Shadow Of The Prey

CH2. The Games Begin.

The plan was to leave an impression and catch the target's attention. Simply causing a moment to ensure I would remain in his memory until the next time we meet, yet here I am, sitting next to him—our legs grazing each others like lovers—with the subtle cologne he wears tickling my nose.

Declining the target would leave a bitter after taste. Not many women decline this man—based from his status and looks, nobody would dare decline him—and if I had rejected him, it could burn possible bridges to reach him. However, if I say the wrong words now, he'll purge me from his memories and I'll instantly become a woman with no worth to him.

My work begins earlier than expected, but the relief of knowing if this meeting ends well, I'll have a stronger relationship to him. Setting my goal on leaving soon, yet keeping multiple bridges of opportunities open to meet him again, the ruse begins—becoming a forgotten woman is not an option.

"Elise Barrington." I introduce myself, my expression remaining dignified yet meek.
"And who's the member who invited you? Would they think it's an eyesore to see you as my guest now?" His eyes are sharp and sultry-like as he analyzes my expression.
"I'm sure they might think so. They're rather worried about motives others have towards me."
"Oh? Shall I help you escape their ownership?"
"Dear me, they're not at all controlling of me. They merely wish to protect me."
"Is it from how cherished you are to them?"
"I'm sure it's related. I've known them for years."
"Then why did he stand up such a lady?" His arm moves to rest behind my back on the lounge seat.

His body begins to migrate closer to mine. His cologne unbelievably subtle, but the type of intoxicating scent you want to indulge in once you catch its scent.

"I believe I made it clear, but I was the one who confused the date." My tone is amused and kind as I place a hand on my chest.
"Or did he toy with you and change the date without notice, to leave you hung high and dry?"
A light giggle escapes my lips as I continue to meet his gaze.
"I doubt that. She isn't a friend that cruel."

His brow raises slightly giving an amused look.

"Is that so?" Cautiously taking the hand I placed over my chest, his feather light touch dances to interlock our fingers, "You seem lucky to have a friend like her."

Closing the distance between us, his fingers delicately slide down my fingers, grazing my palm in a ticklish manner until my palm rests on top of his. His fingers rest in the crevice of my palm, his thumb lightly caressing my knuckles and the back of my hand.
Leading my hand towards his chest, he slyly pulls me close in a gentle manner.

"This is the first time I've met you, Mr. Lennox. Isn't this too comfortable for strangers?" I give him a look of Elise, one that exudes curiosity and harshness to those who question her worth.
"Carlisle. And we know each others names, Elise." His head tilts slightly, his face inches away from mine as he lowers his voice.
"Knowing a name doesn't change the relationship of strangers." My voice lowers to the same volume as his.

I meet his unspoken challenge for authority, locking my eyes with his as I slowly close the distance more between us.

"Then shall we begin a different relationship?" His words whispered in a seductive tone.

A scoff escapes my lips, trying to read his eyes that hide his true incentive from sitting with me.

"And what could that be?" I whisper, my thumb lightly drawing ticklish circles on his wrist.
"One where this space—this air belongs to me."

His hand drops from the sofa as he wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me close as his solid body is pressed to me. My thigh risen to rest on top of his thigh—our legs practically entangled with each others—and his nose only millimeters from mine.