Damien Sterling
Chapter 12: The Kiss ..?!!
(Damien's POV )
Ava Sinclair had no right to look like that.
Like she owned the room. Like she knew the way every man was watching her, drinking her in, wanting her.
And she sure as hell had no right to look at me like that.
Like she wasn't afraid. Like she could handle me.
Like she wanted to play this game.
But if she thought she could win against me?
She was dead wrong.
---
The Whispers –
As soon as she stepped into the ballroom, the room fell into a stunned silence.
Then—the whispers started.
"That's Ava Sinclair?"
"She looks… breathtaking."
"No wonder Damien agreed to this."
I clenched my jaw, forcing my expression to stay blank.
The dress was a problem.
Sleek. Fitted. Deadly.
Black silk draped over her curves like a second skin, the slit in her dress revealing smooth, toned legs that had no business being on display.
And her lips?
Red. Bold. A warning.
A challenge.
Like she was daring me to react.
And worse?
I almost did.
I almost let my gaze trail down, let my thoughts spiral into something dangerous.
But I wouldn't give her the satisfaction.
I wouldn't let her know she was messing with my head.
---
Face to Face –
She walked toward me, slow and deliberate, like she had all the time in the world.
Like she was enjoying this.
The guests parted for her like she was royalty, their eyes following her every movement.
And when she stopped in front of me, those sharp, wicked eyes met mine.
For a second—**just a second—**I forgot how to breathe.
Then—she smirked.
"Something wrong, Sterling?" she whispered, her voice smooth as silk.
I exhaled slowly, dropping my gaze to hers. "You planned this."
Her lips curled. "Planned what?"
I leaned in slightly, just enough for my breath to brush against her skin. "The dress. The entrance. The whole damn performance."
Her smirk widened. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Liar.
I tilted my head. "You wanted them to look at you."
She raised a brow. "Are you saying you don't like what you see?"
My jaw clenched. Because I did.
I liked it too damn much.
But I wouldn't tell her that.
Instead, I smirked. "I'm saying you're enjoying this way too much."
She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a whisper. "And you're not?"
Before I could respond, my father cleared his throat.
"Shall we begin?" Richard said, his voice sharp with authority.
I straightened, keeping my grip firm on Ava's hand. "Let's get this over with."
She exhaled softly, her fingers tightening around mine. "Glad we agree on something."
---
The Engagement Ceremony --
The officiant stood before us, reciting the usual scripted words about love, commitment, and loyalty.
None of which applied to us.
Ava's posture was perfectly composed, but I could feel the tension in her fingers.
Like she was ready to run.
I squeezed her hand slightly. A warning.
"You're not going anywhere, Sinclair."
She squeezed back, just as firm.
"Try me."
Then—
"To seal this engagement, the couple will now share their first kiss."
The air shifted.
The room stilled.
Ava's body tensed beside me.
I smirked, tilting my head. "Something wrong, sweetheart?"
Her eyes snapped to mine. "Don't."
I leaned in slightly. "We have an audience."
Her nails dug into my palm. "Then make it quick."
I chuckled softly, lowering my voice to a murmur only she could hear.
"Not a chance."
And then I kissed her.
---
The Kiss – More Than It Should Have Been
It was supposed to be a show.
Just a brush of lips. Just a game.
But the second my mouth met hers—everything else faded.
Her lips were soft, warm, fire and fury wrapped in silk.
For a second—**just a second—**she melted.
For a second, her breath hitched, her body leaned into mine.
Then—she kissed me back.
And that?
That was my first mistake.
Because the moment she responded, the game changed.
Her fingers curled into my suit, her lips parted just enough to let me in.
I deepened the kiss without thinking.
Without caring.
Without realizing I was giving her something real.
It wasn't until I felt her hands press against my chest that I realized she was pulling away.
She stepped back, her chest rising and falling too quickly.
Her lips were slightly swollen, her breathing uneven.
And her eyes?
Wide. Confused. A little furious.
I smirked.
"See?" I murmured. "Not so bad."
She blinked, then—slapped my chest.
"Asshole," she hissed under her breath.
I chuckled. "You're welcome."
The crowd erupted into applause, cameras flashing, guests whispering.
"That was… intense."
"They actually look real together."
"I didn't think Damien would kiss her like that."
I turned back to Ava, expecting another glare.
But instead, she was staring at me.
Like she didn't understand what just happened.
Like she wasn't sure if she hated it… or wanted more.
And that?
That was dangerous.
Because I wasn't sure either.
---