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28. A Game of Control
Last Updated:
2024-11-11 18:05:27
Priyal DessaiThanks for reading! If you're liking the story, consider voting with gems, or dropping a comment!
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The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 29. Not a Request
I can barely whisper the answer. “You. I’m yours.”A satisfied smile curves his lips as he stands, undoing his belt with deliberate slowness that makes me whimper. He positions himself between my legs, lifting my hips to meet him as he presses into me, filling me completely. I gasp, my hands clutching his shoulders as he moves, each thrust deep and unhurried, grounding me in the sensation of him.He’s all I can think about, all I can feel as he claims me, every nerve in my body aware of him. His pace quickens, the pleasure building with every movement until I’m spiraling, my body shattering as I cry out his name, lost in the sensation of him.Afterwards, Ric settles against me, his lips trailing over my neck as he leaves a hickey, marking me. I reach up, touching his face, brushing my fingers along the stubble on his jaw. There’s a feeling I can’t quite place, a vulnerability that makes me pause, but before I can put it into words, he kisses me again as he pulls off my sweater, his ton
Last Updated : 2024-11-11The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 30. The Familiar Stranger
When I get my first glimpse of the lake house in years, I don’t expect to be hit with memories I’ve made here. Happy ones with my mom, my brother Neil, and I’m sure there were some with Mike too. This was the one place my mom escaped to when she felt we needed to have… a childhood. My dad always made sure Neil and I were prepared, dressed for any and all occassions to be presented as his children. We were expected to be sharp, and overly polite, never as much as hovering a toe over the boundary of sophistication. My mom realised it affected us, in more ways than just losing the innocence and spontaneity that comes with being a child, and so she’d bring us here. And we’d spend most of our summers trekking the woods, splashing in the lake, playing seek. I realise I always called it my lake house, but it is my dad who bought it. He just never bothered to spend a day of his life away from work, as a break or to just cool off. So I suppose it was a gift to my mother. Who’s now gone. Whe
Last Updated : 2024-11-12The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 31. More Than a Fling
“They’re alive, Natalie. That’s all you need to know.”I swallow, feeling strangely deflated. I barely know anything about him, even though we’ve spent some time together. He’s like a puzzle with half the pieces missing. I want to press him for more, but the words die on my lips. The silence that settles between us feels heavy, almost uncomfortable.To divert my mind, I grab my phone and shoot a quick text to Mila, asking her what she’s doing. Her reply is rude but expected.Calendar Queen 👑: doing what I do when I’m not running around u saving ur ass.Calendar Queen 👑: living my quiet lyf. She continues typing so I wait, glancing at Ric from the corners of my vision. Calendar Queen 👑: u shouldn’t have gone alone after saying u were gonna reconnect with fam and friends. Calendar Queen 👑: I could come.I bite my lower lip as I type my reply.Me: im not alone Me: ric’s here with meMeera’s reply is swift and disapproving. Calendar Queen 👑: with Ric? r u serious? I warned u, Na
Last Updated : 2024-11-12The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 32. Call from the City
The first thing I notice is the sunlight spilling across my face, and warming my skin until I can’t ignore it anymore. I blink a few times, letting my vision adjust, and when I turn my head, I find Ric sprawled across the bed beside me. He’s naked, lying on his stomach, his breathing steady and quiet. His face is turned away, buried partially in the white satin pillow, but it’s the rest of him that holds my attention. The muscles of his back ripple faintly with each breath, tapering down to his hips, and then — God help me — his ass, perfectly sculpted and shamelessly on display. It's a sight that could make anyone forget their troubles. His black hair streaked with grey curls slightly at the nape of his neck, and I close my fingers into a fist, ignoring the urge to reach out and touch it, just to feel its softness under my fingertips. I glance down at myself, feeling the dull ache in my thighs, and the memories of last night rush back, heating my cheeks. Four rounds. Sweaty. Di
Last Updated : 2024-11-15The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 33. Of Lakes and Lies
Ric reaches for my hand, his fingers slipping into mine as we stand by the large window in the kitchen overlooking the shimmering lake. “Come on,” he says, his voice insistent, and his eyes unyielding. “Guide me there.” There’s something soothing about the warmth of his palm against mine, but it also sends a flicker of unease through me that makes me sweat. My thoughts twist as I follow him out of the house and into the greenery, watching the confident way he moves, the fluidity of his steps. He’s confident, sexy even — something I’ve known since the moment I first saw him, but there’s a dangerous edge to him now that wasn’t there the first night we met. It’s no longer the kind of thrill that makes my heart race with excitement — it’s a quiet warning. ‘Be careful with your heart, Natalie,’ my mother’s voice suddenly echoes inside my mind.My heart. The very thing I trusted Mike with, only for him to leave it battered and broken. Perhaps it’s Mike’s betrayal that casts this shadow ov
Last Updated : 2024-11-15The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 34. Completely His
Ric’s insistence on not getting out of the water almost annoys me. But then he looks at me with that mischievous grin, and it’s hard to stay irritated. Every few minutes, he pulls me in to kiss me, soft and playful, and I forget why I was annoyed in the first place. We finally leave the lake to grab something to eat, the sun hanging high in the sky and scorching everything in its path. But an hour later, we’re back in the water, and I’m too caught up in him to care about the heat or my stomach’s protests.Now, the moonlight bathes the lake house in a soft glow as Ric carries me from the water. His hands are firm, but his gaze is softer than I’ve ever seen it. He looks happy, and satisfied. And this kind of happiness has an edge of innocence to it. My body trembles — not from the chill of the evening air, but from all we did in the lake. My lips still tingle from his kisses, swollen and raw in the most delicious way.Ric steps onto the porch, his wet footsteps marking the wooden plank
Last Updated : 2024-11-16The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 35. Caught in the Spotlight
I thought of all the possible things the next morning could bring as I cried myself to sleep into the pillows last night, but nothing could’ve prepared me for what actually happens.I’m woken up by the buzzing of my phone, flashing the ridiculous nickname I gave to Meera. It’s only 7 am — Ric is still asleep — and I know Meera is a night owl and not someone who can drag herself out of bed before 10. So the moment I see her name on my phone, my heart is racing. I remember the interview I read yesterday — Mike’s words, twisted horribly, painting me as the villain of our story. “Hello?” I whisper into the phone, my voice already abandoning me. Meera cuts straight to the chase. “I sent you a link. Open it,” she says. And I do. The article stares back at me from my phone screen, the words ringing a siren in my ears, as the very earth seems to have slipped from beneath my feet. “From Rising Star to Scandal Magnet: Natalie Jones’s New Mystery Man Amid Divorce Drama.”The accompanying pho
Last Updated : 2024-11-19The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 36. Etched in Stone
Although Ric claimed that he’s important and isn’t someone who can let himself be carried away due to his position, I know I haven’t seen him use his phone or his laptop — the one which he pulled out of the bag only to let me have a call with Anya — at all. So either he has been keeping a track on whatever is on his schedule while I’m not paying attention, or he has been ignoring his work. Regardless, when he finally wakes and asks me why my forehead is wrinkled in his sleepy voice, I give out a hollow laugh and brush it off. Instead of telling him his name is being dragged in the mess that is my life. I’m immediately swaddled in guilt as he hooks his fingers around my neck and pulls me down for a kiss. Then he kicks off the sheet, and walks leisurely to the bathroom all while being butt naked and effortlessly sexy. I bury my head into the pillow, feeling the weight of everything pushing down and yet being held back by something just inches away. It’s like feeling the impact of a
Last Updated : 2024-11-20
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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
