Chapter 3

Katherine

"Ladies first." Damian said after we keyed in our names into the dart machine. Damian vs Kate, it read.

Fine with me, no biggie. I walked, feeling bold so I started swaying my hips from side to side when I passed him. I also flicked my hair for good measure. I could feel his eyes on me as his scent of the mix of cigarettes and aromatic cologne wafted through the air.

I took a deep breath and threw the dart. It landed just slightly higher than the target, giving me a score of 20 points. We had selected the countdown mode so the person that reached the lowest number first would be the winner.

"Not bad, Ms Trent." He said approvingly. At this point, I realized everyone was more obviously crowding around us to see what was happening. I cleared my throat self-consciously but then I replied, "I don't need your affirmation, Mr Ryker." I said casually, turning my eyes to the side slightly and flicking my hair.

I heard some people in the crowd gasp a little. Haven't they heard of standing up to someone? Tsk tsk. People nowadays. This might be the alcohol talking, and I knew there were boundaries not to be crossed, especially if I worked for him.

"Is that so," He said impassively but with no less authority and then started walking towards me slowly, his eyes not leaving mine. I could see now that his shirt had a few buttons undone and he appraised me below his long eyelashes. My heart pounded as I felt the draw from his magnetic presence.

How could he do this to someone? His mere presence was annoyingly attractive.

He walked so close to me that his breath was at my ear. His breath tickled my ear and I could feel it tingling. Woah, this wasn't fair. Now I can't concentrate.

"You don't want to know what happens when people cross me." He said darkly then carefully ran his thumb across my lip. My lips tingled at the aftertouch. Boy, he was definitely intense. I gasped a little.

However, I didn't feel that intimidated by him. At least not yet.

Abruptly he muttered something under his breath and swaggered towards the shooting platform.

"How about this? Whoever wins this game gets an advantage." I blurted out without thinking. He turned to me.

"What kind of advantage do you mean?" He asked, a smile playing on his lips.

"Maybe the chance to ask the other person anything at all, or do anything," I bit my lip and smirked. Toying with someone was my intention and I definitely wanted to get Damian worked up.

I must have had too much to drink, but who cares. Never knew I could be so bold.

"As you wish. But you know, I am definitely going to win this." Damian said in an off-hand tone but his eyes danced with wickedness and mischief.

"Not so fast," I said, and came over to him until he was mere inches away. He stared at me, transfixed. Then I slowly placed my lips over his collarbone and brushed gently against it. It was pretty daring, I admit and I heard Damian gasp a little audibly.

I smirked. I liked the reaction I was getting. Katherine 1, Damian 1.

"This is no fair." He said, amused. "You can't seduce me while playing darts, I won't allow it." He said, his cold eyes meeting mine. Then he straightened up and threw the dart.

It landed dead centre. Bullseye.

I was shocked. No, how could this be? I was trying my best to distract him but to no avail. He must have seen my stunned expression because he said, "Dear, close your mouth and stop gaping."

"Before I close it for you." He whispered darkly. My heartbeat pounded rapidly. I hope I imagined that because my hormones were going into overdrive now.

"How did you manage to land that hit?" I said, stunned.

"Years of practice. I was part of the archery team in my school previously." He said, slightly wistfully and he looked pretty handsome and frankly, very bangable.

"Wow. That is really something." I said, genuinely impressed. We were now standing side by side in the centre of the room, and people have started to disperse to givr us more privacy and I wad grateful for that.

"As with my principle: when I aim, I never miss." He said simply, though his voice was laced with promise. Was that an innuendo? My mind was still struggling to understand him.

"You are one intense person." I said, in spite of myself. I guess the alcohol has really made me more daring and confrontational. That scheming fox.

"You're not wrong. That's what everyone says. But I can be way more intense, for the record." Damian said impassively.

"Are you flirting with me, Mr Ryker?" I smirked, looking through my eyelashes at him.

"I wouldn't dare." He said innocently. "Let's continue with the game for now, shall we?"

We continued a few rounds after this and quickly, Damian beat me hands down. "Alright boss, I admit defeat," I said, putting my hands up in surrender.

Maybe I shouldn't have been so over confident. Who knew this millionaire could play darts? I chuckled inwardly despite myself.

He laughed, wiping his hand accross his forehead. "You really look defeated."

"As for my advantage," He smirked, "I would have to discuss this more privately. As you see here, we have attracted quite a bit of crowd."

I glanced around, and from what I could tell, there was more people than just now, just looking at the pair of us.

"Okay, let's go." He took my hand and he led me down some other path. I was grateful for the support as I was already feeling the alcohol from the glasses of wine served to me.

Oh my, the place is huge in here. Or maybe I was just feeling a little tipsy.

"Do you think this is a little inappropriate, Mr Ryker? We just met and you just told me to work for you. This definitely crosses the boundaries of professionalism." I said in disapproval. Nonetheless, something was drawing me deeper into him. He was too intriguing, but something told me he was dangerous.

"Oh, you have no idea. I want to cross many more boundaries with you, Ms Trent. And look at you, cunning little minx, you have been teasing me all night, haven't you?" He whispered darkly, his eyes alight with desire. Oh wow. Change of mood so quickly.

"This is what I want, as my advantage." He whispered, trapping me against a door firmly but gently and quickly silenced me by putting his lips to mine. Without breaking the kiss, he led me into a room and closed the door.

After my initial shock, I reciprocated the kiss and my body burned with desire. I have never felt this way before with anyone and this kiss felt so intense and persuasive. He slipped his tongue into my mouth and expertly explored my mouth. He was so dominant and to my surprise, I liked it.

Eventually, he pulled back and we found ourselves lying on a couch. me pinned below him. "Are you feeling okay, Ms Trent?" He asked, his face inches from mine.

"Not quite." I replied breathlessly. My mind was still reeling from the intensity of the kiss.

"I must say, you're a great kisser." He said huskily, his breathing uneven.

"Mmmm," I said incomprehensibly and tried to say something but failed. Everything was blurry and the whole room was spinning. I put my lips to his again but he pulled away, gazing at me.

"Did you have too much to drink?" He asked, looking worriedly at me. I tried to make a coherant response but all I could manage was a "mmmmmm".

"That's enough for tonight. Let me bring you back." He said authoritatively, then scooped me into his arms.

Before I could reply, the whole world turned to darkness.