BE MY OBSESSION

CHAPTER 14

•WILLIAM•

I had no interest in attending the Falcons' 50th-anniversary party tonight. I was eager to continue working on the merger project plan from the comfort of my home. Besides, this was a significant event for their family, so I didn't feel obligated to make an appearance.

However, the old man insisted on introducing me to a few people as their merge partners. Reluctantly, I had no choice but to comply and go.

After briefly dealing with the press's questions outside, I managed to slip away before the paparazzi could pounce on me.

Making my way to the main hall, I was immediately struck by the impressive transformation of the venue. Shelby had gone all out to ensure it perfectly suited her taste.

It was no wonder she had been preoccupied.

Almost as if summoned, she appeared in front of me, blocking my path with a scowl on her face.

I chuckled, tilting my head to the side, acknowledging the ladies nearby with a wink before refocusing my attention on Shelby.

She looked stunning in her form-fitting red gown, accentuating all the right curves. The color brought out the beauty of her eyes. Her blond hair was elegantly curled, cascading in waves down her back, and her red lipstick enhanced her facial features.

"What are you doing here?" she snapped at me, and I tried to regain my focus.

"It's a party, isn't it? I'm here to enjoy myself," I teasingly replied, narrowing my eyes playfully.

She grabbed my arm and forcefully led me to a secluded corner, away from prying eyes in the crowd. Releasing her grip, she glared at me once again.

"You're not on the guest list," she stated matter-of-factly.

"Oh?" I pretended surprise, even though I was aware she hadn't included my name.

"How on earth did you manage to get in? This is a private event, and outsiders weren't invited."

I let out a breathy laugh, and her irritation grew with my nonchalant demeanor.

"I don't think I need to keep reminding you that I'm no outsider, but your merge partner. If you have trouble understanding that, I suggest you seek help, Shelly. Pretending to be clueless doesn't suit you."

She scoffed, folding her arms, inadvertently accentuating the curves of her dress and revealing a hint of cleavage. I swallowed hard, trying to avert my gaze.

"Then tell me, how did you get here?" she pressed, her tone now gentler.

"Your father personally invited me. So, if you want to be angry with someone, be angry with him. I don't think you want to spoil tonight by keeping this up, do you?"

Her eyes softened slowly, and she let her arms fall, glancing around at the people surrounding us. I smirked, knowing she had finally relented and was ready to walk away.

As much as she tried to push me away and get rid of me, there was nothing she could do while her father remained in charge. The new Shelby I was getting to know loved being in control of everything, but with her father obstructing her, it was amusing to witness her frustration.

She turned to face me again, pointing her finger.

"You better not ruin this for me, William. Stay out of my way and don't get involved. This is my moment, and you won't take it from me."

I shrugged, playfully biting the inside of my cheek as I contemplated her words. Then, leaning closer, I whispered in her ear, a mischievous tone in my voice.

"If I wanted to steal your spotlight, Shelly, I would've done it the moment I walked in."

She froze, and I traced my finger lightly down her arm, slowly intertwining our hands.

"But since you want it so badly, I can gladly give it to you."

Without waiting for her reaction, I pulled her towards the makeshift dance floor, where a few couples were already swaying to the music. I positioned her in front of me, and she hesitantly leaned against my chest, emitting a small gasp.

With one hand around her waist and the other holding hers, we began dancing as the soft music grew louder in the room.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" she lashed out, though she was following my lead.

"You wanted your moment, didn't you? Well, here it is."

She took a step back, and I twirled her around before pulling her back into my embrace. Aware of the people watching us, I paid no mind.

This was what she desired, and I was allowing her to have it.

"You're ruining everything by behaving like this," she scolded me, but I chuckled softly.

"No baby, I'm simply doing you a favor."

Drawing her closer, I tightened my grip around her waist. Our noses brushed against each other, and her breath grew heavier. My eyes focused on her cherry-red lips, inches away from mine.

Should I risk it?

But what good would it do? She already hate me, and a kiss in this moment would change nothing.

We had a history, moments long gone. Yet, I couldn't deny my attraction to the woman she had become. Even as this instant triggered flashbacks, should I steal the spotlight or let her have it?

Yet, her gaze erected a barrier, interrupting my thoughts. She wasn't pleased with being forced into this dance, but I sensed her lingering attraction whenever we were this close.

I could feel it; otherwise, why hadn't she walked away?

Leaning back, I smirked at the annoyance etched on her face.

Wait, did she actually think I would kiss her?

I burst into laughter, shaking my head.

"What's so funny?" she angrily inquired, but I evaded her question.

She looked away, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she realized I knew her thoughts. I twirled her around once more, and as she gazed up at me again, her expression had softened.

"We're done here," she declared coldly, attempting to leave, but I seized her hand and pulled her back to me.

"Will you stop pulling me around?" she scowled, swiftly forcing a smile for the onlookers nearby.

So, she didn't want people to witness her anger, but she wouldn't mind if they saw us kissing? Yeah, right.

"We're not done until I say so."

Before she could respond, I dipped her down toward the floor, one arm supporting her waist while the other remained beneath her thigh.

Taken aback by the move, she stared up at me, and I smirked, meeting her gaze.

"Now that I have your undivided attention, you'll continue dancing with me and pretend to enjoy it."

Removing my hand from her thigh, I pulled her back up towards me.

"Can you do that?" she scoffed, frowning.

"I hate you," she replied.

I nodded, and we gradually resumed moving to the music.

"I'm aware of that sunshine, but tonight you'll have to compromise."