Chapter 4: A Dance with Fire
555 Words
Hyden Enterprises – The Game Begins
Kris walked into the office the next morning as if nothing had changed. As if she hadn’t sat across from Oliver Hyden at an expensive restaurant, exchanging words that felt more like sharpened daggers than flirtation.
But something had shifted.
She could feel it in the way eyes flicked toward her as she passed, in the subtle shift of office dynamics. She’d been marked—whether as a target or a prize, she wasn’t sure yet. And Oliver? He wasn’t the kind of man to back down once he set his sights on something.
Or someone.
Kris sat at her desk, pushing the thought aside as she scrolled through her emails.
Then, a new message popped up.
From: Oliver Hyden
Subject: You Owe Me a Second Round
Kris exhaled slowly, clicking it open.
“Last night was fun. But I’m not done with you yet. Come to my office. Now.”
No signature. No pleasantries. Just a command.
Kris smirked, leaning back in her chair. He really thought she would jump just because he snapped his fingers?
She let ten minutes pass before standing and making her way to his office.
Oliver’s floor was different from the rest of Hyden Enterprises—sleek, modern, and exuding power. His assistant barely glanced up as Kris pushed open the heavy glass doors.
Oliver was at his desk, flipping through documents, dressed in his usual tailored suit. When he looked up, his gaze locked onto hers like a predator spotting its prey.
“Nice of you to finally show up,” he murmured, closing the file in front of him.
Kris crossed her arms. “I was working. Maybe you should try it sometime.”
Oliver smirked. “Cute. But you and I both know we have unfinished business.”
Kris arched a brow. “If you’re referring to dinner, I believe I paid for my own meal. No debts here.”
He chuckled, standing up and rounding the desk until he was close—too close.
“You’re an interesting woman, Kris,” he said, voice low. “Most people in this building either fear me or want something from me. But you? I can’t figure you out.”
“Maybe I’m just here to do my job,” she replied smoothly.
Oliver studied her, then leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her ear. “Or maybe you’re playing a game just as much as I am.”
Kris didn’t flinch. Didn’t back away. Instead, she let the corner of her lips tilt upward. “Then let’s see who wins.”
Oliver grinned. “Oh, sweetheart… I never lose.”
Except this time, you will, Oliver.
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Later That Evening – A Dangerous Invitation
Kris was still replaying the conversation when she received another message.
This time, it wasn’t an email.
A text.
Oliver: There’s a charity gala tomorrow. Be my date.
She stared at the screen, considering.
Publicly being seen with Oliver Hyden was a risky move. It would fuel office gossip. It would make her a target.
But it would also bring her one step closer to his world. One step deeper into the game.
Kris typed back a single word.
Me: Fine.
She put her phone down, a slow, calculated smile forming.
Let the real fun begin.
- Writer
