Chapter 35

Damien

We pulled up in front of the club, the neon lights casting a colorful glow on the car. I glanced at Alison, who shot me a confused look.

"What's wrong?" I asked, smirking at her reaction.

"Are we... really doing this?" she asked, her voice filled with hesitation.

I leaned over the console and gave her a grin. "We had a successful mission. Time to celebrate, don't you think?"

Her eyebrows furrowed, but she didn’t protest further. I stepped out of the car, moving around to her side, and opened the door.

She hesitated for a moment, eyeing the club like it might bite. I could tell she wasn’t entirely comfortable with the idea, but I wasn’t about to let her off that easy.

“Come on, Alison,” I said, offering her my hand. “Let’s go have some fun.”

Reluctantly, she slid out of the car and followed me inside. The club was alive with energy. Music pulsed through the air, and the lights flickered in a chaotic rhythm, illuminating the bodies that moved in sync with the beat.

Alison glanced around, looking like she wasn’t sure whether to be intrigued or horrified.

"Too much?" I asked, smirking at her.

"Maybe a little." She shrugged, trying to hide her discomfort, but I saw through it.

I knew the club wasn’t the reason for it. I was, and of course, she wouldn’t dare to admit it. She was probably scared about what I would do to her if she did.

I pulled her toward the dance floor, not giving her time to second-guess herself. The crowd was tight, bodies moving all around us, but I kept my hand firmly around hers.

"Let go," I whispered in her ear, brushing my lips against her skin.

She froze for a moment, but I didn’t give her a chance to back out. I guided her, my hands on her waist, pulling her closer.

The music increased, and I felt her stiffen in my arms for a second before she began to relax, her body giving in to the rhythm.

“Yes,” I muttered to myself. “This was what I wanted.”

“Relax,” I murmured again, keeping my voice soft, coaxing. “It’s just dancing.”

She met my gaze, eyes wide, and I noticed a flicker of something I couldn’t place. Was it shock? Maybe. I wasn’t sure, but I wasn’t about to back off now.

I moved with her, my touch lingering just a little too long each time my hands brushed against her skin. Her breath hitched as I pulled her closer, my lips brushing against her ear.

“You’re good at this,” I said, in a seductive tone that I was sure was making her skin crawl.

She barely looked at me, too caught up in the music. She’d let go. Finally.

“You think so?” she acknowledged my words and the tiniest smile tugged at her lips.

I nodded. “I know so.”

The music had changed and I pulled back, watching her, gauging her reaction. She stopped dancing, breathing heavier now, and flushed from the dance.

“I think it’s high time we take a break.” I declared, and she nodded.

We walked back to the bar, and I took a seat. “What do you want to drink?”

Alison hesitated, but I wasn’t going to let her think too much.

“A whiskey, neat,” she said.

I raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t know you had taste like that.”

She shrugged, the smallest of smiles on her face. “You’d be surprised how much you don’t know about me.”

I leaned in slightly, letting my gaze roam over her. “At least I know you’re beautiful.”

She froze for a second, clearly taken aback by the sudden compliment. I enjoyed the shock on her face, though I kept my expression neutral like it didn’t mean anything.

Before she could say anything, I saw Hugh sitting in a chair opposite us, his eyes immediately locking onto mine.

“Excuse me for a second,” I said to Alison, then I moved toward Hugh, trying to keep my cool.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“I happened to crave a few drinks so I dropped by.” He said firmly.

Then I watched as he leaned forward.

“What the hell are you doing Damien ?” Hugh’s voice was sharp, and I knew what he was getting at.

I leaned against the bar, raising an eyebrow. “What does it look like I’m doing?”

“You’re getting too close to her,” Hugh muttered, glancing back toward Alison.

I smirked. “What’s your problem? You think I’m actually interested in her?”

“It looks like it.” He said in a stern voice. “You are meant to be figuring out if she is a spy but you’re here messing around.”

“This is all part of the plan!” I pointed out.

Hugh’s eyes narrowed. “You are playing a very dangerous game Damien, and It’ll backfire.”

I shrugged. “It’s just the push and pull method. You know how it works. Get close, pull away. Leave her confused. Then, when she’s craving attention, I’ll be there to give it to her, then yank it off when I feel like it. This is the best way to get under her skin.”

Hugh looked at me, skepticism clear in his eyes. “Do you think messing with her mind would lead anywhere?”

I leaned in a little closer, lowering my voice. “Of course it will. This is a way to get her to fall for me and you know when one falls in love, they stop thinking. I’ll be able to get everything I need out of her, find out who she’s working for, and have her wrapped around my finger.”

Hugh stayed silent for a moment, then exhaled slowly. “I don’t like it.”

I didn’t let his words affect me. I’d played these games before and I won. With Alison it was going to be the same thing.

“Relax, Hugh,” I said, clapping him on the back. “I know what I’m doing.”

He shook his head but didn’t press further. I focused on his drink, and I returned to Alison.

She was looking at me curiously.

“What did Hugh want?” she asked.

“Business,” I replied in a sharp tone.

She didn’t press it, but I could tell something was off. I leaned closer, studying her face as she stared at me for just a moment too long.

“Is something wrong?” I asked.

“Nothing,” she muttered.

“You know you can always talk to me about anything.”

“I’m fine Damien!” She said and I didn’t push further. I focused on my drink, trying to find a way to ease the tension that has suddenly risen.

The night went on, and I continued my act—playing the charming, attentive man, making Alison feel special. I watched her begin to enjoy the attention. She laughed more, her shoulders loosening, her smile brightening and the tension had disappeared.

I caught her staring at me as I drank my drink, and I smirked. This was easier than I thought.

I decided to pull the oldest trick in the book.

“There’s something in your hair,” I said, reaching out, and brushing my fingers through her locks.

Her gaze lingered on me and slowly my fingers trailed down her face.

Her eyes widened as I leaned in closer. I was about to kiss her, to push her over the edge, but then I pulled away at the last second, watching her expression fall.

At that point, I knew she was slowly giving in to my actions. It would only be a matter of time before she finally falls.