16 | Changing the game
16 | changing the game
CARA
I was in my bedroom, surrounded by a sea of delicate lace and satin, trying on various sets of lingerie before my date with William. The evening sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a pleasant glow on the plush, white carpet. My heart raced with anticipation as I reached for a particularly luscious set.
Just as I adjusted the straps on the black bustier, there was a knock at my door.
‘Who is it?’ I called out, throwing a glance at my white satin robe draped over the back of my desk chair.
‘It’s Livy.’
No need to cover up, then. ‘I’m trying on some underwear,’ I warned, ‘but you can come in.’
The door creaked open, and Olivia stepped inside. The moment she saw me, a gasp slipped out of her mouth.
‘Oh my goodness! Cara, you look amazing!’
I turned my gaze to the full-length mirror, studying myself. The black lingerie was indeed stunning. The bustier was made of fine lace and satin, hugging my curves perfectly and accentuating my figure. Intricate floral patterns adorned the sheer fabric, teasing glimpses of skin beneath. Straps extended from the bottom, attaching to black, low-denier stockings that clung to my legs, adding an extra touch of elegance and allure. The entire ensemble was both sophisticated and seductive, making me feel powerful and confident.
‘You think so?’ I asked, meeting Olivia’s eyes in the mirror. Her expression was one of genuine admiration.
‘Absolutely,’ she said, stepping closer to get a better look. ‘William won’t know what hit him.’
I smiled, a blend of excitement and nerves surging inside me. Tonight was going to be special, and I wanted everything to be perfect.
‘I’m going to hide it under this,’ I said, showing her the deep-red maxi dress I intended to wear.
She gave me a knowing smile. ‘You know that colour was made for you, right?’
I chuckled. ‘You always say that.’
‘Because it’s true.’ She folded her arms, grinning. ‘He’ll be a goner the second he sees you. You’ll knock the breath right out of him.’
‘Oh, I plan to do more than that.’ I gave her a smirk and cocked my head toward my bed. Her eyes followed, and her jaw dropped.
‘Handcuffs?’ she asked, her eyes widening as they fixed on the shiny metal glinting in the light.
Laughing, I walked over to my bed. ‘Yeah. He barely ever lets me blow him – says it messes with his endurance – but I badly want to do it tonight, so this is the only way.’
‘Go for it!’ she encouraged, nodding excitedly.
‘I will. But any ideas on how to actually get him into these without too much fuss? He is stronger than me.’ I dangled the handcuffs in front of my face.
Olivia’s eyebrows furrowed, her expression becoming thoughtful. ‘Tell him to close his eyes because you’ve got a surprise for him. Then just handcuff him quick.’
‘Yeah, that could work.’ I nodded. ‘Anyway, what’s up?’
‘I just wanted to let you know that I’m heading home. Jason and I are going to the cinema with Jon, Stephen and Giselle later, so I need to change and all that.’
Jason’s closest friends. Were they going to hard-launch that they were dating?
‘Right, okay. Have fun.’
‘Thanks.’ She eyed me up and down, then gave me a smirk. ‘You too.’
As she closed the door behind her, I grabbed my phone and checked the time. It was six o’clock. I ought to get a move on as well.
I walked over to my dresser and opened the jewellery box, selecting a pair of golden earrings that added just the right touch of elegance. Next, I reached for my favourite perfume, a soft, floral scent that always made me feel confident. As I spritzed it onto my wrists and neck, I heard Olivia and Jason talking in the hall, their tones affectionate and warm.
‘See you soon,’ Olivia murmured, her voice carrying a smile.
‘Can’t wait,’ Jason replied, his tone equally tender.
I couldn’t help but snigger, feeling a flutter of excitement for Olivia. She deserved someone sweet like Jason, and he deserved someone as lovely as her, too. Hopefully, this was only the beginning of a loving, life-long relationship.
Turning back to the mirror, I gave myself one final look. The deep-red dress fit perfectly, and with the golden earrings and the subtle fragrance, I felt ready to make tonight unforgettable. Taking a deep breath, I slipped on my heels and grabbed my purse.
As I stepped out of my room, I noticed Olivia had already left. The flat was quiet, and I made my way to the kitchen to grab a glass of water before heading out. Jason was there, leaning casually against the counter as he snacked on a protein bar. He looked up as I entered, his eyes widening in surprise.
‘Wow, Cara,’ he said, his voice tinged with genuine admiration. ‘You look stunning.’
A warm blush rushed into my cheeks. ‘Thanks, J,’ I replied, smiling as I filled a glass with water. ‘I heard you and Livy are going to the cinema with the others.’
‘Yeah.’
I gave him a sidelong look.
‘What?’ he asked, chuckling.
‘What’s the plan?’ I asked, unable to keep my grin at bay. ‘Are you going to hard-launch that you’re dating, or just act like mates?’
He shook his head, clearly amused. ‘Honestly, I haven’t thought that far ahead. I’ll just go with the flow, see what feels right. But I’m not hiding it. I’ve wanted this for ages, so I’m all in.’
‘Stephen and Jon are going to choke if you do anything overt,’ I said, a peal of laughter slipping out of me. ‘I wish I were there to see their faces.’
Jason beamed with mirth. ‘Yeah, they’ll be speechless, no doubt.’
‘Let me know how it goes,’ I said, taking a sip of water.
‘I will, don’t worry.’ His light-blue eyes scanned my outfit again. ‘You won’t have to do the same, though. I already know how Will’s going to react when he sees you.’
‘Oh?’
‘Yeah. I’ll be surprised if you even make it through the door before he tries something.’
I chuckled. ‘We’ll see.’ I drained the rest of the glass and set it on the counter. ‘I’ve got to go. See you later.’
‘Yeah, have fun.’
‘You too.’
§ § §
I drew a steadying breath outside William’s front door, smoothing down my dress before ringing the doorbell. As I waited, the seconds felt like minutes, my heart pounding with anticipation. The realisation of my love for him hovered at the edge of my thoughts, adding weight to every heartbeat.
Finally, the door swung open. William stood there, and my breath caught in my throat. He looked stunning in a cream linen shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his strong forearms. The evening sunlight caught the gentle waves of his brown hair, casting a golden halo around him and imbuing him with an Elysian quality. Seeing him like this, I felt the full force of my feelings for him, a tidal wave of emotion that threatened to overwhelm me.
William froze, his eyes widening as they roamed up and down my body, taking in the deep-red dress that draped over my curves. For a moment, it felt like the world had stopped, and the intensity of his gaze made my pulse race even faster.
‘Am I dreaming?’ he asked, his voice a soft murmur of awe, eyes still locked on me as if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
I smiled, feeling a rush of warmth and confidence. ‘No,’ I replied, stepping closer. ‘But I’m glad you like what you see.’
‘“Like” is an understatement,’ he said, bending down to kiss me. Just before our lips met, I caught sight of his arm moving, about to pull me close. In a flash, I grasped his hand, entwining our fingers. I wasn’t ready for him to discover the lingerie beneath my dress just yet.
I pulled away gently, looking up at him with a playful glint in my eyes, still holding his hand. ‘If you cook as well as you kiss, this is going to be a delicious evening.’
‘Oh, I promise, dinner will be just the start of the delights tonight.’ He smiled crookedly, a spark of mischief in his eyes as he took my purse from me, setting it on the console table.
I stroked his chest with the hand that wasn’t holding his, grinning. ‘What’s on the menu?’
‘Endless flirtation, tender caresses, and sultry stares,’ he said, giving me a wink. ‘With a side of seafood linguine.’
I laughed. ‘Sounds like the kind of meal that will leave me wanting more.’
He leaned in closer and raised my hand to his mouth, kissing the back of it as he held my gaze. ‘Good, because I plan on satisfying your appetite all night long.’
I blushed under his lustful stare, feeling a throb between my legs.
His eyes crinkled with amusement as he observed my reaction. ‘I’m afraid I’m not the starter,’ he said smugly, ‘but you can definitely have me for dessert.’
I wanted him for a lifetime, not just for dessert.
‘I guess I’ll have to save the best for last,’ I said, returning his smile.
He chuckled, and I loved how flattered he looked. It thrilled me to see that I could make him feel so confident and appreciated.
‘I’m afraid so. Until then,’ he closed the door behind me, ‘would you like a glass of wine?’
‘I’d love one,’ I said and took off my shoes.
He led me into the living room, where a bottle of chilled Sauvignon Blanc sat on the dining table. A smile tugged at my lips as I took in the scene: a bouquet of fresh lilies stood at the centre, surrounded by softly flickering candles. The gleaming silverware and crystal wine glasses caught the light, casting tiny prisms around the room.
William poured us each a glass, the pale golden liquid shimmering as he handed me one.
‘To us,’ he said, raising his glass. His tone imbued the simple phrase with such tenderness that my heart ached with joy.
Smiling, I clinked mine against his. ‘To us,’ I echoed, savouring the weight and beauty of those two small words.
His eyes lingered on mine as we sipped our wine, the intensity of his gaze sending a flutter through my chest. It was surreal to think that I was actually dating this man, that someone as perfect as him could exist. It wasn’t that I felt unworthy; it just seemed more like a dream than a reality.
Setting his glass on the table, William pulled out a chair for me. As I sat down, he went into the kitchen, bringing back a steaming dish of seafood linguine, the aroma making my mouth water. The dish was a feast for the eyes: delicate strands of pasta perfectly twirled and interspersed with plump mussels, succulent shrimp, and vibrant cherry tomatoes. Fresh herbs were scattered artfully over the top, and a light drizzle of oil glistened in the soft light. A wedge of lemon, placed on the side, added a final touch of colour.
I looked up at William, my lips parted with incredulity. ‘Have you actually made this yourself? Or did you send the chef out right before I arrived?’
He chuckled, taking a seat across from me. ‘Looks can be deceiving,’ he said. ‘Don’t judge it until you’ve tried it.’
I took a bite, the flavours bursting on my tongue – the briny tang of the mussels perfectly complemented by the garlic and white wine sauce, with the linguine cooked just right, soaking up every delicious drop.
‘Well, it tastes even better than it looks,’ I said, my eyebrows arched with disbelief. ‘You’ve really outdone yourself. Daphné would be proud.’
He grinned, reaching for his fork. ‘I’m glad you like it.’
I kept my eyes on his face, smiling. Sometimes, I had to just savour the view of him. He was, without a doubt, the most handsome man I’d ever seen, and he was all mine.
He twirled a forkful of linguine and brought it to his mouth, his square jaw tightening and relaxing rhythmically as he chewed. I found myself inexplicably drawn to the sight, heat pooling low in my belly. Was there anything he could do that I wouldn’t find arousing? I doubted it more and more with each passing day.
Suppressing a groan, I rolled my eyes at my own reaction. William didn’t seem to notice, lost in his own thoughts, a slight furrow forming between his brows. Was he thinking about work again? Probably.
After a moment, he cleared his throat and shifted his gaze back to me. ‘Speaking of my parents, there’s something I should tell you.’
I froze with the fork halfway to my mouth, my thoughts scattering in a thousand different directions, most of them alarming. ‘Okay?’
Setting his fork down, he reached for his glass of wine and took a sip. ‘There’s good news, and then there’s the kind that depends on how you look at it. Which do you want first?’
My stomach dropped, the world seeming to slow. ‘The latter.’
He nodded, his eyes darting around the room as he considered his next words. ‘I was on the phone with Dad before you arrived, discussing the Fusion situation.’
I raised an eyebrow, silently urging him to continue.
‘He brought up our dinner there the other day and asked what it was about.’
My breath hitched, my body tensing. ‘What did you tell him?’
‘I didn’t get the chance to say much. I was caught off guard, and he read my hesitation.’
I leaned back, horror creeping into my expression. ‘So he knows?’
William grimaced, rubbing the back of his neck. ‘He asked me point-blank if it was a date.’
‘And you confirmed it?’
‘No. But I didn’t deny it, either. I just went quiet. I was panicking, Cara.’ He watched me, his eyes full of contrition.
I propped my elbows on the table and buried my face in my hands, trying to get my mind around it. What would happen now?
‘He said he hoped it was a date,’ William continued.
I stiffened, my eyes ballooning as I slowly raised my gaze to his. ‘What?’ I asked, disbelief clear in my voice.
William gave a small smile, part apologetic, part optimistic. ‘Yeah. He said if you’ve made it clear that you’re interested in me, he’d encourage me to pursue you. He thinks we’re well-suited.’
I gaped, utterly shocked. ‘Are you serious?’
He chuckled softly. ‘Yes. And if that wasn’t enough, he even suggested I take you to the charity event in a couple of weeks – as my date. He laughed when I said I’d already asked you.’
I stared at him, struggling to process. ‘So he’s actually okay with this? I mean, doesn’t he care about us being colleagues?’
William shrugged. ‘His main concern was whether I had acted inappropriately as your boss. He worried I might have pressured you without realising it. But I told him I haven’t, that I’ve always let you take the lead. Well, at least since you started work.’
I let out a loud breath, my body finally relaxing as a wave of relief washed over me. ‘Good. That’s the truth.’
His smile widened. ‘And as for us being colleagues, he doesn’t mind because I won’t be your boss for much longer – which brings me to the good news.’
I reached for my glass of wine, tilting my head. ‘I’m not sure which news could be better right now. John giving us the green light is already more than I could have hoped for.’
William leaned forward, his eyes sparkling. ‘Trust me, it gets better. We started discussing your performance at work. He wants to hire you after you’ve completed your vacation scheme.’
My heart missed a beat. I couldn’t comprehend what he had said. The words echoed in my mind, yet I just couldn’t seem to understand them. ‘Come again?’
‘You heard me. So I’m going to have a chat with HR on Monday to see where we can fit you in permanently.’
‘Is this for real?’ My whole body started trembling. I could barely contain my excitement. All those years of hard work, the sacrifices, the sleepless nights… It was all finally coming together?
‘Absolutely. You’ve been outstanding,’ William said, his voice firm. ‘But we need to make sure everything’s in order – your references, final assessments, and all the necessary paperwork.’
‘Oh my God, William! This is amazing!’ I brought my hands to my face, feeling tears of pure joy brimming in my eyes.
He chuckled. ‘Well, don’t celebrate just yet. It’s not a done deal, but things are looking very positive. We’ll need to discuss your training contract, including the different seats you’ll take, and how we can best integrate you into the firm.’
‘What should I do in the meantime?’ I asked, my mind racing with possibilities.
‘Carry on as normal – impressing everyone. I’ll handle the rest. Just be ready for a more formal interview process after your scheme ends.’
I nodded eagerly. ‘William, thank you! You’ve no idea how much this means to me.’
‘You’ve earned it,’ he said, his smile warm and genuine. ‘Seriously, Cara. It’s your abilities that got you here, not me. So, if you’re going to thank anyone, thank yourself.’
I exhaled loudly, trying to calm down, but it was impossible. I was so excited I could barely think straight.
‘I can’t believe this is happening,’ I whispered, the reality of it all sinking in.
‘Well, it’s happening,’ William said, his tone filled with conviction. ‘And you deserve every bit of it. You’ve worked incredibly hard, and now it’s paying off.’
I glanced down at my hands, still trembling. ‘Thank you,’ I said again. ‘I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor.’
He shook his head, clearly amused. ‘I’m just glad I can be part of your journey. You’re a marvel to behold.’
I smiled at him, a sense of calm finally settling over me. So many uncertainties were now fading. The future felt bright and full of promise. John knew about us and was supportive, and—
‘Oh, right!’ I exclaimed, suddenly remembering. ‘Speaking of John knowing about us, I had a similar talk with my mum today.’
William’s eyebrows shot up, interest piqued. ‘Oh?’
‘Yes. She rang me after you’d dropped me off from the gym, asking whether I’d like to come for dinner.’ I held his gaze, a small smile twisting my lips. ‘But I told her I couldn’t make it because I had a date – with you.’
His eyes lit up with enthusiasm, a reaction that made a grin bloom on my face.
‘Really?’ he asked. ‘What did she say?’
His question made me recall her initial scepticism, and it must have shown on my face, because William’s expression quickly shifted into concern.
‘She was quite surprised,’ I murmured, tucking my hair behind my ear. ‘At first, she was a bit sceptical since you’re my boss, but after I explained everything, she was supportive.’
He leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful. ‘Well, I hope I’ll get to meet her someday.’
I picked up my fork, grinning at him. ‘I hope so, too.’
We resumed our meal, the conversation shifting to lighter topics. We talked about our favourite books, films, and the places we wanted to travel.
‘I’ve always wanted to go to Japan,’ William said, twirling his fork absentmindedly. ‘The culture, the food, the scenery – it’s all so fascinating to me.’
‘Jason would insist on coming along,’ I joked, earning me a laugh.
‘What’s he doing tonight? Feasting on sushi?’
‘Feasting on Livy, I think – after the cinema.’
William grinned widely. ‘Good. His tastes are finally evolving.’
I sniggered. ‘They make a great pair.’
‘And so do we,’ he said, holding my gaze.
Heat mounted in my face, my heart stumbling in my chest. ‘Yes.’
‘I’m sure we’ll have fantastic double dates.’ Another grin swept across his mouth. Raising his glass of wine, he took a sip and asked, ‘Jason tells me she’s great at Mario Kart. Are you?’
‘Only if I get to be Yoshi.’
He chuckled. ‘Let’s make that happen.’
‘Let’s,’ I agreed, beaming at him.
After a few more mouthfuls, I set down my fork. His cooking deserved to be devoured without restraint, but for fear of getting a bloated stomach, I resisted a second helping. I wanted to look my absolute best when I took off my dress.
‘This was delicious,’ I said, gesturing toward my empty plate. ‘I’m looking forward to dessert, though,’ I added, giving him a sultry look as I raised my glass of wine to my lips.
He chuckled. ‘You know, there’s actually a real dessert on the menu – homemade sorbet and ice cream.’ He tilted his head, his eyes wandering up and down my body. ‘Though, to be honest, I’m craving something a bit hotter. I wouldn’t mind skipping ahead to the part where I get you out of that dress.’
I averted my gaze, trying to hide my sudden panic. I needed to get him into those handcuffs quickly because I knew I could only stall his lust for so long.
‘Let’s clear the table first,’ I murmured, pushing my seat out. A quick glance in his direction showed a humoured expression on his face, his eyebrow raised as he studied me, as if to say: Right … What exactly are you up to?
I grabbed my plate and went into the kitchen with it, rinsing it off. I was just about to stow it in the dishwasher when William came in. As he brushed past me toward the sink, an electric charge surged between us, begging me to move closer, preferably into his arms. But I held back, maintaining a safe distance.
‘I’ve got something for you,’ I said.
He glanced at me, his features a mix of surprise and curiosity. ‘What?’
I grinned, excitement bubbling up inside me. He had no idea what was coming. ‘Wait here.’
I could feel his eyes on me as I turned and went to the hall to fetch my purse. My heart raced as I returned, peeking around the corner. William leaned against the worktop, hands in his pockets, looking both amused and intrigued.
‘What are you doing?’ he asked, raising a brow. A smile played on his perfect mouth.
‘Turn around,’ I said, still partially hidden behind the corner.
Slowly, he swivelled around.
‘Don’t look,’ I said, my heart beating faster and faster. ‘If you do, I’ll be really upset.’
‘I won’t,’ he replied, his voice smooth and low. ‘But I can’t promise my imagination will behave.’
My pulse thumped in my throat, every muscle tense with anticipation. I reached into my purse, pulling out the handcuffs and hiding them behind my back. The jingle of the metal seemed impossibly loud. Hopefully he hadn’t recognised the sound.
My chest tightened as I cautiously approached. I barely dared to breathe.
‘If you’re in nothing but lingerie when I turn around, Cara, then I won’t be able to stop myself. I will completely lose control,’ William warned.
I clenched my teeth. Damn it. He must have noticed my underwear somehow, even though I hadn’t undressed yet.
‘Is that a fantasy of yours?’ I asked, trying not to sound too hopeful.
He cocked his head from side to side. ‘One of many – all featuring you, by the way. Only you.’
I smiled behind him, my cheeks prickling with affection. ‘Give me your hands,’ I said, ‘but don’t turn around. It’s a surprise.’
Please, let this work.
Slowly, he withdrew his hands from his pockets and reached behind him. My heart raced as I brought forth the handcuffs and quickly snapped them around his wrists. He stiffened for a moment, then suddenly jerked against the confines.
Squealing in fear, I jumped back several feet. Oh my God, I had actually done it. I had managed to subdue William fucking Night.
He spun around to face me, his eyes smouldering. ‘Cara.’ It was a threat. ‘What do you think you’re doing?’
Steadying myself, I dared to step closer. ‘Changing the game. Think you can keep up?’
My hands glided over his powerful chest as I leered up at him. His Adam’s apple bobbed, and I saw his pupils dilate. Holding his gaze, I gave him a lascivious, confident smile as I slowly sank to my knees before him.
He exhaled sharply, eyes widening. ‘Fuck. ’