Chapter 7 - Attraction

[KHALI]

She's completely insane! Today I'm the pitboss, and I can't just abandon my responsibility for a crazy girl like her. Now that I'm here in the Casino for a hectic night. She's such a pain in the ass, and she's a stubborn one at that. I hate unplanned events, and this girl is causing havoc. She's a capricious maniac.

I used to have the ability to predict people's minds. I can readily guess what's going through their heads, what they'll do next, and what their possible plans are. But this brunette is making things difficult for me. She's a thorn in my side; I can't predict her intentions if she has any at all. She's like a bug in my system, making me do things I don't want to do. I requested someone I trusted the most in terms of casino operations to keep an eye on the place for a while.

I slammed on the pedal and sped up to my flat. I hurriedly parked in front of the building and walked straight to the lobby and receptionist. It's a good thing Esther is on duty tonight. I've known her since I moved here a few years ago.

"Did someone arrive here looking for me?" I asked her while panting.

"Oh! Hi Khali. Yes. Miss Jane Terranova is looking for you," she said with a huge smile on her face, glancing at me before returning her gaze to her computer.

"You know her?" I curiously asked.

"Yes! She's really famous! She's a model of Chanel and CEO of JT Telecom! I can't believe she's your girlfriend. I would have asked you to get her signature!" She squealed like a giddy teenager.

I laughed awkwardly, and I wanted to cut this conversation short as the word “girlfriend” makes me cringe. So, I muttered, "Thanks", then I headed to the elevator. That’s not surprising, but I’m a little amused; she really has an impressive background. That makes me want to shatter her ego even more, and that will undoubtedly be more pleasurable. I wasn't sure how she got in without my permission, but I could guess she used her charm to get a key card from Esther, knowing that the receptionist is a fan of hers.

When I reached my floor, I stepped out and walked straight to my front door. Taking a short pause before swiping my card to unlock the door. When I spotted her standing near the kitchen island in a black stunning dress with a poker face, I came to a halt. I swallowed hard as a strange sensation arose within me. Is she usually sultry and attractive? No! No! I shook my head, attempting to maintain my focus. I can't let her deceive me by her looks.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, and she looked at me before slowly strutting towards me. I couldn't move a muscle as her hips sexily swayed as she walked, and the sound of her heels felt like it was synchronized with every beat of my heart. Why the fuck am I nervous? I held my breath and slowly exhaled, trying to calm myself down.

"I can't wait until tomorrow," she said, her voice alluring. I tried to ignore my heart's pounding and disguised the fact that she had such an effect on me.

"Is that your way of showing how badly you want to be my slave?” I raised a brow at her and smirked.

"Master, what do you want me to do?" She asked as she came to a halt in front of me, yet our proximity made me uneasy. I feel the danger whenever she's near me, but I can’t let her sweep me off my feet. I smirked and took a step toward her. With the way her eyes looked sideways and the way she gulped the minute I pushed forward, making our faces only an inch apart, I could tell she was a little shaken.

I whispered close her lips, "You want to play this game?"

I can smell a blend of mint and wine on her breath, indicating that she had a drink before coming here. Unfortunately, she pushed me away, and I burst out laughing.

"I'm not joking. What do you want from me?" she said, her voice irritated and menacing. If I were like most other girls or guys, I'd be intimidated by her. But I am Khali Luciano, and I am not like everyone else.

"I told you to come here tomorrow, but you came here now instead; why?" I asked, my arms crossed above my chest.

"If you don't want my money, what do you want? You want me to be your maid? Your servant? What? Or you want my body?" I chuckled, hearing the final phrase.

"Your body?" I was offended by her charge.

"I brought you here when you were drugged by some weird guy, and you left here safely, and now you're accusing me of just wanting your body? You're so ungrateful."

"Then what do you want?" She raised her voice at me.

I felt inclined to take a seat, so I moved over to the couch. She's draining all of my brain cells. After slumping on the couch, I rubbed my temples and closed my eyes.

"Alright, starting tomorrow, you'll be my servant; you'll cook for me, wash my clothes, purchase my groceries, and clean every inch of my apartment; if I need something, you should get it for me; and don't think I like you; YOU'RE NOT MY TYPE," I emphasized the last line so she would understand. She then fleered and ran her fingers through her hair. I can already sense her aggravation from here, and that's exactly what I wanted to see. I wanted her to feel the same way I did the night she humiliated me.

"Oh! That's fine," she said, curling her lips in disgust, "I don't want you either, and the idea disgusts me. I have a lot of suitors, and you're not even close to their level. This is only for a week. I can tolerate your arrogance and your bad attitude."

I clenched my jaw and gritted my teeth. Did she just insult me?

"Wait," I said as she was ready to walk to the door. I can understand the part where she says she doesn't like me, but not the part where she says I'm not even on par with her suitors. I gave her a harsh look and proceeded to go approach her at my normal pace.

"You're right, I'm not on their level," I told her. She raised her brows and nodded.

“Yes, I’m glad you admit it—“

“No, they are not close to my level,” I smirked and darted my eyes on her.

"Excuse me?" She blurted out with confusion.

"I said, they will never reach my level because I’m literally and obviously way better than them. You don't know me, Jane Terranova. So don't ever insult me."

When I took another step towards her, she took a step backward. Her back met the wall behind her, and the way she glanced at me conveyed some tension and apprehension, but she quickly averted her gaze. I snatched her between my arms and leaned forward to make sure she couldn't escape my stare.

"You said it disgusts you to think of having sex with me," I murmured close to her cheek. She wet her lips as her tongue slid between her lips. Her nervousness showed in her shallow breathing.

"Let's see about that. Let's see who will beg first," I brought my face closer to her ear.

"And if that happens, tell me again who disgusts who? Because I bet you'll be the one screaming my name, spreading your legs for me, begging me to fuck you," her breathing became even shallower, and I heard her wordless gasps as I brushed my lips against her earlobe. I wanted to tease her even more, and quite frankly, I'm liking this proximity with her.

And so, I intentionally brushed my lips down to her neck. I can smell her strawberry scent which makes me feel addicted to her. It's as if a magnet pulls me to do something I didn't intend to do. I brushed my lips lightly against her skin, making her chest heave up and down, and finally, I moved backward, pulling away from her. I swear I heard her groan silently.

I was on the verge of laughing at her, but I kept my cool. I could see the lust in her eyes, and she blinked a few times when I chuckled, jolting her awake. She shoved me aside and rushed to the door, then walked out without saying anything.

I swallowed hard when I realized what had transpired. That girl drives me insane. I frustratedly breathed out and closed my eyes while rubbing my face with my palm and placing both hands on my waist. What the hell did I just do? Her scent lingers in my mind, making me feel something I shouldn't.

Shit! Get a hold of yourself! I scolded myself repeatedly. When she's around, I feel as though I'm not aware of myself. It's too dangerous whenever she's near me. I found myself opening my refrigerator in search of something to help me unwind. I think I'm gonna need a drink.

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[JANE]

I hate her! I hate her so much! She is the worst person I've ever encountered. That day, I regret going to the casino. Now, I'm stuck with her - with that arrogant bitch! I wasn't able to control what I was thinking the moment I felt her lips on my skin. Everything I'd prepared before entering her flat seemed to vanish in a snap. With the way she murmured in my ear, I lost all my senses; it sent shivers down my spine, and I swear to God! It took everything I had to keep myself from moaning.

She's like a virus. She had a profound impact on my entire system, ruining every aspect of my being. She had me under her thumb. She can manipulate me. When she laughed at me, that's the time I was pulled back into reality. I hate that she made fun of me. I pushed her away and had to flee from the oppressive situation, refusing to let her see me in my vulnerable state. I sniffled as a tear slipped from my eyes, and I proceeded down the corridor, my hand leaning against the wall to steady myself. My knees were shaky, and I felt nauseous. I wiped away my tears as I walked towards the elevator. She's getting into my nerves! But I hate myself for almost giving in on that very moment.

"You're so fucked up Jane," I murmured to myself. When the elevator doors closed, I peered in the mirror. There's still a pink tinge evident on my cheeks, and I sighed in frustration, causing another tear to fall down my cheeks. I quickly brushed away my tears and hit the button, escorting myself to the bottom floor.

I'm not going to let her ruin my life like this. If she wants to play, then I'll play. I'll make sure she'll regret making this whole deal, this shitty deal! I straightened up when the elevator doors opened, and I stepped out. The receptionist, whom I had met previously and who, surprisingly, was a fan of mine, waved at me. I gave her a warm smile and returned the card she had lent me earlier.

"Are you leaving now, ma'am?" She asked, and I just nodded. She grinned widely and thanked me for visiting.

I told her, "I'll be back here tomorrow."

Her excitement was palpable in her look, and after saying my goodbyes, I exited the building. I looked up, peering outside the building to the 23rd floor, where Khali's unit is located, before getting into my car. I clenched my teeth and tried to keep my fury at bay.

"If you allow your emotions to control you, you'll lose," I reminded myself. I'll make sure this won't happen again.

I arrived at my flat, and all I could think about is planning for tomorrow. I went to my walk-in closet and began deciding what to dress for the battle the next day. Yes, this is a battle for me, and I'm not going to let her win. Since I'll be her servant, it's best if I dress comfortably. Perhaps a skirt and a fitting shirt will suffice, or perhaps shorts and a baggy top. I instantly came up with a brilliant idea for tomorrow.

She's challenging me to be seduced by her, to succumb to her charms. When I remembered what had happened before, I frowned. I paused to consider a notion. I think a skirt is a perfect outfit for tomorrow. Let's see who is the first to give in. As I started putting together my clothes, a smug grin crossed my lips.

After that, I started doing my pre-bedtime regimen to keep my skin soft and healthy. Not that I'm preparing for something that might happen tomorrow; in fact, it's the last thing I want to do, but I want to show her that she will never get me. She can never touch me, no matter how hard she tries. I'll leave her wanting me, and I'll show her who's in charge. She tried to control and dominate me earlier, but I won't let her do that again. Never!