Chapter 17

Laura’s POV.

The cold air in the VIP suite suddenly felt far too heavy to breathe.

Damian’s presence hit the room like a physical blow. He was sitting right beside me, his tailored dark suit practically brushing my shoulders. His expensive cologne filled my nostrils.

I sat still and stiffly to pretend to be alright. My hands shook so hard I had to press my palms flat against my knees just to hide the trembling.

He leaned down further. His breath almost brushed the shell of my ear, hot and terrifyingly calm.

“Are you okay?” His question sounded like a tease. His voice sends cool shivers between my core.

"You look tense, Laura," Damian whispered, his voice a low, gravelly purr that only I could hear. "Relax. You look far too pretty to be this terrified of me."

A sudden feeling of anger flared in my chest, I turned and glared at him. I ignored my surroundings.

Who is Terrified? He treated me like a pawn on a chessboard. He spoke to me like I was something he owned, I didn't like that.

“I am not terrified of you!” I told him, still glaring at him.

His eyes narrowed at my defiance.

I clenched my jaw so tight my teeth ached. I couldn't just sit here. I couldn't let him watch me squirm.

"Please, I want to use the rest room, accompany me.” Brenda whispered in my ears at that moment.

It seemed like an answer to my prayer, and stood up immediately. I didn't dare look back at Damian. I practically bolted out of the VIP suite, my heels clicking loudly against the hardwood floor before I hit the quiet hallway outside.

I needed space. I needed to wash my face and breathe air that didn't smell like Damian.

I pushed through the double doors leading down toward the low My head was spinning. The sheer nerve of that man made my blood boil.

I was waiting by the corridor while Brenda walked inside. The lower corridor was empty. Almost everyone was watching the games.

Someone pulled me all of a sudden, I hurried after him as he pulled me to an empty storage room.

“Are you insane?” I yelled, but he kept pulling me.

Stephen pinned me against a row of tall metal lockers. His dark hair was messy over his forehead, his chocolate brown eyes dark and volatile. That familiar, dangerous look he always carried was turned up to ten.

He was breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling in fast, ragged motions.

He looked up, locking his eyes onto mine.

"What are you doing down here?" Stephen asked, his voice sounding rough, his look pierced on me.

I took a small step back, adjusting the strap of my bag. My anger at Damian was still buzzing under my skin.

"I was waiting for Brenda before you pulled me," I said softly, eyeing him. "I didn't expect to see you here."

“What are you doing here? Were you changed?”

"Why are you asking?" he spat, it seemed I triggered him. I should have kept my mouth shut. I should have walked away right then. But I spoke on

"As always, you have been changed again. It was a surprise they let you play.”

The air in the hallway instantly changed.

Stephen froze. His eyes snapped back to mine, glowing with absolute, fiery rage.

The subtle jab hit him straight on his bruised pride.

I seemed to enjoy it, “ You are pathetic,” I said, gazing at him with pity.

Before I could even take a breath, he moved.

Stephen crossed the distance between us in two rapid strides. His 6'1" frame towered over me, blocking out the dim overhead lights

Bang! His palm slammed hard above my head, I flinched not in fear but at the loud sound and rattle of the metal.

"Say that again," Stephen growled, leaning down until his face was inches from mine. His breath was hot, smelling faintly of hot blooded anger. "Laura. Say it again."

But my body didn't react with fear. Standing this close to him, I felt a sudden, traitorous rush of heat shoot straight down my spine. Despite everything he had put me through, a part of me still felt warm for him.

He was different from Damien, his young dangerous energy was a contrast to Damien’s possessiveness and dominance.

And my heart hammered against my ribs for a completely different reason.

Stephen seemed to notice the flutter of my lashes. His eyes dropped from my face down to my neck, he shifted his eyes to my neck, his anger seemed to dissipate.

"You think you can look down on me now?" Stephen muttered, his voice dropping into a harsh whisper. "Just because you're trailing around with Brenda and her rich dad?"

"Yes," I smirked at him. I saw the look of surprise in his eyes. I raised my hand, and pulled him by the neck boldly.

He leaned in, dipping his head into the crook of my neck. His mouth pressed firmly against my sensitive skin.

A quiet gasp escaped my throat.

His lips were hot, rough, and hungry. He dragged a kiss up toward my jawline, his hand sliding off the locker to grip my hip, pulling my body against his.

My hands flew to his chest. Common sense told me to push him off, I knew I should. But my fingers just clenched tightly into his jacket instead.

I didn't push him away.

I arched my neck slightly, letting out a soft sigh as his lips traced down to my collarbone. The physical pull was overwhelming, electric. It felt wrong, reckless, and completely chaotic.

Brenda would be looking for me now.

If Damian found out, he would lose his mind.

The thought thrilled me. I was my own person and would do what I wanted.

Stephen groaned against my skin, his grip on my hip tightening as he pressed deeper, completely intoxicated by my reaction.

He thought he had won me back, I opened my eyes and saw him smirking. That was going to be his mistake.

As his lips moved back up toward my mouth, I snapped out of it. I placed both palms firmly against his broad chest and shoved him back with all the strength I had.

Stephen stumbled back a step. His eyes were wide, with a mixture of surprise, lust and confusion.

I straightened my dress, lifting my chin high. I looked him dead in the eye, letting a small, cold smirk touch my lips.

"You don't own me anymore."

I turned on my heel and walked toward the restroom, leaving him standing alone, with a racing heart.