Sealing The Deal

Riley

It's been a week since I walked out of my engagement to Callum, and my life feels like it's moving in a completely different direction.

Every time I think about that night, about tossing the ring at his feet and leaving without a second thought, I feel the same thrill of freedom run through me. 

But that freedom comes with consequences, and I'm not naïve enough to think Callum will let things go quietly.

Which is why I'm standing in front of the mirror, smoothing down the black dress I've chosen for tonight. It's sleek and simple, but the way it hugs my curves is anything but soft and shy. 

I've pinned my hair up, exposing the length of my neck, knowing that every choice I make tonight will be scrutinized. 

That's the point. Damien Frost didn't pick a quiet restaurant for our meeting tonight—he picked a place where eyes would be on us. Where people would see us together and start talking.

My phone buzzes with a message from the driver Damien sent, letting me know he's outside. I take one last glance at myself in the mirror, my pulse quickening. Tonight isn't just dinner.

Tonight everything changes.

When I step out of the car at the restaurant, I feel the attention on me almost immediately. Damien is waiting for me near the entrance, his tall frame cutting an imposing figure in his perfectly tailored black suit. The dark ink of his tattoos peeks out from beneath his collar, and his gaze locks onto me the moment I step out.

His eyes rake over me, slowly, hungrily, and I feel my skin heat under his stare. There's something about the way he looks at me, something primal, like he's not just seeing me—he's consuming me and he doesn't even try to hide it.

"Riley," he greets, his voice low and smooth as he steps forward. "You look gorgeous."

"Thank you," I say, my voice steady even though my heart is pounding.

He offers me his arm, and I take it, letting him lead me into the restaurant. The moment we step inside, I can feel the eyes on us—people watching, whispering, trying to figure out why we're here together. 

The hostess immediately leads us to a private table near the back, secluded enough for conversation but still visible enough for people to notice. Damien pulls out my chair, his touch lingering on my arm as I sit down. 

His gaze never leaves me, and I can't help but admit to myself that he's extremely sexy. The danger in his eyes, the confidence in the way he moves, his expensive cologne—it's intoxicating.

Once we're seated, he leans back in his chair, his piercing blue eyes fixed on me. "I have good news," he says, a small smile playing on his lips. "I got the Ryker deal."

A wave of satisfaction washes over me. I wasn't sure if the information I gave him would pan out 100%, but it did. "Good. That's one win," I say, meeting his gaze. "Now we can talk business."

Damien nods, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Business, yes. We've got a lot to discuss. First, the plan is simple. We'll date in public for a few weeks—just enough to stir up some buzz. Then we'll announce our engagement."

The idea of being engaged to him feels surreal, but I nod. This isn't about romance—it's about power. And we both know that. "How long do we stay engaged before … you know, making it official?"

"We'll decide that depending on how things play out with the media and, of course, Callum," he replies, a smirk tugging at his lips. "We want to make sure we're hitting him where it hurts."

"Right," I say, glancing down at my drink before meeting his eyes again. "And what exactly do you expect from this … marriage? It's not like we're going to be a real couple. I don't expect you to be loyal to me. I know it's not that kind of arrangement."

Something flashes in Damien's eyes, something dark and quick, but it's gone before I can fully register it. He leans forward, resting his elbows on the table, his expression unreadable. 

"You don't expect loyalty?" he asks, his voice softer but with an edge I can't quite place.

"I know this isn't a real marriage, Damien. It's a business deal. I'm not naïve," I say, shrugging slightly. "I'm not expecting us to be tied to each other in that way and I won't hold you back from wanting your needs met elsewhere."

Damien is silent for a moment, his eyes studying me with an intensity that makes my skin prickle. Then he leans back in his chair, his lips curling into a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. 

"I see. Well, regardless of what you expect, there will be rules. We'll be seen together. You'll accompany me to functions, meetings, whatever's necessary. We're a team in this."

"I can do that," I reply easily. "But I'm not just arm candy. I have degrees in business, and I know how to manage those rooms. I want to be involved, not just there for appearances."

He raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by my offer. "Involved, huh? You surprise me, Riley."

"I'm full of surprises," I say, holding his gaze steadily. "I'm not just here to play the pretty fiancée. I can be useful."

Damien nods slowly, considering my words. "Alright. You'll be more than just a pretty face on my arm. But I think there's something to be said about businessmen underestimating women. Your beauty will be useful, but you follow my lead, Understood?"

"Understood," I agree. It's a concession I'm willing to make.

We sit in silence for a moment just looking at each other and wondering where to go next. It's a deal, pure and simple, but there's something more lurking just beneath the surface. 

I can see it in the way Damien watches me, the way his eyes linger a little too long, the way his smile curves just a little too wickedly. This man is going to ruin me, I can feel it in his gaze.

Before I can overthink it, Damien leans forward again, his eyes locked onto mine. "I think it's time we seal this deal, don't you?"

I raise an eyebrow, my heart skipping a beat. "Seal it how?"

His smile widens, and there's no mistaking the heat in his gaze now. "With a kiss."

I stare at him for a moment, my mind racing. A kiss. It's the simplest thing, and yet, in this context, it feels like much more. It feels like crossing a line that neither of us can come back from. 

But I agreed to this. I agreed to everything that comes with this arrangement. And if Damien wants a kiss, then I'll give him one.

"Fine," I say, leaning forward to get closer to him.

Damien leans forward as well, his eyes are dark, hungry, and as he bites his bottom lip and the air between us crackles with tension. He reaches out, gently tilting my chin up with his hand, his touch firm but not rough.

"You sure about this, Riley King?" he asks, his voice a low rumble. "After this, you're mine."

My heart skips a beat. His.

"Completely," I reply, my voice steady even as my pulse races.

Then his lips are on mine.

The kiss is slow at first, testing, as if he's gauging my reaction. But when I don't pull away, he deepens it, his hand moving to the back of my neck, pulling me closer. His lips are soft but insistent, and the heat between us flares quickly, consuming. My hands move to his chest, feeling the solid muscle beneath his suit, and I let myself melt into the kiss.

It's more intense than I expected, and I can feel the raw desire in the way he holds me. This isn't just a kiss to seal a deal—it's something more. It's power and control, wrapped in a moment of intimacy that neither of us can deny.

When he finally pulls back, his breath mingling with mine, I open my eyes to find him staring at me; his pupils dilated, his expression unreadable. He runs his thumb over my bottom lip and smirks.

"Well," he says, his voice rougher than before, "I think that seals it."

I can only nod, my heart still racing. I wasn't expecting that. I wasn't expecting any of this.

Damien moves back, adjusting his suit, but his eyes never leave mine. "I'll have my assistant send over the details for our next public appearance. We'll make it official soon."

"Right," I say, my voice a little breathless. "I'll be ready."

Later, after he pays the bill and walks me out of the restaurant, the eyes of the other patrons still lingering on us. I can't help but wonder if I've made a deal with the devil. 

And if I have, why does it feel so good?