Chapter 2 What Do You Want?
968 Words
Kelsey realized this might be her chance.
But being scrutinized like a product with a price tag, as everyone's eyes roamed over her, made her uncomfortable.
Still, she pushed past the unease, her nails digging into her palms as she walked forward.
She wasn't sure if it was the nerves or something else, but Kelsey felt her hands and legs growing numb.
When she reached Nikolas Lloyd, she gently placed the wine bottle on the table in front of him—the bottle meant specifically for him tonight.
The simple action drew everyone's attention, and Kelsey felt like a clown in a circus.
The difference was that clowns hid their faces, but she couldn't. She had to face those scrutinizing, less-than-kind gazes head-on.
For a moment, she felt self-conscious, but it passed as quickly as it came.
Kelsey had mastered the art of remaining calm long ago. Whatever nerves and fears she once had been used up when she was fourteen, and since then, she had become who she was today.
Recalling Troy's instructions, she knew exactly what to do next.
She obediently crouched beside the table opposite Nikolas, took out the corkscrew, and quietly began opening the bottle of wine. As she pulled at the cork, she couldn't help but think how lucky she was to have worn jeans instead of a dress today. If she had, this would've been even more awkward.
Just then, a cold voice broke the silence.
"Look at me."
Kelsey looked up at Nikolas, locking eyes with him.
Though the room was dimly lit, strangely enough, she could see everything about him clearly.
In that brief moment of eye contact, Kelsey took in the mysterious man sitting across from her.
He was undeniably handsome, with sharp features, a high-bridged nose, and piercing lake-blue eyes that spoke of arrogance.
His hair was perfectly groomed, styled deliberately to reveal a smooth forehead.
Unlike the others in the room, who wore tailored suits that screamed wealth, Nikolas wore only a simple cotton shirt and linen pants, his legs crossed casually.
Relaxed, he lazily moved his ankle, and Kelsey noticed a tattoo wrapped around it—a thin snake, curling up his leg as if ready to strike.
A small smile tugged at her lips. How interesting.
This man reminded her of the rebellious students she'd once taught. That tattoo, in particular, was striking, almost captivating.
She stared for a few more seconds and then pulled her gaze away, returning to the task of opening the bottle of wine.
She was halfway through uncorking it when she felt Nikolas' eyes still on her.
He hadn't said anything, but the way he was studying her was obvious. Her ears were turning red, and she could feel it.
She had no idea that he was enjoying the way her eyes lit up when she glanced at him, the curve of her lips when she smiled, and, of course, her ears flushing red with embarrassment.
Everyone in the room knew one thing about Nikolas—if he wasn't sending someone away immediately, it meant he was interested.
Barney, the sharpest of them all, quickly picked up on the situation.
He could tell his friend was intrigued by this woman.
So, Barney walked over, grabbed Kelsey by the arm, and pulled her to her feet. "Come on, sit next to Nikolas. I'll open the wine. No need for a lady to do that," he said.
Nikolas' lips curled into a faint smile at Barney's comment.
Kelsey didn't respond, nor did she stop what she was doing. She quickly removed the cork, holding it up with a grin and waving it at Barney, signaling that she had it covered.
Barney laughed. "All right then."
She wrapped the wine bottle in a white napkin and approached Nikolas, pouring him a glass.
Once she'd set the bottle down, she quietly took a seat beside him.
Pouring Nikolas' wine herself was something she had to do tonight.
Everything was about sincerity, so Kelsey needed him to see hers.
The other men in the room exchanged glances as they watched her sit.
Clearly, the girl had a bit of wit, serving only Nikolas while making it clear that, tonight, her focus was solely on him.
And of course, Nikolas didn't seem to mind.
Kelsey silently cheered herself on, sensing that the plan was working.
He hadn't outright rejected her, which meant things were off to a good start.
Nikolas took a sip from his glass and smirked.
Barney teased, "Nikolas, what's the deal with this girl? She's not even pouring us any wine."
Nikolas turned his head slightly, glancing at Kelsey, just as she looked up at him.
Their eyes met, and the spark of connection between them added a subtle sense of ambiguity to the air.
Kelsey quickly lowered her gaze, focusing on her hands resting on her lap, waiting for Nikolas' next move.
Without a word, Nikolas casually picked up the bottle and poured Barney a glass.
He smirked and said playfully, "No worries. I'll pour for you. How's that?"
Kelsey looked up at him again, finding his humor somewhat surprising.
The other two men started to join in, laughing in their rowdy way.
"Nikolas, you're out of line. Already protecting her? Now that's something we don't see every day."
Barney joined in. "Looks like we're in for a show tonight!"
Kelsey's ears had been red since the moment she walked in, and now they were practically burning.
She could feel the heat creeping into her cheeks, but thankfully, the dim lighting in the room kept anyone from noticing.
She remained quiet, sitting still.
Suddenly, Nikolas placed a hand on her shoulder, his breath warm against her neck.
She flinched, and he leaned closer, whispering softly into her ear, "What do you want?"
- Writer
