Chapter 7 Chapter 7.

(Lucian)

Satisfied with the look on Mr lover boy’s face, like a cornered animal, I cast a quick glance back at Rebecca before stepping leaving. The moment I reached the doorway of the reception, I spotted Tina, her gaze fixed on me, radiating a silent plea for attention. I brushed past her, the ghost of our past hovering like a specter that refused to fade. Two years had changed nothing; there was still nothing between us.

As I exited the reception, flanked by my bodyguards, I halted and turned to face the contestants. “Whatever pictures or videos you took earlier of Rebecca, take them down. Now,” I commanded, my tone leaving no room for argument. “If I see any of those clips online, you’ll all have me to answer to.”

With that declaration, I strode out. I was the only one permitted to bully her; no one else.

Entering the internal crew section of the game, I was greeted by a sea of respectful faces, each one standing up as I walked in. They instinctively parted for me, but I brushed off their gestures, my purpose focused.

“Rebecca Clement must be let into the game, no matter what,” I ordered, my voice firm.

“Yes, sir,” they chorused in unison.

“And also, Lucian Davis. Make sure he gets in the game,” I added.

The affirmation echoed back to me, but then Sia blinked, a look of disbelief creeping over her features as she registered my order. “What?”

“Get you in the game, sir?”

“Yes,” I confirmed, my patience wearing thin.

“But why?” she persisted, eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“Because that’s what I want,” I replied, a finality in my tone that brooked no further argument.

She nodded, understanding my resolve without further questioning. I had my reasons for entering this game, and it revolved around collecting a debt of thirteen years ago.

---

(Rebecca)

As that bastard left, I turned back to face Daniel. “You came back.”

He met my gaze, a mix of concern and determination evident as he replied, "my mind was unsettled knowing he was around you, so I came back."

His words warmed my heart, and I enveloped him in a hug, feeling as if the world had shrunk to just the two of us. What would I do without him? He was my everything.

“Thank you...thank you for sticking with me no matter what,” I said, my voice trembling with emotion.

He wrapped his arms around me, hugging me tighter, as if trying to shield me from the chaos surrounding us. “I’m sorry for losing control earlier. I never meant any of the words I said...I’m also sorry for lying to you.”

“I’m sorry too,” I replied, unable to hide the weight of my feelings.

We stayed like that for a while, lost in each other’s embrace, the world fading away. When he finally pulled back, he leaned in slowly, capturing my lips with his.

As Daniel’s lips met mine, time seemed to stand still. The chaos, the humiliation, the unbearable presence of Lucian, all of it melted into oblivion. All I could feel was him. The initial softness of his mouth brought a wave of reassurance, a silent promise. But quickly, that gentleness morphed into something more profound, more urgent, more consuming.

His hands cradled my face with a kind of reverence that nearly shattered me. It was as if I was made of glass, fragile yet cherished. My hands rested on his chest for only a fleeting moment before they slid around his neck, pulling him closer, as though nothing else mattered more than this moment. His tongue brushed against my lower lip, seeking entrance, and I willingly succumbed. I was his.

Both of us were enveloped in a quiet hunger, a yearning that had long been caged. His kiss was not just about desire; it was woven with apologies, confessions, and a deep-rooted need for me. With every touch, I poured into him the emotions I had buried, the fear, the gratitude, the overwhelming love.

We weren’t merely kissing; we were navigating our way back to one another, anchoring ourselves amidst the storm that had threatened to drown us. I felt his breath hitch as my fingers tangled in his hair, drawing him deeper into this exquisite moment. His arms tightened around me, trembling slightly, he needed me as much as I needed him.

But then I felt a rush of heat, a throbbing need that surged within me.

I pulled back slightly, and to my relief, Daniel's eyes reflected my burning desire. Tenderly, I cupped his face and whispered his name, letting the warmth of my voice envelop the moment. "I want you," I finally blurted out, and I could see the disbelief flicker in his eyes.

"What?" he asked, incredulous.

"I want you badly... here and now," I declared, feeling a rush of boldness.

"Babe, are you—"

"Yes, I'm sure about this," I interrupted, my heart racing in my chest. "I've been thinking a lot lately, and this is what I truly want."

He fell silent for a moment, his gaze searching mine, as if wrestling with a whirlwind of thoughts. Just when I feared he might pull away, he seized my lips again. This kiss was fiery and electric, igniting every nerve ending within me. I met his intensity with equal passion, soaking in the heat radiating between us. His hand found its way to my backside, gripping it firmly and eliciting a soft moan that slipped out before I could catch it.

In the heat of the moment, I staggered backward, my knees weakening under the tides of our desire. We collided against the wall, and he kissed me even harder, trailing his lips from mine down to my neck. Every kiss lingered and sent shivers coursing through me, my breath quickening with each soft brush against my skin.

As he explored my collarbone, sucking and nibbling gently, I felt a surge of longing. But just as the heat was about to reach its peak, Sia’s piercing voice cut through the air.

"Hello, everyone! Please gather around for an important announcement," she proclaimed, disrupting the blissful haze.

Hearing her, Daniel halted his actions, and my expression twisted into a frustrating frown. Seriously, Sia? What timing!

"Babe, we should go. There’s an announcement," Daniel said, a hint of reluctance in his voice. "We'll come back to this later," he promised, pressing a gentle peck onto my lips.

I managed a forced smile, feeling the weight of disappointment creeping in, but I nodded, allowing him to take my hand and lead me to the reception.

The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation as we entered, the crowd already gathered, eager for the news.

"Thank you, everyone, for your patience. The results of the final screening are out, and we’ll be announcing them now," Sia began, her voice steady yet filled with anticipation. "After careful review, we've decided to select twenty individuals to participate in the game: ten males and ten females."

A thrill coursed through me. I had been eagerly waiting for this moment, a chance to change my life and take a leap into the unknown.

"Please listen attentively as the names are called," she continued, her tone growing more serious.

As she began reading the names, my heart raced, each beat echoing the weight of the moment. My name needed to be among them. There was so much riding on this opportunity.

My breath caught when Daniel's name rang out, followed shortly by Tina's. With each name called, a knot of tension twisted tighter in my stomach. I closed my eyes for a brief second, inhaling deeply to calm the whirlwind of anxiety swirling within me. As the list marched on, I felt a flicker of desperation; had I brushed too close to a dream that was still out of reach?

Then, to my disbelief, I heard Sia call my name: "Rebecca Clement." A wave of relief washed over me, mingled with sheer joy. Thank you, God! I could hardly believe it; this was my chance.

As my euphoric thoughts began to settle, Sia announced the final name: "And the twentieth participant is none other than Lucian Davis."

My heart stuttered. What in the world was his name doing on the list?