Chapter 03

KATE

"What is your name, beautiful?" He was intimidating. My thoughts were in disarray, and a warning signal sounded in my head, my brain deciding that the best thing was to run away. I turned around, trying to spot Lisa.

Maybe I'm just unaccustomed to that kind of environment, the people who frequent it, and how they are so direct with their indecent flirting. Aargh. Indecent flirting? Seriously, Kate? What era are you living in?

"Your friend must be having fun somewhere with the guy she was dancing with. Can you give me some attention?"

"Are you some kind of stalker?" I asked without looking at him, trying to make things easier for myself.

"What?"

Suddenly, my question seemed completely foolish. How embarrassing. I looked at him, and he was still smiling. So sexy. There was something about him that stirred me in a crazy way. I promise never to drink again.

"Like stalking me," I tried to explain after realizing I had been staring at him for too long.

"At some point, while admiring you, I noticed you were smiling too much for someone. I was glad to see you were just a friend."

"Didn't it cross your mind that she could be something else?"

"If she were your girlfriend, wouldn't you have stopped her from going to the restroom with a guy?"

"Kate, let's go!" Lisa appeared abruptly, taking my hand and pulling me toward the dance floor. I was dragged away by the Lisa hurricane, with no choice.

On the dance floor, I saw him raise his glass to me again. Lisa was dancing by my side. Holding my hands, she encouraged me to move. Don't embarrass me, Lisa. Especially with him watching me. He was intriguing, an idiot, but intriguing, and he could add many things to the list of what he is.

At some point, I gave in and started moving, imagining that he was still watching me. I started laughing by myself, imagining how ridiculous I must look, but I had fun, letting the rhythm of the music guide my movements.

Minutes later, as we were walking back to the bar, I lost sight of him. He disappeared. Maybe I felt a little frustrated. Just, maybe. As for Lisa, she was now talking to a guy she had met earlier.

"Kate?"

"What?"

"Let's go to the bathroom." I nodded. She took my hand and pulled me again, towards the back of the bar. "He's hot, don't you think?"

"Yeah, interesting. Alright, I'll wait for you here in the hallway. It's a bit crowded," I said, letting go of her hand. I was feeling a bit dizzy from the lights, the loud music, and, of course, the drinks. I ended up leaning against a corner, taking a deep breath to ward off the nausea.

"So, it's Kate, right?" I turned toward the voice, bumping into him. Seeing his face relieved me, and I think I gave him a smile that was too wide. But he returned it. "Are you going to keep ignoring me?" Why did he always seem to speak in such a sexy manner?

"No, if you're lucky."

"I don't believe in luck," he smiled arrogantly. No. He had arrogant energy.

"Oh really? And what do you believe in?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Power, control," he said with palpable lust. I laughed, probably because I had drunk more than I should have. I had no idea if my thoughts still made any sense. But I wasn't shy anymore.

"Well... I believe in things like freedom, free will, independence..." He interrupted me, grabbing my hand and pulling me into a darker corner. Did everyone decide to drag me around today? "What are you doing?" I asked before he could press me against the wall. His massive body followed, as he gripped my hips and pressed himself against me, leaving me breathless. Wow! A little attitude, and I could feel other things too, it was a bit too much attitude.

I placed my hands on his massive chest to prevent him from getting even closer. I struggled to breathe as he rubbed against me, making me feel how hard he was.

"It doesn't work that way with me..." he whispered, staring at me with a dark gaze. And before I could say anything, he kissed me. His lips covered mine, soft, firm, and full of confidence. His tongue opened its way, exploring my mouth, becoming rough and hot, wanting more. Making me want more, so much more. He sucked on my lip and then stopped, causing me to open my eyes and breathe again. I was a little dazed. Damn, it felt so good.

"Come with me," he whispered. What? Go where?

"No," I said, realizing it didn't matter. He took a deep breath before tilting his head and kissing my neck, making me lose my train of thought. I felt the heat rise between my legs.

"I know you want to," he whispered. Heavens! He's so presumptuous and full of himself, and why the hell is that attractive?

"No," I lied, relishing the touch of his lips on my skin.

"Don't lie to me. Why not?" He stepped back, not giving me much space. For a moment, he seemed as dazed as I felt. I tried to articulate a response.

"It doesn't work that way... I don't even know your name yet."

"Nathan. Can we go now?" I laughed and managed to push him away using some force.

"No, Nathan."

"Why not?"

"I have my reasons."

"And I have more for you to come with me," he bit his lip and tried to get closer again. I extended my arm between us before I couldn't resist.

"I advise you not to waste your time." I went around his body, leaving the space between him and the wall.

"Is this some kind of game?" he asked, turning to face me.

"Huh?"

"What you're doing."

"What am I doing?" He gave an almost smile and licked his lips before continuing.

"Playing hard to get." He came closer. "Dancing for me. Teasing me. Getting me hard and saying no," he said with a mischievous look. He was being so direct, and it affected me. I could feel desire pulsating between my thighs. I took a deep breath, searching for my reason.