A Dangerous Game

“I would love to Ethan,” I said calmly, the words coming out as a perfect lie. I slid down from the porcelain basin, my body moving with a practiced ease that hid the tremor in my legs. 

The cold air on my bare skin was a shock, a reminder of what we had just done. I smoothed my red gown down, tugging the slit back into place. My breathing was still a little fast, but I took a deep, shaky breath, and by the time I looked at him, my face was a blank mask. No one would ever know.

Ethan pulled up his trousers, his movements just as calm as mine. He buckled his belt with a confident click. He didn’t seem to have a care in the world. He was the golden boy, the CEO of an empire built on my family’s ruin. He had no reason to be nervous. I, however, had every reason.

I took a heavy breath and said “ alright” as I moved. 

My hips swayed with every step I took towards the restroom door. I knew he was watching. I didn’t even need to look back. His gaze was a physical thing, thick and warm on my back like syrup dripping down my spine. I was stirring something dangerous, something real inside him, and I could feel it. I heard him let out a soft groan, like he wanted to claim me right there again. 

I have you now in my palm Ethan, I thought. My dress was tight, it fitted just right on my body, clinging to every curve like it was made just for this moment. The silk fabric made my movements look more intentional, more dramatic. I didn’t wear this to be subtle. I wore it to distract him, and what we just did a few minutes back had sealed the deal.

Then, I heard Emily’s voice suddenly. It came through the tiny microphone I had just fixed back, pressed near my collarbone. Her voice was soft and crisp in my ear. “Did you get him?” she asked, her tone full of excitement.

 I rolled my eyes slightly, careful not to let any expression reach my lips. I had to stay neutral. Ethan must not know I was wired. 

If only Emily knew what I just did there, I thought with a dark smirk. I dipped my head slightly, letting my hair cover one side of my face as I whispered, “The fool is behind me… kind of stalking.” 

There was a pause and then Emily let out a tiny giggle. “Oh… you’re too mean, Aria. Does he deserve that name?” 

I didn’t answer. She always did this. She loved to distract me with unnecessary talk, especially when things were getting heated. I quickly pressed the small mic, switching it to hold. I didn’t want her to hear what came next. This moment was too delicate. There are some things I don't want people to know about, especially Emily.

The hallway opened into a large room, softly lit with golden chandeliers that dangled like frozen tears from the high ceiling. The ballroom was filled with people, a sea of business elites, dignitaries, those with power and those who pretended to have it. I didn’t belong here. Not really. This place is filled with murderers. Likes of the Malcovichs. But I had to blend in. I had trained for this. I had prepared my face, my body, my walk, even my smile. Everything about me tonight was calculated.

Then, I felt it. A hand gripped my waist tightly, warm and strong. It was so familiar, making me have a swirl in my tummy. And it was Ethan. Before I could react, he pulled me to his side like he owned me. His fingers pressed into my hip like he was reminding me who was in charge just like in the restroom. My body stiffened.

 I was about to turn around and slap him across the face, forgetting what I came to do. To tell him, I wasn't one of his lovers. My entire mission was nearly ruined by that single act. He held me like I was one of his possessions. Like I belonged to him. And the worst part? The crowd saw it. 

Everyone’s eyes flicked over us, full of curiosity, assumptions, and gossip. I clenched my jaw and tried to steady my breathing. I wanted to scream. How dare he?

Right before I could say something, a loud clinking sound filled the air. Someone was tapping their wine glass with a pen. The sound made everyone quiet down and turn. I froze. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest.

It was him.

Norman.

Norman Malcovich. Ethan’s father. The man who ruined everything for my parents. The man who killed my parents. The man who controlled my family empire like it was a war camp.

There he stood, dressed in a sharp dark suit, his silver hair combed back neatly, while his face was proud and cold. Age hadn’t softened him. If anything, it made him more terrifying. He looked like a lion watching over his kingdom, always alert, always in control.

My feet suddenly felt heavy. I didn’t want to be there. Not in front of that man. Not while Ethan was holding me like this.

Ethan’s voice broke through my thoughts, smooth and low like velvet. “Play along with me, my love.”

His words made me blink. I turned slightly to look at him. There was a small smile playing at the edge of his lips. That smile… It was the one that confused me the most. The one that didn’t fit his cruel reputation. It was kind of soft. It almost sounds sweet. But I knew better. I knew this family better. They are full of fake and full of camouflage. 

Still, something in me paused. Something in me listened to him. We were walking now, toward the center of the ballroom where Norman stood. Ethan didn’t loosen his grip on me. In fact, he held me tighter. I could feel the heat of his body pressed against mine. His fingers were firm but careful, like he didn’t want to hurt me… but he also didn’t want to let me go. 

The crowd formed a half-circle around us, everyone waiting to hear what the old lion had to say. Norman looked directly at us. His gaze slid over me slowly, like he was trying to solve a puzzle. I swallowed hard. Would he recognize me? Would he see my mother’s face in mine?

I leaned in slightly, whispering to Ethan, “Ethan, what are you doing?”

He didn’t flinch. Didn’t even look at me. His eyes were on his father. He only whispered back, “Trust me, my love.”

His voice was soft as usual. Not commanding. Not cold. Just soft. I didn’t know if I could trust him. Moreover I don't have to trust the Malcovich family. But I nodded. I was already too deep into this mess. I planned for it, even though it wasn't part of it but it was still okay. Norman raised his glass slightly and began to speak. “Oh look at my son, the CEO of Malcovich Corporation…”

He paused, his eyes flicking to me again.

“Who came with you, Ethan?” he asked in a tone that carried weight. 

He looked his father straight in the eye, calm and unshaken.

“I’m sorry I didn’t let you know on time, dad” Ethan said, “but this woman standing beside me is my woman. My fiancée.”