Chapter 4 The Game Begins

Chapter 4: The Game Begins

The city outside Damien's office glittered under the evening sky, its pulse quickening with the rhythm of millions of lives moving in tandem. Calla, however, felt like she was on a different frequency entirely. Her heart was racing, but it wasn't from fear-it was from the adrenaline of the power play Damien had just set in motion.

She didn't know what she expected, but it sure as hell wasn't this. Not this charge between them, this magnetic pull that seemed to set the very air on fire. She had a gut feeling that the game had just begun, and she wasn't sure if she was ready for it. But one thing was for certain: she wasn't going to let him walk all over her, no matter how irresistible his charm or dangerous his allure.

"I'll prove you wrong," Calla said, standing up and throwing her shoulders back, her eyes glinting with defiance.

Damien raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth curling into that dangerous half-smile. "I'd like to see that, Miss Rose. But remember, in my world, the stakes are much higher than a broken bed or a stolen dress."

Calla shot him a look, the sass in her gaze undeniable. "Oh, believe me, I know. But if you think I'm intimidated by a billionaire who thinks he can buy anything, you're mistaken."

He chuckled, low and amused. "I don't think I can buy anything. But I do know how to play the game-and I'll admit, you're an interesting player."

Calla rolled her eyes and turned to leave, but as she did, Damien moved quickly, stepping in front of her and blocking her path.

"You really think you can walk away after that?" he asked, his voice a low growl.

For a brief moment, she considered sidestepping him, but she wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of showing any hesitation. Instead, she met his gaze head-on, her chin tilted up with defiance. "You think you can intimidate me?"

Damien's eyes narrowed, his intense gaze never leaving hers. The air between them was thick with unspoken tension, like a storm about to break.

"I don't have to intimidate you, Calla," he said, his voice softer now, but laced with something darker. "You already want this. You want everything that comes with it. But the question is-how far are you willing to go?"

Her breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew he was right. Every fiber of her being was drawn to him in a way she couldn't explain. But that didn't mean she was going to roll over and let him have everything on a silver platter. No, she wasn't about to make it easy for him.

"I'll go as far as I need to," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I won't be your toy, Damien. Not now, not ever."

Damien's lips quirked into a smile, but it wasn't a friendly one. It was the smile of someone who enjoyed the chase-the game. And Calla, for better or worse, had just become his favorite prey.

"I never said you were my toy," he murmured, stepping closer, the heat of his body nearly suffocating. "But you will be something far more valuable."

The way he said it made her skin tingle, a rush of desire sweeping through her that she was too proud to acknowledge. He was right. She wanted this. She wanted him. And no amount of resistance could change that.

The tension in the room cracked like thunder as Damien reached out, his fingers brushing against the curve of her jaw. "You've got fire, Calla. But let's see how long you can keep it burning."

She swatted his hand away, the sudden motion shocking both of them. "I don't need you to fan my flames, Damien. I'll burn on my own."

Damien's eyes flared with a mix of admiration and something else-something darker. "I'm sure you will. But don't forget, I'm not the only one who can play with fire."

Before Calla could respond, the door to his office burst open, and his assistant stepped in, a look of urgency on her face.

"Mr. Rourke, there's a situation with one of your clients. They need your immediate attention," the assistant said, her voice crisp and professional.

Damien didn't look away from Calla as he responded. "Handle it," he said to the assistant, his tone calm but commanding. "I'm busy."

The assistant hesitated for a moment, clearly uncomfortable, but nodded and left, closing the door behind her.

Damien finally turned back to Calla, his gaze intense, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes now. "Looks like you've distracted me. But don't worry, I'll get back to business."

Calla didn't know what to say. She should have been furious-he was distracting her, testing her patience. But the truth was, she was starting to enjoy it.

"And what about me?" she asked, her voice laced with challenge.

Damien's smile deepened. "You'll be a very interesting addition to my world, Calla. And believe me, this is just the beginning."