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15. Risking It All
Last Updated:
2024-10-25 04:37:40
Priyal DessaiThanks for reading! If you're liking the story, consider voting with gems, or dropping a comment :)
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I approach the front desk with a small smile, feeling every ounce of confidence in the way my heels click against the polished marble floors before meeting the receptionist's gaze as she greets me with professional politeness.“I’d like to see Richard Steward,” I say, keeping my tone smooth, almost casual.The receptionist blinks, clearly taken aback by the request, though she masks her surprise quickly. “Richard Steward?” she asks, as if confirming she heard right. “The CEO?”“That’s right,” I nod, giving her a faint smile that I know conveys I won’t take no for an answer.There’s a brief pause as she processes this, then she asks, “And may I tell him who’s asking?”“Tell him it’s Elliot Jones’ daughter,” I reply, watching her reaction closely. There’s a flicker of recognition and maybe a hint of intrigue in her eyes, but she keeps her expression neutral. She picks up the phone and makes a quick call, her voice low and professional. When she hangs up, she meets my gaze with a practis
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As we sit there after having swallowed each other’s moans, I’m still wrapped up in Ric, my arms around his neck, body pressed against his as he leans back in his office chair. He runs a finger slowly down my bare back, sending little sparks through me as he plants soft kisses along my shoulder, his breath warm against my skin. I chuckle, breaking the comfortable silence, looking around the office and the mess we’ve made.“We made quite a mess, didn’t we?” I grin, glancing back at him.He lifts his head, his eyes meeting mine with a look that’s both warm and a little mischievous. “A mess I’d happily make every day,” he says, his voice low and rough, sending another little thrill through me as he leans in to kiss me again. His kiss is so soft and gentle that I find myself questioning if this is the same guy who minutes ago whispered ‘mine’ in my ears with every thrust. He trails light circles on my back, and I just let myself feel the soft intimacy of the moment, so different from the in
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Stepping out of the building, I brace myself for what could be an earful, maybe even the sight of an empty parking space where the car used to be. But there it is, parked exactly where I left it hours ago. The only difference? The windows are tightly shut, as though it’s a world all its own.I stride over, heels clicking against the pavement, and tap on the passenger window with a raised eyebrow. The window rolls down, revealing Meera’s face – looking amused and just the tiniest bit annoyed.“You’re back already?” she says, arms folded with mock surprise.Inside, Matt’s sprawled out in the driver’s seat, eyes glued to her tablet that’s propped up on the dashboard. He’s got one hand in a bucket of popcorn on his lap like he’s having his own little movie night. I blink, momentarily taken aback, before a laugh slips out.“Seriously? You two are watching a movie?”Meera shrugs. “You were in there long enough to justify it. Had to pass the time somehow.” She pauses, glancing at me with tha
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I barely make it to the top of the steps when the front door swings open, and Aunt Lizzie is standing there, blinking in surprise. “Natalie?” She presses a hand to her chest, her face etched with concern. I didn’t inform her that I’d come, so this reaction is justified and expected — especially given how I haven’t come to visit her in years. But I’m feeling good, so I give her a bright smile, hoping it will help her relax.“Hey, Aunt Lizzie. Hope it’s alright I’m here?” I say with a light shrug.She looks me up and down, finally matching my smile, although hesitantly. “Alright? Of course it is, honey! You know you’re welcome here anytime.” She studies my face, a hint of worry still lingering in her gaze. “But everything’s good?”“Better than good,” I assure her, giving her a quick hug. “I just thought I’d drop by... reconnect a little, you know?”The worry melts into a warm grin. She takes my arm, leading me into the house, her heels clicking softly against the marble floors. “Well, re
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I smirk. “It’s simple. For every piece of clothing you take off, I’ll take one off too.”Ric chuckles, clearly interested. “Now you’re speaking my language.” Without missing a beat, he shrugs off his suit jacket, tossing it out of frame. In response, I slowly slip one strap of my nightgown off my shoulder, watching his reaction as his eyes darken even further.“Your turn,” I mumble, feeling a shiver of arousal run through me as he undoes his tie, slowly pulling it off and letting it drop. I follow suit by slipping the other strap down, the silk pooling around my waist, revealing the bare skin of my shoulders and collarbones. “You’re driving me crazy, Natalie,” he whispers, his voice thick with desire.“Good,” I tease as I let the nightgown slide lower, uncovering my toned thighs. Ric’s lips twitch, and I hear him sigh heavily, reaching for the top button of his shirt and slowly undoing it, then another, his fingers working down as his shirt opens up. “Your move,” he says, his gaze ne
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The city stretches out in all directions, a sea of miniature buildings beneath me as I stand by the floor-to-ceiling windows in my father’s office, looking out. The early morning light bounces off the skyscrapers, adding a bit of shine to the greyness below, but I’m barely noticing. I cross my arms, sighing as I watch the clock on the wall. “So… he’s really not coming, huh?”I let the words hang in the air, half hoping for something, even if I knew better. I hadn’t tried reaching out to him — of course not. And he hadn’t given me the slightest hint he’d show up, so I have no reason to feel surprised. Still, some part of me, somewhere deeper than I’d care to admit, held onto the hope he’d at least check in on his only daughter. Ask if I was prepared or… something. Next to me, Meera gives a small, sympathetic nod, though she tries not to show how nervous she is. If anything, she looks more wound up than I feel. A knock at the door breaks the quiet, and I glance over as my father’s assi
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As I walk out into the parking lot, Ric follows me. There isn’t anything on his face that says he’s coming along, and if anything, he looks held back, his gaze darting around as if he’s worried someone will spot us together. The idea that he’s concerned about being seen should maybe make me second-guess myself, but instead, it makes me want to pull him in, my fingers itching to slide along the collar of his suit and pull him close, let him see that I’m as bold in real life as I was in his office that day.But there’s an understanding between us, I guess. And no, I’m not that reckless. I can’t be, because otherwise Meera will throw me off the edge of a cliff. This is still public, still my father’s domain, and if anyone saw us exchanging glances, it would be brushed off as professional camaraderie. After all, Richard Steward has worked with my father on several projects over the years, his presence at the office would hardly raise an eyebrow, or his intent to help me out on my first pro
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The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies Epilogue
[Two years later]My body is slick with sweat, every nerve ending alive and tingling as Ric’s hands explore my skin. His touch still feels new, still ignites a thirst in me that has no desire to quench anytime soon. His lips trail down my neck, making me heave, making me almost lose my mind. I arch into him, my fingers digging into the muscles of his back, urging him closer. His hands roam over my body, tracing the curves of my hips, the softness of my thighs, and the sensitive spots that make me gasp with pleasure. He knows exactly how to touch me—he has mastered the art of how to make me feel alive and desired every breathing moment. His fingers find their way between my legs, teasing and stroking until I'm writhing beneath him, desperate for more.“Fuck, Ric. I love you,” I breathe, squealing. “I love you. I love you. I love you.”“You're so beautiful,” he murmurs against my wet folds before his lips capture mine in kiss so deep, I can’t tell where he ends and where I begin. He s
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 89. The End of a Nightmare
“Elliot Jones’ Empire Crumbles: A Closer Look at the Allegations.”“The Hidden Crimes of a Business Titan: Elliot Jones Exposed.”“Mogul Under Fire? The Double Life of Elliot Jones Revealed.”“The High Price of Power: Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Elliot Jones and His Web of Deceit.”“The Case That Shook the Nation: Elliot Jones’ Alleged Crimes.”Seeing my father stand there, looking helpless, his face tight and red with anger satisfies me in a way nothing else could. Today is the day he falls, and now, he can see it with his own eyes—his empire crumbling. The delusion is gone. Mike’s voice echoes through the courtroom. “I was threatened,” he says, eyes darting nervously toward Elliot. “I kept silent because I feared for my life.”I sit beside Ric in the rows reserved for the trial attendees, my heart pounding. Ric leans in, his voice low and teasing, “I can’t believe this is happening. How did you manage to pull that off?”I give him a sly smile, keeping my eyes on Mike.
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 88. A Deal With the Devil
Getting into Mike's office is surprisingly easy. I thought it would be the most difficult task of all, but now, standing here, I realize just how wrong I was. Maybe it’s because I made it happen—my own actions leading to the lack of staff and security. With investors pulling out, his new business flopping instantly, and even his car gone, I wonder just how deep in debt Mike really is.I look around the office, taking in the bare walls and the lack of personal touches. It’s a cold place. It gives me a sense of satisfaction, knowing how little work must happen here. The only thing I find remotely appealing is the fireplace—if you can even call it that. It’s more of a decorative piece than anything else.The door creaks open, and Mike steps in, freezing as his hand remains on the doorknob. His eyes widen when he sees me, and I can almost hear the gears turning in his head.“Relax,” I say softly. “No need to be on alert. I have a proposition for you.”He doesn't move, his eyes darting aro
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 87. My Protector, My Hero
“High-Stakes Drama: Friend and Business Partner Richard Steward Fires on Business Mogul Elliot Jones in Shocking Miami Lakehouse Incident.”“Ric Steward Shoots Elliot Jones to Protect Alleged Lover, and Jones’ Daughter in Lakehouse Scandal.”“Business Partnership Ends in Gunfire: Ric Steward Wounds Elliot Jones.”“It Gets Very Real and Gruesome: Hear what’s new in the Natalie Jones’ Drama.”“Where does Michael Cooper stand amidst all this? New updated in the chaotic life of Natalie Jones. Here’s everything you missed that shook Hollywood this Spring!”The weeks that follow are difficult. And lonely. I’m thrust into a routine where I spend most of my time surrounded by lawyers, and legal jargons. It’s a lot at once, and I think I underestimated how quickly it would consume me. And with only Meera by my side who is still recovering from the traumatic event that occurred at the lakehouse, I find myself sitting in therapy sessions after experiencing several panic attacks. My days are sp
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 86. Done Pretending
The rain-soaked air clings to my skin as the police car disappears down the road, taking Ric with it. My heart feels like it's been wrenched from my chest, leaving an empty, aching void. I can barely breathe as the reality of what just happened crashes down on me.We can’t stay here. The lakehouse is now a crime scene, and the officers made it clear we need to leave. The words still echo in my head: “This area is now under investigation. You’ll need to find somewhere else to stay.”Meera stands beside me, her face pale, clutching her phone like it’s a lifeline. Matt paces back and forth, still carrying the guilt on his face. I don’t think any of us had the slightest hint of something like this going down on a trip that was supposed to heal us. If anything, it has traumatised all of us beyond repair. But, the truth is out. Dad killed Neil. And he was so close to killing me and Ric…“We need to find a place,” I croak. Even if we could stay here, I wouldn’t, not with the memories of wh
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 85. Aiming for your Heart
Another gunshot goes off, a millisecond later. My eyes fly open, but there’s no sensation of pain anywhere in my body. Instead, Dad crumples to the ground with a cry of pain. Panic envelopes me, muddling my mind. I can barely understand what’s going on around me. “Natalie, are you okay?” someone seems to ask, but my gaze is fixed on Dad, watching him struggle as he clutches his leg that is now bleeding with the gunshot. Then that someone shakes me by the shoulders, drawing me back to reality. It’s Meera. “Nat, please say something!” she urges, tears streaming down her cheeks. “W-What happened?” I blurt out, sounding hysterical, my chest heaving dangerously. Meera points out at the door. Matt stands there with a gun in his hand. When his eyes meet mine, his hand drops, and he falls to his knees, breathing hard. Shaking my head, I yell, “What the fuck just happened?” Meera seems to still be in her senses. She kicks the gun out of Dad’s reach. He continues to squirm, his blood st
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 84. The Final Chance
I don’t know if I ever thought of the words I’d say to him when I saw him again after what Mike told me. But watching him stand there right now, looking smug, I know that no words will ever justify the pure rage I feel. There’s an overwhelming need to hurt him. Badly. A throbbing pain in my hand pulls me from my rage. As I unclench my fist, I see the bloody marks my nails have left in my palm.“What are you doing here, Natalie? Why come to the lake house?” Dad asks in a calm voice that has a dangerous edge to it. I feign innocence. “Why, Dad? Can’t I come take a vacation here? Considering I had a man try to nearly kill me, after I've been subject to public humiliation by my cheater husband who you’ve always welcomed with open arms?” Pausing, I draw in a breath, afraid that the anger I feel will crush my lungs. “I should be the one asking that question. Why are you here? You never cared to visit when Mom brought Neil and me here. Why come now? And why do you have my phone?”He shakes
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 83. Buried Secrets
The search of Neil’s room leaves us both drained and disheartened. I scrutinize every nook and cranny, explore every possible hiding spot. The floorboards groan under our weight as I lift the mattress, revealing nothing but dust and a few forgotten coins. Beneath the bed, there’s only a stray sock and a cobweb. The closet holds nothing but old clothes and a pair of worn-out shoes. Even the old dresser, heavy and reluctant, is moved away from the wall, revealing nothing more than a few dust bunnies and a forgotten book.We find nothing out of the ordinary—no hidden notes or mysterious objects. The futility and exhaustion overwhelm me. I glance at Ric and see disappointment etched on his face, a mirror of my own feelings. The room is a mess. Neil’s old clothes are strewn about, furniture askew, and the air thick with dust.I slump onto the edge of the bed, raking my fingers through my hair in frustration. The coolness of the room does little to soothe the heat of my irritation. “There ha
The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 82. A Promise to Keep
“What are you saying, Chris?” I ask, my voice trembling slightly.He sighs, shaking his head. When he speaks again, his voice is low, almost embarrassed. “I should’ve known.”I press him further. “When did they say that?”“When Anya came to me with the fake dating idea,” he explains, running a hand through his hair. “She said it was… but that was a lie too. You never wanted this.”“What exactly did she tell you?” I ask, my heart pounding.He exhales sharply. “That you liked me but were too shy to act on it. And Meera, it was her who asked me to show up at your penthouse that night—before you left for the lakehouse.”I feel the ground shift beneath me. “Chris, I didn’t know they said that,” I mumble, the weight of his words sinking in.He shakes his head, disappointment evident in his eyes. “I can’t believe this. I thought I knew what was going on, but now…”The sting of his disappointment cuts deep. “I’m sorry, Chris. I never wanted to hurt you.”There’s a long pause before he finally
