Consent or Convict

Chapter 1 - The Encounter

Maya's dress was too tight, but she liked it that way.

The fabric clung to her curves like a second skin, each step she took causing the slit at her thigh to shift, just enough to hint at what lay beneath.

She felt eyes on her—hungry, appreciative, some a bit too leering—but she didn't care. Not tonight. Tonight was different.

She sipped her champagne, barely tasting the bubbles as they danced on her tongue.

Her gaze swept over the glittering ballroom of the city's most exclusive hotel. It was a sea of elegant suits, designer gowns, and clinking glasses—a charity gala filled with the city's elite.

Exactly the sort of place she needed to be. Exactly the sort of place he'd be.

And then, she saw him.

Arjun Rao. The man she'd come here for.

He was standing near the edge of the room, casually leaning against a marble pillar, with a half-smile on his lips as he chatted with a group of older men.

His salt-and-pepper hair, cut short and neat, caught the light just right. His black tuxedo fit him perfectly—tailored to his broad shoulders, every inch of him screamed power and control.

Maya's heart quickened.

Her plan, carefully crafted over weeks, began to unfold in her mind. She'd seen pictures of him, read his interviews, memorized the details. But seeing him in person was different.

There was an aura about him, an intensity that drew her in, even from across the room.

She knew he'd notice her. He always did.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself, then began to weave through the crowd, her eyes locked on her target.

As she approached, she made sure to keep her expression composed—innocent but intriguing. When she was close enough, she "accidentally" brushed against his arm, feeling the warmth of his skin even through the fabric of his suit.

He turned, his eyes sharp and penetrating, a slight frown on his lips. Then, recognition flickered, and his frown transformed into a slow, knowing smile.

"Excuse me," she said, feigning a little embarrassment, her hand lightly touching his arm again. "I didn't mean to bump into you."

Arjun's gaze swept over her, assessing, curious. "No harm done," he replied, his voice deep and smooth, like dark velvet. "I don't believe we've met."

"Not yet," she said, her voice soft, almost a whisper. She let her lips curve into a teasing smile. "I'm Maya."

"Maya..." he repeated, letting her name linger in the air as if tasting it. "Beautiful name. I'm Arjun."

"I know," she said, and watched his smile widen, intrigued.

"You do, do you?" he asked, his eyes never leaving hers. "And what do you know about me, Maya?"

"Enough," she replied, keeping her tone light, playful. "Enough to know you're not quite as mysterious as you think you are."

Arjun chuckled, a deep, throaty sound that sent a shiver down her spine. "I doubt that," he said. "But I'd love to hear more."

Maya felt the challenge in his words, the way his eyes sparkled with amusement and curiosity. This was what she'd come for—the thrill of the game, the dance of seduction. She stepped closer, her voice dropping lower.

"Maybe over another drink?" she suggested, lifting her glass slightly.

Arjun's smile deepened, and he glanced around, as if considering his options. Then, he nodded toward the quieter side of the room. "There's a private lounge over there. Much more suitable for... getting to know each other."

"Lead the way," she replied.

He took her by the arm, his touch firm and possessive, guiding her through the crowd. As they entered the dimly lit lounge, Maya felt a rush of excitement and nervousness. This was it—the first step. She'd drawn him in, just as she'd planned.

They settled into a corner booth, the shadows enveloping them, the noise of the party fading to a soft hum. Arjun leaned back, his eyes still fixed on her, studying her face, her lips, her body.

"You're a bold one, Maya," he said finally. "I like that."

"Good," she said, feeling the heat rising between them. "I like a man who knows what he wants."

Arjun's hand moved to her knee, his fingers tracing slow circles on her skin. Her breath caught, but she didn't move away. Instead, she leaned in, letting the anticipation build.

"And what do you want?" he asked, his voice low and inviting.

Maya met his gaze, holding it steady. "Right now? A lot of things... but mostly, to know if you're as daring as they say."

He raised an eyebrow, a spark of challenge in his eyes. "Try me."

Without another word, she leaned in, catching him by surprise. He responded immediately, his hand sliding up her thigh, pulling her closer.

The kiss deepened, and she felt the tension melting away, replaced by a growing hunger, a need that she hadn't expected to feel so intensely.

He tasted of whiskey and power, and she wanted more. She let out a soft moan, feeling his grip tighten, his other hand moving to the back of her neck, claiming her.

And there, in the shadows of the private lounge, the game began.