Immortal Serenade

11. A Deadly Gamble

Lin Xi's hands brushed against the Duke's cheeks, her fingers tracing the sharp lines of his face. She held his chin, her eyes locked on his, and whispered, "I swear, Duke Zheng Yue, I have nothing to do with Li Chen. I'm just a pawn in his game."

The Duke's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "Don't try anything funny, Lin Xi," he warned, his voice low and husky. "I'm not a man to be trifled with."

Lin Xi's smile was sultry, her lips curling upward. "Oh, I'm shaking with fear," she purred, her hands still cradling his face.

The Duke's eyes flashed with anger, but Lin Xi saw something else there, something that gave her hope. A spark of attraction, a glimmer of desire.

She leaned in closer, her breath whispering against his ear. "Maybe we can come to an arrangement, Duke. One that benefits us both."

The Duke's hands shot up, his fingers wrapping around her wrists like manacles. "What kind of arrangement?" he growled, his eyes burning with intensity.

Lin Xi's smile grew wider, her eyes locked on his. "Let's just say... I'm willing to do whatever it takes to survive."

The Duke's gaze held hers, the air thickening with tension. Lin Xi could feel the chemistry between them, a spark that threatened to ignite into a flame.

And then, in a movement that caught her off guard, the Duke pulled her closer, his lips crashing down on hers in a fierce, possessive kiss.

The kiss deepened, the Duke's lips demanding and possessive. Lin Xi's eyes widened in shock, but she forced herself to relax, to submit to his embrace. She had to bear this, for her own freedom and for Li Chen's sacrifice.

As the Duke's tongue explored her mouth, Lin Xi's mind raced with thoughts of her friend. Li Chen had died saving her, and now she had to honor his memory by surviving. She couldn't let his sacrifice be in vain.

With newfound determination, Lin Xi kissed the Duke back, her lips softening, her body yielding. She would play this game, would use her charms to manipulate him, no matter how much it cost her.

The Duke's grip on her wrists tightened, his fingers digging into her skin. Lin Xi winced, but didn't pull away. She knew she had to keep up this charade, had to make him believe she was his.

As the kiss finally broke, the Duke's eyes gleamed with triumph. "You're mine now, Lin Xi," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. "And soon, you'll be begging for my mercy."

Lin Xi's heart raced, her mind recoiling in horror. But she forced a smile, a seductive smile. "I'm already begging, Duke," she purred, her voice husky. "I'm begging for more."

The Duke's smile lingered, but he knew he couldn't indulge in this distraction forever. He had duties to attend to, a rebellion to crush, and a empire to rule. He released Lin Xi's wrists, his fingers trailing over her skin like a promise.

"I'll return tonight," he whispered, his eyes burning with intensity. "And next time, Lin Xi, you won't be so... reserved."

Lin Xi's heart skipped a beat as he turned to leave. She knew she had to be careful, that the Duke's interest was a double-edged sword. But she also knew she had to keep him hooked, had to use this twisted game to her advantage.

As the door closed behind him, Lin Xi let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. She had to keep her wits about her, had to stay one step ahead of the Duke's desires. But for now, she allowed herself a small smile. She had planted the seed, and soon, she would reap the rewards.

Little did she know, the Duke's smile lingered long after he left her cell. He couldn't shake off the feeling that he was playing with fire, that Lin Xi was a danger he couldn't quite contain. But he was willing to take that risk, for the thrill of the chase, for the promise of her surrender.