Chapter 2 The Game

Chapter 2: The Game

The moment Sebastian's eyes met hers again, Delilah knew he was already playing the game-just not the way she had expected.

The air between them seemed to thicken, an invisible current that wrapped around their words. The crowd swirled around them, but they were in their own world, one where every glance and every word carried more weight than they let on.

"Delilah," Sebastian said her name slowly, as if savoring it on his tongue, his voice deep, rich, and controlled. He hadn't moved away from the bar, but he was no longer merely standing; he was watching her, studying her every movement as though she were a puzzle he couldn't quite figure out. "You have a way of making an entrance."

She smirked, leaning just slightly forward, her presence commanding. "I prefer to make an impact," she replied, her tone dripping with confidence.

There was no immediate flirtation in his response, no obvious signs of interest-yet, she knew better. The way his posture straightened, the subtle narrowing of his eyes, told her that he was intrigued, maybe even challenged. Delilah was no stranger to the games of men, but Sebastian was different. He wasn't easy to read, and that only made him more enticing.

"Well," he said after a beat, his eyes tracing the line of her gown from neckline to hem, the intensity of his gaze undeniable, "you certainly don't lack confidence. Not many women would dare approach me in such a... bold manner."

Her smile widened, knowing exactly where he was headed with this. "And you think that's a bad thing?"

Sebastian took a long sip from his glass, never breaking eye contact. "I think it's dangerous."

"Oh, Mr. Albright," Delilah purred, stepping closer to him, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. "Danger can be quite exhilarating, don't you think?"

Sebastian's lips parted slightly, and for a moment, she caught the flicker of something unspoken in his eyes-curiosity, desire, maybe even a hint of admiration. He wasn't used to women challenging him, but Delilah had a way of flipping the script, of turning the tables in a way that was almost too subtle to detect at first.

They stood there for a moment, each sizing the other up, like two predators circling before a kill. The tension crackled in the air between them, and Delilah could feel it-the magnetic pull that was building, the dangerous allure of someone who thrived on power and control.

"You're not like the others," Sebastian finally said, his voice low and quiet, yet undeniably charged. "I'm beginning to wonder if that's a good thing or a bad thing."

Delilah tilted her head, her dark eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. "What do you think?"

He chuckled, the sound rich and full of unspoken meaning. "I think I'll have to find out, won't I?"

The game had officially begun.

Delilah leaned in just enough for her lips to brush against his ear as she whispered, "You'll have to try harder than that, Mr. Albright."

She stepped back before he could respond, giving him a brief, teasing smile. She knew how to keep them wanting more, and it was a skill she had perfected over the years. She could already tell that Sebastian wasn't the type to fall easily, and that made the chase all the more interesting.

"I'm sure I'll find a way," Sebastian replied, his voice almost a growl.

Without another word, Delilah turned and began to walk away, her hips swaying seductively as she moved through the crowd. She could feel his eyes on her, burning into her back, and it only fueled the fire within her.

As she reached the door to the balcony, Delilah glanced over her shoulder. Sebastian stood where she had left him, his gaze still fixed on her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.

But the game wasn't over. Far from it.

Delilah stepped outside, the cool breeze lifting the strands of her hair, and waited.

It wouldn't be long before Sebastian made his move.

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