Catch

Chapter 12

I laced up the corset of my red gown. My brunet waves draped across my shoulders. I strapped a dagger into each thigh and covered them with the skirt of the dress. I made sure that the gown I had chosen for this evening had a slit up one of the legs to make the dagger more accessible if the need for it arose. 

"You look hot," said a voice in the doorway. 

I scoffed. "Still learning to knock, I see." 

"My mother is still working on it." 

"She would be disappointed in your lack of progress."

"She understands that perfection must not be tampered with too much. My nature is not to be broken."

"So is your arrogance, unfortunately."

"Never saw confidence as a flaw."

"Then you have never met someone so outright with it as you."

"I am one of a kind," he shrugged.

"One of you is enough for this world."

"Well, as much as I love this banter, we must make our entrance into the ballroom. My parents are expecting us."

"I'm almost ready. Can you hand me that necklace on the table?" I asked, gesturing to the golden jewelry on my nightstand. 

"Turn around," he said, grabbing the necklace. 

I lifted the hair off my neck to allow him to place the necklace on my neck. His breath was warm against my skin and the places where his fingers glazed were tingling. Sparks were flying throughout my whole body. 

No, I could not let him control me like this. I was always the one in control. This is my game and I was the grandmaster. 

I turned around and slammed my lips against his.

My game. 

Just as he began deepening the kiss, I pulled away. I would not allow him to believe my body is his. His body is mine. His soul is mine, not mine his. 

His face was unreadable, but mine was identical to his. 

"I'm sorry to interrupt," said a sweet voice behind the door, "but the king and queen are waiting."

"We'll be right there," Nicholas replied. 

We stayed there in silence for a few seconds until I gathered the strength the walk towards the door. 

"I believe we should go," I said nonchalantly. 

"The ball awaits."

I walked out the door and immediately saw Oliver from around the corner. 

He approached us and kissed me on the cheek in greeting. "Red is your color," he said. 

"Thank you."

"Such a shame that she already has an escort," Nicholas said from behind me. He took my arm and led me towards the ballroom. 

"Jealous once again," I pointed out. 

"Is this how you plan to win me over? With mockery and teasing?"

"If you wanted a girl who would fall at your feet, you would have replaced me long before," I reminded. 

"It's a surprise that I have yet to." 

"Only to you."

"You think you know me to the core."

"Just as you think you know me."

"You know what I think? I think that we know each other so well because we are the same soul, split into two people."

"We are similar in some aspect," I agreed. 

"No, we are two sides of the same coin. That is why neither of us will win this game we're playing."

"What are you suggesting?"

"I'm suggesting that we both forfeit. Maybe neither of us will be able to help falling in love."

"Are you...admitting defeat?" I asked, astounded. 

"No, I'm winning a different game."

"And what game is that?"

"Love."

I couldn't help but laugh. "For a man who is serious by default, you have a surprising sense of humor." 

"That was not an attempt at humor."

"Let me make one thing clear: I don't fall in love."

"Never?"

"Never."

"You are a liar, then."

"And why do you say that?"

"Because you lie to your own emotions. Do you not feel anything when I do this?" He asked, running his fingers down my arm, sending shivers down my spine. 

"No." Liar. 

"Or this?" He asked, pressing his lips to my neck. Warmth spread through my body. 

"No." Liar. 

"Or this?" I asked, pressing his lips against mine in a deep kiss and pulling away slowly. His face was bare inches from mine, our lips almost touching.

"No." Liar. 

"Fine. Carry on lying. Just remember that lies have the tendency to catch up to you. Don't be surprised if they hit you all at once," He said, turning around and walking away.