Chapter 1: The Bet That Binds
Lucy leaned back in the leather chair, her sharp green eyes glinting with mischief as she swirled the whiskey in her glass. The dimly lit bar buzzed with the low hum of conversation, but her focus was razor-sharp on Jamie, the cocky bastard sitting across from her. His smirk was infuriating, and yet, there was something about the way his dark eyes raked over her that sent a shiver down her spine.
'So, Lucy,' Jamie drawled, his voice a low, teasing purr, 'you really think you can outdrink me? I’ve seen you wobble after two shots.'
Lucy laughed, a throaty sound that turned heads. 'Sweetheart, I’ve been drinking whiskey since before you could spell it. You’re on. Loser owes the winner a... favor. No limits.' Her lips curled into a dangerous smile, daring him to back down.
Jamie’s grin widened, a predator sensing prey, though he knew better than to underestimate her. 'No limits, huh? Careful, darling. I play dirty.'
'Oh, I’m counting on it,' she shot back, slamming her glass down. 'Let’s see if you can keep up.'
The shots came fast, each round a battle of wills. Lucy’s cheeks flushed, but her gaze never wavered, even as the room started to spin. Jamie, damn him, looked infuriatingly composed, his fingers drumming on the table as he watched her like a hawk. By the fifth round, her bravado faltered—a single, damning hiccup—and Jamie pounced.
'Looks like I win, Luce,' he said, leaning in close, his breath hot against her ear. 'And I’ve got a very specific favor in mind.'
Her heart raced, a mix of irritation and undeniable heat pooling low in her belly. She wasn’t one to back down, ever. 'Name it, pretty boy. I don’t welch on bets.'
His voice dropped to a husky whisper, laced with promise. 'You’re mine. Free use, whenever I want, however I want, for a week. No questions, no refusals.'
Lucy’s breath hitched, but she masked it with a smirk, her mind already racing with ways to turn this game to her advantage. 'Fine. But don’t think for a second I’m some damsel waiting for your orders. You want me? You’d better be ready to handle me.'
Jamie’s eyes darkened, a flicker of raw hunger flashing across his face. 'Oh, I’m ready. Question is, are you?' He stood, offering a hand with a mock gentlemanly bow, but the glint in his eye was pure sin.
She took his hand, her grip firm, electric tension crackling between them as she rose. 'Lead the way, champ. Let’s see if you’ve got the stamina to match that mouth.'
They barely made it out of the bar before the air shifted, charged with unspoken need. The alley behind the bar was dark, the cool brick wall pressing against Lucy’s back as Jamie caged her in, his hands on either side of her head. Her pulse thundered, but she tilted her chin defiantly, meeting his gaze.
'First favor,' he murmured, his lips brushing her jaw, sending sparks through her. 'Right here, right now. I want to feel how wet you already are for me.'
Lucy’s laugh was sharp, daring. 'You think a few words and a bet get me dripping? Earn it, Jamie. Make me want it.'
His growl was primal as he pressed closer, his hard body pinning hers, the evidence of his arousal unmistakable against her thigh. Her own heat flared, a traitor to her cool exterior, and she knew this was only the beginning of a very dangerous, very delicious game.
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