GAME OF LOVE: PLAYING WITH FIRE

Martins raised his glass, capturing the attention of the three men gathered around the bartop. They had reserved the entire bar to celebrate their friend's remarkable achievement. "To Alexander Steele, the man who defied the odds! Within seven years, you transformed VitroTech Corporation into a multi-billion-dollar empire. Cheers!" Martins beamed as he clinked glasses with his friends, saving the final toast for Alex. Alex Steele, son of billionaire Logan Steele, had vowed to forge his own path. With his mother's inheritance, he founded VitroTech Industry, which was involved in the production of telecommunication gadgets, at 23 with the small portion of his mother's inheritance she left to him and now, at 30, his company had just received a Forbes award for most enterprising company of the year. “Thank you guys. I really appreciate you all taking out time from your busy schedule to do this. I told Martins that it really wasn't necessary." Martins’ deep voice drawled out in that commanding baritone he possessed which ladies found rather infectious. “Are you saying you're too busy to have some drinks with us? Cos we're here yunno, and we're not complaining", Dax retorted before gulping the final contents of his glass down. Dax was Alex's friend. He, Raymond and Martins had been his friends since junior high when they met as classmates. They had all branched off into various fields, with Martins as an investment banker based in New York, Raymond working as a lawyer in his father's firm, and Dax taking over his father's company after his death. Alex had chosen to remain in L.A. since it was where his mother was from. He had started his company in L.A., though they now had branches in New York and Philadelphia. Alex turned his sea-blue eyes towards Dax, his face twitching with a smile before responding, “Who am I to complain, having my three best guys here with me tonight? How many times do we get to do this again nowadays?” He laughed, ruffling Dax’s dark hair, who returned with a playful jab. Raymond, ever the inquisitive lawyer, asked, "How's Camille?" Alex's expression turned wistful. "We parted ways. It was fun while it lasted." Dax laughed, his voice echoing through the empty bar. "Fun? Alex, you're successful in everything but relationships. You drop women as fast as you pick them." Alex smoothed his hair, unfazed. "I just haven't found someone interested in me, not my looks or wealth." "Yeah, sure you can. Those ladies that flock around you like they're trying to clamor for a trophy. Not a lady like Zara Natchios though, your purported best friend. She wouldn't touch you with a ten-inch pole”, he laughed again. “I bet she can never fall for your charms. You do know she's the only lady that sees through you and your playboy act.” “Not if I want, Dax. If I want to, I can make that possible." Alex's eyes were lit up now, riled up by the challenge being thrown at him. “You know what Alex? If you can make Zara Natchios fall in love with you and possibly marry you, I will never doubt your word again." "Deal. I can't wait to hold you to that. Three months. Three months and I will prove you wrong once again.” Alex stood up and walked to Dax, pushing his hand out for a shake to seal the deal. Dax grinned mischievously as he took Alex's hand. Martins' voice cut through their intense stare-down, “C'mon guys, this is so childish of you guys, again. You're not really doing this right, Alex?" ************************************************ Zara Natchios, a stunning American-Spanish journalist with the LA Tribune, sat across from Alex Steele at an upscale restaurant. Her dark, shoulder-length hair framed her heart-shaped face, and her hazel eyes sparkled in the dim light. Her elegant features and curvaceous figure always drew attention. Alex Steele, a handsome and successful entrepreneur, exuded confidence. His chiseled jawline, piercing sea-blue eyes, and chiseled physique made him a magnet for female attention. He pondered over how he was going to win this challenge over Dax. He just had to prove him wrong. He knew he could make Zara fall in love with him if she really believed he was serious about it. And maybe also take away any doubt he had in his mind about the power he held over women. “I guess there is no harm in trying. Win or lose. I must win though!", he thought to himself. As they sipped their wine, Alex's gaze drifted, his expression contemplative. Zara noticed the change. "Hey, what's wrong? This is supposed to be a celebration," she said, concern etched on her face. Alex hesitated, collecting his thoughts. "There's something I want to ask someone, but I'm not sure if she'll take me seriously." Zara's curiosity piqued, she leaned in. "What is it? Work-related?" Alex's eyes locked onto hers. "It's personal. I want to ask her to marry me." Zara's laughter caught her off guard. "You? Marry? Come on, Alex, that's a joke, right?" Alex's serious expression surprised her. "I'm dead serious, Zara. I've been thinking about this for a while." Zara's amusement turned to skepticism. "You? Mr. Playboy? You've always avoided commitment like the plague. Where is this coming from all of a sudden?" Alex's voice took on a sincere tone. "I know my past, but this is different. I need your advice." Zara's expression softened. "Be sincere, Alex. Show her you're genuine." Alex's eyes sparkled with determination. "I will." “Wow! I never thought I'd see the day, Lex. Is she someone I know?" Zara's voice wavered for a moment. She didn't know if she should really believe Alex. It just really seemed unlikely. As they finished dinner, Alex's intensity grew. Zara sensed something was off. "Alex, what's going on?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Alex's gaze locked onto hers, his voice low and husky. "Zara, I want to marry you." Zara's eyes widened, her mind racing. "Are you mad? What's happening? Is this a joke?" Alex's face remained resolute. "I mean it, Zara. I'm very serious." Zara's shock deepened as she searched his eyes. "Alex, we're friends. Best friends. You can't be serious." Alex's voice remained steady. "I've never been more serious in my life, Zara. I'm thirty now, and I realize I want to spend my life with someone. Someone like you. You know me best, and I would rather it be no one else." Zara's hazel eyes sparkled with uncertainty. "You're not joking, are you?" Alex's sea-blue eyes burned with sincerity. "I've never been more serious." Zara's world spun, her thoughts reeling. She couldn't process Alex's words. "You're...you're really serious?" she stuttered. Alex nodded. "I am. I want to build a life with you, Zara." Zara's shock gave way to confusion and curiosity. "Why me? Why now?" Alex's smile was gentle. "You're the only one who's ever seen past my facade. You're my best friend, my confidante. I want to wake up every morning with you by my side. I really think we could make this work." Zara's heart raced as she struggled to comprehend Alex's declaration. This had been the last way she would have ever imagined this night to turn out.