I had built along the years to protect myself, to reach the core part of me I was hiding so well. At least, I thought I would be able to keep it locked. But no matter how hard I try, it seems I won’t be able to escape this time. I don’t know how but his scrutinizing look can see right through the shadows of my own darkness. I feel as if he’s going to eat me up entirely. And that frightened me to no end.

“I want to hear it from you.” He whispered softly, his hand reaching under my chin to turn my head back to him.

“I’ve been an orphan since I was five. I live alone. Happy now?” I slurred out sourly, my heart sinking in my stomach. His thumb slid back and forth on my jaw in an attempt to lessen the pain I was sure was radiating from my face.

“How did your parents die?” I sent him a pleading look, silently begging him to just drop the issue but his eyes hardened and I was forced to answer.

“They were shot. My father was a cop. He stuck his nose in the business of the wrong persons.” I articulated painfully.

“I’m sorry.” He said and he sounded sincere. What? He’s gonna pity me now? He’s as much responsible for my parents’ death as the penguins on ice floe. No need to apologize.

“Why do you work in a club?” He pursued, cupping my cheek with his palm. When I realized that I was leaning in his touch, I automatically backed away until I was out of his reach. He chuckled at my childish rejection and ruffled his hair with his fingers.

“It’s an evening job. It pays well so that I can afford to go to college. Nothing more.” I went on with an unconcerned tone. He nodded in approval, apparently satisfied with my reasons then seemed lost in an intense reflection for a few seconds.

“Why do you have to work? Did your parents leave you with nothing?” He requested and I fidgeted uncomfortably in my seat. I think I don’t like his own version of hide and seek. It resembles more seek and seek. Shouldn’t we have fun playing? Because I for one have no fun at all.

“They had just bought the house where we lived. Since the gore details of their assassination were reported in every newspaper, the estate agencies didn’t manage to sell it a good price. It barely covered their loans. There was no money left once the succession was taken care of. On my first year of college, I managed to get a scholarship thanks to my good grades. But it was in place of a girl who needed it more than me since she had to raise her two younger siblings alone. My conscience couldn’t bear the situation so I just forwent the scholarship. You know how it works. Since I refused it once, I couldn’t apply for it the following years. So I had no other choice than to support myself. I was lucky Greg hired me in the first place.” I babbled, a little bit ashamed to bring out my financial difficulties in front of a complete stranger to this sort of problems.

“It has been hard on you. You’ve gone through many things for a kid of your age. Many would have taken the easy way and neglected their education but you never stopped moving forward. You did very well.” He praised me and I flushed crimson. Stop taking me for a fucking kid, bastard! “I have one last question.” For real? Yippee yay! “Who is Ayden Phields to you?”

When he pronounced Ayden’s name, a flash of anger passed through his eyes. Huh? What was that about? Wait! Could it be jealousy? If so, it’s my chance to get even. I could use this to torment him a little. Hey, I’m not the bad guy here! He deserves it.

“The most important person in my life.” I exclaimed with a warm smile.

Did I overdo it? Hum. His lips pressed in a firm line and he clenched his jaws so hardly that I heard them crack. His eyes were sending daggers at me. Couldn’t hope it would work out so well. Hehe. That’s sooo great to watch him lose his composure. Even if it’s just a tiny bit. His mouth twitched in a scary grin. Aw. Either he’s imagining how to torture Ayden or planning to lock me up in a tower like the princess in fairy tales. Or both. I swear. I don’t know where these creepy suppositions are coming from. And no, being locked up in a tower is not one of my phantasms. I don’t know exactly what’s going on his head, nothing good for sure, but he did get the wrong idea.

“He’s my best friend. We kinda grew up together.” I blurted out at full speed and he visibly relaxed. That was close!

“You should be pickier about the people you trust, Marcus. He’s not the kind of person that you should keep around.” He scolded me and I couldn’t help but being hurt by his words. Okay, Ayden is definitely not an angel but he’s not a bad person either.

“I hope you realize that I couldn’t care less about your opinion. Who I befriend has nothing to do with you anyway. Since I got along with your pernicious agreement, am I free to go now?” I shrugged and stood up in the firm intention of going home this time.

I took a few steps and went round the coffee table but as soon as I brushed past him, he grabbed my wrist and yanked me backward. I yelped when I was knocked off balance and landed awkwardly on his lap. He caught my leg under my knee and threw it over his so that I was now straddling him, my back staunchly pressed against his chest. Before I could even flinch, he secured my arms and waist in a strong embrace, locking his fingers at the level of my bellybutton. Shit! He let me room to allow me to take short breathes, but not enough to wriggle out of his grip. A slight push sufficed to make my head lean against his chest and he rested his chin on my shoulder. I was forced to twist my neck in a rather unnatural and painful angle to get to look at him. A death glare would be closer to reality.

“Good. You’re slowly improving. You didn’t bother yelling at me and trying to struggle. Of course it would have been useless.” He remarked slyly, chomping on my shoulder through the fabric of my shirt. A cold shiver ran down my spine.

“Of course.” I snorted. “Care to tell me what’s happening?” I argued through my gritted teeth.

“Well, I can’t dismiss you yet. Business aside, we still have more pleasurable topics to discuss. I’ve claimed you as mine but I didn’t have enough time to let you know what it means to belong to me. Since you seem rather dense, I’ll try to stay to the basics.” He tantalized with his characteristic smirk and I just wanted to smack him. I would have were my hands free.

“No need to since I don’t plan on letting you own me.” I bit back calmly. Maybe I’ll try to convey the message in Chinese. The issue is… I don’t speak a word of Chinese. Crap!

“I don’t recall you have a choice in the matter.” He retorted dryly.

“Why me? I’m sure you have an army of minions ready to follow your every move and who would be more than happy to play along with your sick games. Just order them to resist your advances so that you can chase after them if that’s what turns you on. I don’t really get why you waste your energy with me, to no avail since there’s no way I give in to your cheap wooing. That won’t happen.” I boiled raggedly.

His body warmth was slowly spreading to my belly through the thin cotton of my shirt, sparking off tingling along my skin right under his arms. Contradictory feelings bombarded me as I was hesitant on how to react to the whole new sensations triggered by his touch. I felt almost cherished in his possessive hold and at the same time disgusted with myself to be that easy. This simple thought sufficed to drawn me in confusion as I wasn’t able to deny the safety comfort I was experiencing in his clench. I lost myself in the devil’s clutches and as much as my mind was condemning it and urging me to reject his entire being, a deeper part of me was heating up by his ardour and intensity. If that continues, I’m going to go crazy. Guess the paddled room will be for my exclusive use in the end. A light laugh ringed at my ears and my back vibrated with the chaotic jolts of his ribcage.

“You see Marcus, when like me you’ve achieved any goal you decided on, have largely enough power and money to make even your wildest dreams come true without any efforts, some may think that you’ve reached bliss. But as soon as the joy of such accomplishment wore off, life simply becomes boring to hell.” He exhaled on my neck a heavy sigh. Oh yeah, poor rich guy who has everything he wants to. He deserves all my sympathy. Just let me puke.

“Only taking up irrational challenges makes me feel alive nowadays. Taming a wild horse like you is a dare I can’t let pass.” He smirked, wrinkling his nose on the crook where my neck meets my shoulder. I groaned in indignation, slightly offended that he didn’t see me as anything but an unattainable item to pin in his lists of conquests. The wild horse fucks you!

“Why have I to settle for a pale imitation whose dirty soul can be purchase with cash when I can get the real thing which can fulfil all my desires and more?” He purred seductively in my neck, slowly tracing my jugular with the tip of his tongue. Is it me or the room is getting hotter as the minutes tick by? I trembled uncontrollably in response to his ministrations. Fucking traitor of a body!

“A diamond in the rough.” He added with a kiss behind my ear. “Pure.” Another kiss this time on my cheek. “Proud.” A nibble on my jaw line. “So deliciously naïve.” A bite on my ear lobe. “Cute in absolutely everything.” He began to fuck my ear with his tongue. Shit! It’s… wet.

Pause! Cut me a fucking break! Damn it! Fluffy animals are cute. Little girls with piggy tails are cute. Bunnies jumping freely in the grass are cute. But me? I was as cute as a frigging bear. Hey, I’m not referring to teddy bears here because they are cute. No, it’s more like I’m talking about a bear suffering from a drastic stomach ache after having eaten rotten sardines. Yeah, that bad. This man must have fallen on his head once and it created one hell of a mental disease!

“Who are you calling cute, bastard? You speak like a perverted old man!” I roared, violently wringing my neck to dislodge his tongue from my ear. My muscles were sore from being twisted to their limits for such a long time.

“You are so damned cute, Marcus! You just don’t know it quite yet. Makes me want to ravish you thoroughly each time my eyes fall on you. Since you’re still as innocent as they come, I’ll be the one to open your eyes to a new world of unsuspected pleasures. I’ll steal your everything and make you want me to the point of madness. You’ll crave for my touch. I’ll train you so that your body only reacts to me and you will love it. Every fucking instant of it. Even beg for it.” He whispered huskily, his hot breath caressing the back of my neck, between my hair and the collar of my shirt.

His words went directly to my dick, according to the pang of arousal that warmed up my nether regions. I must really do something about this fucking extra sensitivity. And fast. My body is as lewd as a whore’s. Think about ugly things. Huh? A bear. Throwing up all the content of his stomach. Smelly fishes in an advanced decomposition state. Eck. Disgusting. But pretty efficient. Panic was gaining at me but my brain was still in a good enough shape for me to stand my ground.

“Dream on! I didn’t ask for your wet dreams, ok? If you want a fuck toy, go to a club and pick up your perfect slut. One who will be entranced enough to accommodate your weird fetishes on his free will and who you can toss aside once you’re bored. I’m not at your disposal. Your power games only repel me. Plus, I’m not into men. Even if I was, one thing is sure. I. Don’t. Want. You. You and me will never happen, get it?” I argued vehemently, trying to control myself when a trail of butterfly kisses landed on my vertebras.

“I love the fire in your eyes when you’re infuriated. So much passion. It’s delectable. I’ve already told you that your futile resistance only excites me more.” He teased me, pressing me further against him. He chuckled when I flushed a little, disturbed by such an intimate contact. “Here you are, getting hard from a single kiss. And you dare say that you don’t want me? It’s hilarious. Your body is far more honest than you are.” He laughed at me and I turned crimson, ashamed by my own obscenity.

“It wasn’t just a kiss. You fucking squeezed my balls. Getting hard from that is a natural reaction for any man.” I snarled in desperate need of a justification. Even a stupid one. He sneered at my comment and sighed.

“You’re only lying to yourself. Well, if I follow your lines, you wouldn’t have gotten aroused if I had solely kissed you. Is that it?” He asked innocently. Fake! I could tell by his tone that he was up to something. I was walking on thin ice and the perspective of a cold bath was all but tempting, thank you very much.

“Yeah.” I confirmed unfaltering.

“Alright. Let’s make a bet. I’m gonna kiss you again. Just a kiss. I promise to keep my hands to myself. If you’re still soft when our lips part, I’ll let you alone and swear to never show my face in front of you again. However, if you’re hard, you’ll be mine for one night. You’ll go on a date with me.” He suggested, hardly hiding the arrogance in his tone.

“No.” I refused categorically. No way I’ll let his mouth approach mine again. Don’t know where it has wandered before. Well that’s not the real reason. I don’t bid when I’m not absolutely certain to win. And well, I doubt that I can beat this man at his own game. Not that I’m attracted to him. Nope. But you can never know with the voodoo tricks and all.

“No? Are you afraid of a little kiss by any chance?” He laughed at me, his brows raised, a foxy glint glimmering in the mirror of his eyes.

“I’m not!” I murmured hesitantly. “It’s my golden rule not to bet.” I added this time a tad more confident. Yeah. A golden rule I just made up like thirty seconds ago and so what? It’s already sacred to me!

“Come on! Rules are made to be broken. It’s probably your last opportunity to get rid of me for good and you would let it pass just like that?” He exclaimed as to defy me, running his thumbs teasingly on my lower belly.

“I don’t want to so drop it! Period.” I growled lowly. And no, I’m not afraid! Damn it!

“The thing is I’m going to kiss you whether it’s for the bet or for my own pleasure.” He specified, snuggling in my neck. “You should gracefully accept it and took advantage of it while you still can.” He admonished with a moralistic tone.

“I’d like to see that! I won’t be caught off guard like previously.” I sniggered arrogantly. Stupid me! Why did I have to defy him when he expressly told me that he loves challenges? Shit!

“So be it.” He concluded coldly. My blood froze in my veins. I’m so screwed!

I yelped when he flipped me over suddenly as if I weight no more than a feather, which I don’t by the way. This man is a fucking Hulk! Except that he doesn’t resemble a giant bean. And he’s not green. And thank god he’s wearing more clothes than a tiny towel wrapped nonchalantly around his hips to keep his intimacy, well, private.

My hands landed queerly on his chest to compensate my loss of balance and clawed reflexively on his shirt. It was soft. Silky. I think I scratched his pectorals in the process. Serves him right! Before I could plenty register what was happening, I was already kneeling on the couch, sitting uncomfortably on his laps, my inner thighs firmly pressed against his hard muscles on each side of his crossed legs. I spread my legs wider to stop hugging him so tightly but it deviously backfired on me as I slid further against him, joining our hips to my complete horror. Oh. My. God. Help!

I did the only logical thing in this kind of situation: turn bright red like an extra mature tomato, flatten my palms on his chest and push away in obvious aversion. That should have done the trick. Yeah that should indeed have if he hadn’t wrapped his fucking arms again around my waist a split second before, locking them in a vice like grip in the curve of my back, securely keeping me still. Leaning against him like a love-struck kitten would do. Argh!

I arched my back to peel my chest from his and shot him my darkest glare. If I had some kind of supernatural powers or extrasensory mental abilities, he would be dead by now. But you know what? Unfortunately, my eyes don’t shoot killing laser rays. I can’t make the cabinet crash on him with a flick of my fingers. And I can’t get into his head and mess with his mind until he loses it all. Not that this is required since he’s already as nutty as one can be.

As I can’t either declaim by heart an efficient curse that would get to change a human in a statue of sand, or salt if you prefer, it shouldn’t be so much different, just replace a few words I guess, I just restrained myself to what an average Joe like me does the best. I fisted the collar of his shirt and tugged at it, crashing my knuckles painfully on his collarbone, a few times, ripping off two buttons which flew down on the couch before rolling a few meters on the floor. That’s for my torn sleeve! Idiotic revenge because he, unlike me, must surely possess plenty of shirts perfectly folded in a neat pile in his dressing room. Or he can just purchase another one. Life is unfair! However, my temper tantrum didn’t have the anticipated effect. The bastard smirked. Damn it!

I raised my hand to slap him but it was stopped midway, one of his hand having left my back to close firmly on my wrist. His other hand grabbed my fist still glued to his collar and unclasped it finger by finger. I tensed my muscles to resist the movements he forced out of my arms but he managed to deftly cross my forearms behind my back. Restricting them crushed against my back with one palm, he slipped his other arm in the loop between my biceps and my side, sending prickles along my ribs, and imprisoned my two wrists in his grasp. He then slid his free hand on my upper back, tracing my spine with his fingers, and rested it between my shoulder blades. He gave a slight push to lower the distance between us, then a more solid one to defeat my stubborn opposition. When I couldn’t be physically any closer, his hand resumed its tickling travelling up my spine to my neck, and clenched on a few strands of hair. He used his hold on my hair to yank my head backward to grant him better access to my lips. He looked down on me with a triumphant smile and my heart raced like crazy in my ribcage.

“No biting or I break your arm.” He warned seriously before leaning over me, a few locks of his blond hair skidding on my face, tickling my cheeks.

The scary expression of my eyes was reflected in his amused gaze. Think I understand perfectly now what a sacrificial lamb feels like after being offered as meal to the big bad wolf. Lambs are cute. But I don’t want to be a lamb dammit! He stopped only a few inches from my mouth, exhaling slowly his hot breath against my chin, trying to tempt me. I almost managed to control my reactions. Keyword being almost. My cheeks flushed and my eyes clouded unfocused, defying his stare in anticipation.

He flicked his tongue on my mouth, licking on my lower lip, taking his sweet time so that I could indulge myself thoroughly in the million sensations that crashed on me immediately. He slipped his tongue between my half-opened lips, letting me hope a few seconds that he was seeking my permission to enter but he thrust his warm muscle deep in me at once, nearly all the way to my throat. He brushed against my palate teasingly, then twirled his tongue around mine trying to get me to respond. It was hot. Passionate. Exhilarating. And I completely lost the last bit of control I had. I kissed back hungrily, sucking hard on his mouth, devouring his burning lips in desperate need of more contact. Our tongues battled for dominance, each pull followed by a push, but he won effortlessly, dominating me entirely and setting his own pace, rolling our tongues between our joined lips almost lazily.

I had kept my eyes wide opened the whole time, lost green gaze confined in the depths of an amused icy blue ocean. I should have retreated between my eyelids because it was the only chance I had left to escape from the harsh reality of being kissed by Julian Evans. This way, I could have imagined that it was someone else, the nice girl I had a crush on in twelfth grade for example, and my heart wouldn’t be submerged by self-hatred of liking every fucking second spent in his tormenting embrace. Of not wanting it to end. But I was too stunned to even think of getting my eyes shut so I would just have to deal with the conflict between my emotions and brain later on.

He nibbled on my upper lip, trailing his tongue against my teeth, biting slightly on the red flesh. His hand tangled in my hair prompted me forward so that he could deepen the kiss even more. I was succumbing to his touch, letting him take control of my entire being. I felt wanted. Desired. Almost owned. And I didn’t hate it at all. I felt all my long-term self-restraints loosen then break with each one of his move to the point that I let it all go and freed my soul in his liberating mouth. The same feeling of safety I had felt earlier invaded me but at the same time my own weakness became terribly apparent. I was so vulnerable at this instant, with all my defences down, letting him free reign on me to do as he pleased. It was dangerous. Foolish. Utterly stupid to trust this man. To believe in his sweet words. To let him win me over. Because the moment I would give myself to him, he would lose interest and it would be the end. He would move on cold-heartedly to another prey while I would have nothing left but a broken heart and my eyes to cry. All alone in this world. Again. Unable to retreat back in my shell. Don’t let people get close to you so that you won’t be hurt. Be strong so that you can live on your own. I won’t let him break my ideals. Never.

He seemed to notice the change in my emotions as a flash of surprise passed through his eyes and he broke the kiss. Our swollen lips parted and we were both panting, gasping for air, trying to recover. He released me and I collapsed on his chest, burying my head in his chest, trying to hold back the tears wetting my eyes. I didn’t even know why I wanted to cry but there was this knot in the pit of my stomach that was urging me to give in to the sorrow threatening to overwhelm me. He ran his hands soothingly on my back and kissed the top of my head chastely. He gently pulled me away from him, eyeing me carefully to check if I was okay, obviously taken aback by my unexpected breakdown. He smiled softly and rested his hand on my chest, feeling my heart pulse under his palm. His other hand suddenly landed on my member, squeezing it lightly, and his smile ended in an obnoxious smirk.

“I won.” He whispered in my ear and silenced me with a kiss when I tried to protest.

He seized me under my thighs and carried me to the coffee table. He put me on the cold surface, letting his hand wander on my forehead, the side of my cheek and finally tucking a few strands behind my ear. Doesn’t he feel sorry for the coffee table? I’m quite heavy. He stood up elegantly, grabbed his vest and slipped it on promptly, tightening his tie around his dishevelled collar and steadying his ripped shirt the best he could. Even this messy look was uncontrollably sexy on him. Damn it! He paused in front of me, tilting my chin to force me to lock gazes.

“Friday night. End your shift early. I’ll meet you at ten at another club of mine. The Jinx. You know the place?” He inquired in an imperial tone.

Who doesn’t know the Jinx bastard? I’m not sixty! Like hell I will set a foot in there! You remember? It’s because of Ayden’s stupid reservation in that stupid fancy club that I ended meeting that stupid devil. I kinda hold a grudge now.

“Yeah.” I muttered vaguely, averting my eyes to the floor, not wanting to extend the explanation.

“I’ll put your name on the VIP list. Ask the bouncers when you arrive, they’ll let you in. Do I need to send you a lift?” He asked cautiously and I understood clearly the hidden sense. Take it like that: ‘Do I need to send someone to make sure you get your fucking ass there?’. Nope, thank you very much. I don’t need to be driven around by some gorilla in a black suit. Not cute at all. Almost uglier than the bear puking his guts.

“No I’ll go on my own.” I hissed, glaring at him to make sure he got the hint.

“Good. Don’t be late.” He nodded, seemingly satisfied.

He stepped away nonchalantly and once at the door, he paused, and knocked two times on the wooden surface. A soft click answered him. The door was unlocked. God! I should have knocked and not banged on the door earlier! Sophisticated jerks! He opened the door and paused again on the threshold, turning over to face me.

“Oh. And here are the rules. You’re mine. No cheating. No one but me is allowed to touch your body. Follow the rules and all will go smoothly between us.” He claimed with a devious smirk plastered on his mouth. Red swollen mouth. Which was on mine earlier. Damn it!

“I thought that rules were made to be broken?” I bit back defiantly, and grinned full-heartedly.

“Not these ones.” He retorted dead serious before stepping outside. “Take care. See you on Friday.” He waved at me and disappeared in the balcony, followed by his two bulky shadows.

I stayed a few minutes in the VIP room to gather my thoughts. When I left the club that night, or more likely the next morning it was past one. I was dead tired, mortified, confused and just wanted to disappear in a dark hole. Or sleep for a hundred years. In some places I could be forgotten. Like the very top of a tower. And no, I don’t have a thing with towers. Instead of that, I just went back to my shitty apartment and crawled in my bed, my body slightly trembling to clear the stress of the evening. I grinned to myself as a twisted idea crossed my mind and in a split second I had made my decision. See you on Friday? You bet! Like hell I will follow your orders! I don’t recall ever agreeing to the bet. What saddens me is that I won’t be there to see the expression on his face when he’ll realize that I stood him up. I pity the one who will feel his wrath. Yep, I’m very sorry. Not exactly but hey, I’ll pretend.

I was still grinning on Friday evening. At ten. Serving a black espresso to a particularly polite customer. At the Velvet Club. I was allowed to stay in my happy bubble, enjoying the self satisfaction generated by my sneaky trick, about ten minutes. Then, one of the bouncers dashed in hurriedly, his face deadly pale, and pointed a finger straight at me. Oh shit! My smile disappeared automatically and I gulped. Behind him were two easily recognizable bulky men staring at me with indifferent looks, their black suit underlining perfectly their well-defined muscles. The bastard had sent his fucking goons to fetch me! I hate him.