Page 35 of Hunted to the Altar
I let my hand drop, taking a step back to give her space. "You don’t have to admit it, Nina. But we both know the truth."
"You know nothing about me," she shot back, her voice trembling with anger.
I smirked, my gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before turning away. "Keep telling yourself that."
The tension lingered in the air, unresolved and electric. I let it simmer for a few moments longer before an idea struck me.Moving to the small study attached to the living room, I pulled the ornate chessboard from its place on the shelf and set it up on the coffee table.
"Come here," I called out, my tone calm but firm.
Nina paused her pacing, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "What now?"
"Sit," I said, gesturing to the chair across from me. "We’re going to play a game."
She crossed her arms, her defiance palpable. "I’m not in the mood for games, Samuel."
I leaned back in my chair, a smirk tugging at my lips. "Humor me. Besides, this isn’t just a game. It’s a bet."
Her brow furrowed, curiosity flickering in her gaze despite herself. "What kind of bet?"
I steepled my fingers, studying her. "If you win, I’ll give you a little more freedom. Let you move around the penthouse without my constant presence. Maybe even let you onto the terrace."
Her eyes lit up briefly before suspicion darkened them again. "And if I lose?"
I let the silence hang for a moment, leaning forward slightly. "If you lose, you’ll give me your body tonight."
Her gasp was audible, her cheeks flushing with a mix of outrage and something she refused to name. "You’re insane."
"Perhaps," I said with a shrug. "But the terms are fair. Freedom for you, or your submission for me."
Her fists clenched at her sides, and for a moment, I thought she might refuse outright. But then she squared her shoulders, her chin tilting up defiantly. "Fine."
I gestured to the chair again, and this time, she sat. Her movements were stiff, her glare sharp enough to pierce through me, but she was here. And that was enough.
As the game began, I couldn’t help but admire her focus. She moved her pieces with precision, her eyes darting across theboard as she planned her next move. But while she was clever, she lacked experience. I watched her closely, not just her strategy but the way her lips pressed together in concentration, the way her fingers lingered on a piece before committing to a move.
She was beautiful in her aggression, and it made the game even more thrilling.
"You’re better than I expected," I said, breaking the silence.
"Don’t patronize me," she snapped, her focus never wavering.
I chuckled, leaning back in my chair. "I’m not. You’re good, Nina. But you’re not good enough."
Her glare shot up to meet mine, and for a moment, the tension between us flared. But then she returned her attention to the board, her determination palpable. She wanted to win, not just for the freedom I’d promised but to prove that she could.
In the end, though, it wasn’t enough. With a final move, I captured her king, the sound of the piece clicking against the board echoing in the quiet room.
"Checkmate," I said softly.
Her shoulders slumped, defeat washing over her. But the fire in her eyes didn’t dim. "You cheated."
I smirked, standing and moving around the table to her side. "I didn’t. But even if I had, the outcome would be the same."
She glared up at me, her defiance blazing. "You think this means anything? You think I’ll just give in because of some stupid bet?"
I crouched beside her, my hand brushing against her knee as I leaned in close. "A bet’s a bet, Nina. And you agreed to the terms."
Her breath hitched, her eyes darting to my lips before snapping back to mine. "You’re impossible."
