Chapter 1
This old story is unedited and may contain some grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies. Please read with understanding. Thank you!
This Short Novel contains mature themes, including love, desire, and intimate scenes, and is intended for adult readers only. Please be advised that some topics explored may be sensitive to certain individuals. Reader discretion is advised.
Copyright © 2020 Inknctrn
I’ve always known how to play the game.
Flirting, teasing, keeping them on their toes-making sure they’re never quite sure what to expect. It’s easy, really. A laugh here, a touch there, a smile that promises everything without giving anything away. I’ve done it for years. It’s simple. It’s fun. And best of all, I never get attached.
I’d never let anyone get too close. Relationships are a mess. Who needs them? Not me. I have my friends, my work, my nights out. The men I entertain come and go, like waves crashing against the shore. Easy to handle. Easy to forget.
And tonight? Tonight was no different.
I loved the buzz of it all-the dim lighting, the low hum of voices, the music that pulsed through the walls. It was the perfect place to slip in unnoticed, pick out a target, and have a little fun. No strings attached.
That’s when I saw him.
He wasn’t talking to a group of friends, or dancing with someone. No, he was sitting alone.
And he was handsome. Really handsome.
He was tall-too tall to miss-dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, a crisp white shirt that clung to his broad chest, and dark hair that looked like it hadn’t been styled but still managed to fall perfectly into place. He was tall, dark, and had that effortlessly rich look. The sharp suit, the crisp white shirt, the way he carried himself-it screamed money.
And the look on his face? Unbothered. Unimpressed.
He wasn’t looking at anyone, didn’t seem to care for the crowd around him. He was like the kind of man who didn’t need anyone, who didn’t have to make an effort to draw attention. But his mere presence did anyway. I could already tell he wasn’t like the others. The ones who smiled and laughed too easily, who gave in to whatever flirtation I threw their way.
I could already tell he wasn’t my typical type, but that didn’t stop me. The allure of the challenge was far too tempting. Men like him weren’t easy to get, and that made them all the more intriguing. I didn’t care if he was different. I didn’t care if he looked like he might be the kind of guy who wouldn’t fall for my usual moves.
I was confident. I was good. And I wasn’t about to let this one slip by.
So, I made my move.
I strolled over to him, my heels clicking against the floor as I got closer. I made sure to move slowly, letting my hips sway just enough to catch his eye. I wasn’t about to waste my time on a guy who wouldn’t play. I smiled, the kind of smile that always got them, the one that promised just enough without giving too much away.
When I reached him, I leaned casually against the bar beside him, close enough so he could feel the warmth of my body, but not too close to invade his space just yet. I gave him a quick glance, letting my eyes linger a bit longer than normal.
“Isn’t it a little too early for someone like you to be hiding in the shadows?” I asked, leaning against the bar next to him.
He shrugged, then took a sip from his drink, as if my presence wasn’t anything special.
“This place...” I looked around. “Is not exactly the best place for someone like you,” I said with a teasing smile, looking him over again. “The crowd’s a little... loud for someone who seems like he doesn’t belong.”
He glanced at me, his eyes briefly meeting mine before looking away again, but not in the dismissive way I expected. There was something...calculating in his gaze, as if he was assessing me, not bothered by my presence.
I wasn’t used to this.
Still, I wasn’t backing down. I’d made a habit of getting the attention I wanted. I tilted my head, letting my hair fall just right to frame my face.
“You don’t seem like the type to come to places like this,” I continued, my voice light, playful. “You’re too... well, put together.”
He raised an eyebrow, his lips barely twitching into what might have been a smile. But there was no warmth in it. “And what type is that?”
Oh, I liked this. He wasn’t an easy target. I could already feel the challenge building between us.
“The type who knows exactly how to get what they want,” I said, leaning in slightly closer, letting the scent of my perfume do its job. “I’m sure you’re used to getting anything you want, right?”
His eyes flicked over me again, this time with a little more interest. But still, there was that detached, unreadable look in them. I should have felt annoyed, but instead, it only pushed me to want him more.
“You’re bold,” he said, his voice low but steady.
“Bold gets what it wants,” I replied with a playful smirk, feeling the familiar rush of excitement. This was the part I knew so well.
He didn’t respond, so I continued.
“Are you always this quiet, or are you just trying to look mysterious?” I asked, the playful tone in my voice.
He didn’t even look at me at first. He just took a slow sip from his glass, the kind of move someone would make if they were uninterested in whatever I had to say.
I couldn’t help but smile. That’s exactly the reaction I was hoping for. Most men would’ve turned around by now, already struck by my charm, but not this guy. It was almost... refreshing.
“You talk too much,” he said finally, his voice low and unamused, as he glanced at me for the briefest of moments.
The audacity.
I chuckled, not at all put off. “That’s rich coming from someone who looks like they’ve just stepped out of a boardroom. Do you always come to places like this to brood alone?”
His eyes flicked over me, but there was no spark, no hint of interest. Just cold, calculating indifference.
“I’m not brooding. Just enjoying the peace,” he replied, his gaze not lingering on me for too long before turning back to his drink.
Now, I was really intrigued. He was the kind of guy who wouldn’t fall for the usual tricks. Usually, a guy would give me a smile or at least try to keep the conversation going, but this guy? He didn’t care.
I wasn’t about to back down, though. I’d played this game too many times to let it slip away now.
“I’m Celeste... you are?”
Still no respond.
I leaned in closer, brushing my arm against his, just enough to make him aware of my presence, but still, he didn’t react. No movement, no acknowledgement. It was like I didn’t exist to him.
“You’re not much of a talker, are you?” I said, my voice softer now, teasing but with an edge. “I thought men like you liked the attention.”
His eyes flicked to me once more, but this time, there was something hard in them. “I don’t need attention. But you seem to be craving it.”
I blinked. Now, that wasn’t what I was used to. Men usually played along, even if it was just to get a bit of my attention. But this guy? He was different. His eyes were cold, and there was no trace of flirtation in them, only disinterest.
“Not your type?” I asked, a little more boldly now, trying to read him. “I’m sure I could change your mind.”
He finally set his glass down, looking at me more directly, but his expression was as sharp as ever. “You can try. But don’t expect me to play by your rules.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at that. He really thought I would just give up? No one ever said no to me for long.
“I don’t play without rules,” I said, my lips curling into a confident smile. “I get what I want, simple as that.”
I was used to men playing along, even if they weren’t interested. They usually wanted attention, validation-something. But this, seemed like he couldn’t care less.
I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice. “You don’t seem like the type to be drinking alone. Got stood up?”
His jaw twitched, and for a second, I thought I saw irritation flicker in his eyes.
“No,” he said, tone clipped. Then he finally turned to look at me, and for the first time, I felt the full weight of his gaze. It wasn’t intrigued. It wasn’t amused.
It was annoyed.
“You should go home,” he said flatly.
I blinked. “Excuse me?”
“It’s late,” he said, checking his watch. “I don’t think you should be here anymore.”
I let out a soft laugh, expecting some kind of hidden tease in his voice, but there was none. He was serious.
“You’re joking, right?” I scoffed, crossing my arms.
“I don’t joke,” he muttered, turning back to his drink.
Wow. Okay. This was new.
“You really want me to leave?” I asked, tilting my head. “I really like you.”
He sighed, rubbing his temple like I was giving him a headache. “I’m not interested, alright? Go find someone else to play with.”
I stared at him, processing his words. Not interested? Men didn’t say that to me.
“You’re serious,” I murmured, more to myself than to him.
“Very.”
This is new, I’m interested.
I let out a low hum, still not moving. “I think I’ll stay.”
His fingers tightened around his glass. I could tell I was pushing him, and a part of me enjoyed it.
“You don’t take a hint, do you?” he muttered.
“Oh, I take hints,” I said, my smile playful. “I just don’t follow them.”
He exhaled sharply and set his drink down with a little too much force. Then, without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away, heading for the exit.
I blinked, stunned for a moment before quickly following after him.
“Wait, wait, you’re just leaving?” I called, stepping in front of him before he could push the door open.
His jaw clenched, and for the first time that night, his cold exterior cracked just slightly-frustration flashing in his dark eyes.
“Miss, I told you to go home,” he said, voice lower now, almost dangerous.
I smirked. “And I told you I don’t follow hints.”
I barely had time to react before his fingers curled around my wrist, pulling me just close enough for me to feel the heat of his body.
And then, without warning-his lips crashed against mine.
It wasn’t soft. It wasn’t teasing. It was rough, frustrated-like he was trying to shut me up. Like he was proving a point.
By the time he pulled away, I was breathless, my mind spinning.
Then, just as fast as it happened, he let go, stepping back.
“You don’t get to play games with me,” he murmured, voice dark, his eyes locked onto mine.
And with that, he walked out, leaving me standing there-stunned, speechless, and for the first time in a long time... completely thrown off my game.
