Page 24 of Captured By Fate

I loosen my tie, feeling it suddenly choke like a noose. Even in this office, surrounded by the familiar trappings of my success, I feel restless. The four walls seem to be closing in on me.

I need to see her. Touch her. Spar with her. I crave that exhilarating tango we do so well, oscillating between desire and disdain. She is a flame I cannot resist, though she scorches me with her unpredictable fury.

I check my watch, noting the end of the working day. Plenty of time to satisfy this craving she has sparked within me. I'm out the door in long strides, my polished shoes striking the pavement with purpose.

Soon, the mansion comes into view. Is she thinking of me too right now? Does she feel this magnetic pull? I smile, imagining I might catch her off guard for once, interrupting whatever defiant thoughts occupy that sharp mind of hers.

I picture the fire that will flash in her hazel eyes when she sees me. The thrill of the hunt pulses through my veins. She is my fixation, my fierce captive muse. And it's time for me to reassert myself in her world once more. Meet her heat with my own. Stoke the flames higher.

Removing my suit jacket feels like peeling off a whole identity altogether. When I cast it aside on the passenger seat, my mind jumps back to the playful evening Kelley and I shared. The warm cheeks of her backside felt so good as I slid my hands over her, inspecting her for something sharper than her nails.

I wonder where she is tonight.

I find Kelley isolated on the terrace, her silhouette bathed in twilight, eyes fixed on the stars above. She looks different tonight. Like the cool evening air has somehow subdued the spark within her.

I observe her quietly for a moment, admiring the view. The wisps of hair that frame her face dance lightly in the breeze, and longing wells up within me to reach out and tuck them behind her ear.

The click of the terrace door alerts Kelley to my presence, and she jumps, startled. I can't resist the urge to tease, my approach silent but swift. I back her against the wall, the heat of my body a whisper away from hers.

I lean in close, the intensity in my eyes mirroring the hunger in my voice when I murmur, "You look good enough to eat."

Kelley's immediate reaction is to raise her hand, her intention clear, but I am quicker. I capture her wrist, my grasp firm and unyielding. A smirk plays on my lips as I bring her finger to my mouth, a provocative lick breaking the tension.

When a soft moan escapes her lips, I realize the wait will have been worth it. I marvel at myself, the cool undertones of my master plan were clicking into place. I had denied her food, until she let me feed her. Clothes, until she let me clothe her. Now, what will she do when she finally submits?

I can only imagine, and preemptively savor the sweet attention she gives me now.

Taking my hand in turn, she rolls my middle finger onto her pallet. She slides me as far back as my digits can go, and I finally see that spark re-ignite within her eyes.

A smirk tugs at my lips. There's my fierce girl. I knew she couldn't play docile for long.

I mimic her action, tracing my tongue along her hand, holding her gaze captive with mine. I'm deliberately provoking her now, disrupting that composure she tries so hard to maintain around me.

I lean in close, my body brushing against hers in a touch that’s fleeting yet laden with intention. I’m gauging her reaction, reading each micro-expression that crosses her face. Looking for chinks in her armor that I can exploit.

Suddenly Kelley's leg swings out, her boot connecting sharply with my shin. I grimace as pain radiates through my leg, the surprise kick landing perfectly on target.

“The fuck!!” I holler, grabbing my shin.

Well played, I think with a grudging smile, quickly schooling my face back to nonchalance. No need to let her see how much that actually hurt.

Kelley's eyes blaze with defiance.

“That's what you get, you bastard! Now let me go,” she says through gritted teeth. I have to admit, I admire her audacity. She's scrappy, right down to her pixie haircut.

I take a step closer, backing her against the wall once more. I can't resist pushing her buttons, provoking those heated reactions that send my pulse racing.

“But we just got started,” I tease.

“One step closer, and I’ll bite.”

"Keep talking like that and I might just enjoy it," I purr in her ear.

Her sharp intake of breath is immensely satisfying. I have her on the ropes, though she'd sooner bite off her own tongue than admit it.

I lean in, intent on stealing a kiss, just to further unsettle her. But Kelley recovers quickly, placing a hand firmly on my chest to keep me at bay. Amused, I allow her this small victory. After all, the game isn’t fun if I win too easily.

“Why don’t you try a little, see if I taste good?” I challenge, waiting for her eyes to answer. Her mouth will tell me off, that I know. But the heat hidden within her pupils tells the truth, every time.

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