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9. A Kiss Too Deep
Last Updated:
2024-10-15 20:36:26
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The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 10. Lights, Camera, and Chaos
I step out of the greenroom, running my hands down the fabric of my gown, trying to fix my look. I can't look like I was about to get laid backstage. The distant hum of the event feels like white noise, almost soothing compared to the whirlwind of the last few minutes. For a second, I let myself breathe, steadying the rush in my chest. But it’s short-lived. The moment I spot Meera hurrying toward me, her face a mask of disbelief, I know my brief escape is over.“Nat?” Her voice is low, almost like she’s afraid I might disappear if she speaks too loudly. “Where the hell have you been? I’ve been calling you nonstop!” Her words are laced with both worry and frustration, but I can’t help the grin that tugs at my lips. She has no idea.“I threw my phone in the bin,” I reply with a casual shrug, as if it’s the most reasonable thing in the world. “Didn’t feel like dealing with Mike tonight.”Meera’s eyebrows shoot up as she stares at me, her eyes flicking down to the bouquet in my hands. Her
Last Updated : 2024-10-19The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 11. A Gaze That Burns
The second I step into the building, I spot Meera. Her eyes are wide, and for a moment, she looks like she’s about to faint. “Okay,” she says, shaking her head in disbelief. “I expected something loud and ugly. And while this wasn’t exactly that, it’s... somehow worse.” She pauses, but then her lips curve into a smirk. “Just don’t ruin your dress, alright? You look sexy when you’re pissed.”I let out a breathy laugh despite myself. Leave it to Meera to find the silver lining, however small. “Noted,” I mutter, brushing past her as I make my way into the main hall.The lights inside are dim, the soft chatter of guests filling the space as I weave through the tables. As I slip into my seat at the table, the low murmur of conversations and clinking glasses fills the room. I barely have a chance to take in my surroundings before my eyes land on a familiar face sitting across from me — the lead actor from my debut movie. Chris Matthews. It’s been seven years since we worked together on that
Last Updated : 2024-10-19The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 12. Ruin me, Ric
Ric doesn’t take his eyes off me—not for the next few seconds, not for the next few minutes. Every time I steal a glance in his direction, I find him staring, those dark eyes boring into me, filled with a possessive rage that sends a shiver down my spine. It’s not just a passing look, either. It’s intense, unyielding, and there’s a raw edge to it that shouldn’t tempt me, but it does. I can feel my pulse quicken every time our gazes lock, and I hate how much I’m affected by him, by this. I’m fighting a losing battle with myself, trying to suppress the heat pooling in my stomach.I can’t immerse myself in any conversation after that. Every time someone speaks to me, their words float past my ears, barely registering. I’m too caught up in the memory of Ric — his face inches from mine, the way his breath felt warm against my skin, teasing me, shredding every sense of control I have over my body. I keep thinking about how close I was to letting him cross that line, how I had almost given in
Last Updated : 2024-10-21The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 13. The Secrets We Hide
I pace around the living room, my eyes constantly flicking to the front door in the hopes that I'll hear the bell ring any second. The penthouse feels too big, too quiet, making it hard to breathe. Ric’s going to be here any minute, and I can barely keep my thoughts together. I straighten the pillows on the couch for the hundredth time, then smooth down my dress, wondering if I should’ve changed into something else. But the knot in my stomach tells me it won’t matter.The bell rings, and my heart leaps into my throat. I take a deep breath and walk to the door. When I open it, there he is. Ric. Those dark eyes lock onto mine immediately, and it feels like everything else falls away.He steps inside without saying a word, closing the door behind him. His hand brushes my arm as he passes, a small, almost innocent touch, but it sends a wave of heat through me.“Did you think about me?” His voice is low, smooth, the kind of tone that could melt steel.I swallow hard, barely able to find m
Last Updated : 2024-10-22The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 14. A Game of Expectations
I stare at the small plastic stick on the bathroom counter, waiting. The instructions said to wait three minutes, but I’ve been here for over five, anxiously hoping for two lines that still haven’t appeared. I let out a loud breath, my shoulders sagging in disappointment.There’s nothing. Not even a faint shadow of a second line.“Of course, there’s nothing,” I whisper to myself, a harsh laugh escaping my lips. “Why did I even bother?”I know I can’t be pregnant. There’s been no missed period, or sex that could have led to this. I haven’t been with Mike in months, and Ric... well, Ric and I haven’t gotten that far, even if my mind has wandered there. So why did I even take the test?I scoff, tossing the stick into the trash can. “Stupid,” I mutter under my breath, wiping my hands on a towel before glancing in the mirror. My eyes are glassy, and I blink back the tears that have formed.Was it because of Mike? His stupid confession about Hayley — his mistress — being pregnant... It had s
Last Updated : 2024-10-23The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 15. Risking It All
I lean back in the car seat, my fingers tapping against my thigh, trying to distract myself from the gnawing feeling in my chest. The city flashes by in a blur, but I’m too distracted by my own thoughts to really notice. Next to me, Meera huffs for the third time in as many minutes, clearly annoyed. I glance at her, raising an eyebrow, waiting for her to spill whatever is on her mind. She doesn’t disappoint.“You know, I've had to take all your calls since you literally threw your phone away,” she finally complains, her voice tinged with annoyance. “And I mean all of them.”I give a small shrug, not particularly moved by her annoyance. "All those calls are professional, Meera. You’re paid to handle them. It’s part of your job."She stares at me with a scowl. "You can’t be serious, Nat. Professional calls are one thing, but what about your personal life? You can’t just ghost the world, pretending it doesn’t exist."I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. "What personal life? Who do I
Last Updated : 2024-10-25The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 16. Every Inch
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
Last Updated : 2024-10-26The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction & Lies 17. Held in His Hands
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
Last Updated : 2024-10-27
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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
