Authors note: Okay, here we go! I am seriously sorry about the delay, hope you will forgive me! There is some stuff that is bordering on an M rating in this chapter, so be warned! :)))

PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW!:))))

Clare: Thank you so much for leaving a review, it really means a lot, and I am seriously sorry about the delay! Hope you´ll like the chapter :D:)))))))


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Most gods throw dice, but fate plays chess

Chapter 2

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Mariah´s POV

Somewhere at the back of my mind a small voice insisted that I had just done something incredibly stupid. That being said I chose to ignore it, mainly because Hiwatari junior was seriously rubbing me the wrong way. That unnerving smirk of his was both sexy and incredibly provoking at the same time, but unfortunatedly it only widened when I threw my top carelessly to the side, exposing my bra and stomach.

I had a sinking feeling that my plan to show him that I didn´t give damn was rapidly crumbling. He openly studied me, before he pulled his own t-shirt off, just like that, no biggie. I stared at him, perfect light blue eyebrows rising fractionally while that fucking smirk stayed in place.

He was built, all broad shoulders and six pack. Had I been a girl with less self-control I would have drooled, but of course I would never sink to such a level. Instead I merely stared evenly back at him, trying to ignore the flush that was slowly creeping up my face. He gave me a look, one of those that told me he knew exactly what I was thinking; and no, there was nowhere to hide. Not from him.

I caught a look of amusement flash in his eyes when he looked at me, before he shifted slightly, leaning back with his arms behind his head so that I got the real view.

"Isn´t this a bit unfair?" He questioned, voice a playful drawl.

I coked an eyebrow at him, trying but failing miserably at appearing unfazed by his sudden nakedness.

"I only have jeans on, and you are still wearing that bra".

I stared at him, slightly offended by his remark, but embarrassingly enough more focused on his statement that he only had his jeans on. It was oh so tempting to ask if that meant he didn´t have anything underneath.

"You have socks", I pointed out instead, the underwear question still hovering at the back of my mind.

"So do you".

No kidding.

What to do? I really didn´t have a lot of options here. If I left it meant that he had won the argument, or whatever this was. However I wasn´t so sure if I wanted to take all my clothes off for him, even though he looked like he could easily pull off an underwear ad for Armani. Damn, I should have just stayed in the kitchen. He had made me angry, which was the reason why I had decided to follow him into the living room despite the fact that he clearly preferred to dine alone. Not that I had expected this assignment to be easy, but I hadn´t expected him to be this handsome, or intelligent for that matter. You could tell just from meeting his gaze. He had the kind of sharp calculating eyes that you would find in a predator, aware and curious. It was pushing me out of my comfort zone big time, and I had no idea how to handle it.

"No?" He questioned, the smirk disappearing only to be replaced by an intense, humorous gaze that almost caused me to fall of the chair.

I could literally see the devil dance in his eyes.

"You first", I stated boldly, looking him right in the eye.

"Hn".

He stared at me for a few seconds, not looking shocked at all, albeit rather thoughtful. I could tell that something I gad done was intriguing him, but I had no idea what. With that he stood up, shrugging out of his jeans and socks like it was second nature. He was wearing black boxers in a designer cut, which seemed to suit him the most. I tried not to stare.

I swallowed nervously.

"Fine", I said, lips pursed in distaste.

I stood up as well, pulling my suit pants down with jerky, abrupt movements. There was no way I was going to let him win, no fucking way. He may be completely shameless as far as his physique went, but I was not modest, and no way in hell was I allowing him to push me out of the room with embarrassment as a weapon.

No, I had to do something, try to push back.

His eyes seemed to sparkle with dark delight as I stepped closer to him, our bodies a mere twenty centimetres apart. Being this close to him was both unnerving and exhilarating at the same time. On one hand he was almost irresistible, and then on the other warning bells were going off at the back of my mind because deep down I sensed that he was dangerous. Up close he looked even more perfect, and I had to tilt my head back in order to look at him; jeez this guy was tall.

I could feel goosebumps rise on my arms, as something clenched and unclenched deep in my belly. He smelled vaguely of forest leaves, and a natural scent that I couldn´t quite place, but that seemed to ignite all my senses.

In my home village people were generally much shorter and more stocky in built. Kai Hiwatari was all muscle and elegance, tall and athletic, with an almost lethal gracefulness in every movement. Now that he seemed to be in a relatively good mood standing this close wasn´t particularly frightening, it merely seemed to heighten my awareness of him. There was something distinctly appealing about the danger he exuded that pulled me in, although I felt certain that if angered even Lee would probably have stepped away.

Fuck! He really had me now. Everything about him made stepping away impossible difficult, and I could tell from the way he was looking at me that he knew. How I had ended up in this position I had no idea. In the course of three hours I had lost all power I might have believed to have when I first met him.

It was all disturbingly clear now. Although I had been assigned to keep an eye on him he had somehow gained a psychological advantage, something I had failed to realize before now. With Boris there was no doubt that although he called the shoots, he was terribly affected by everything Kai did. Even a look seemed to be enough.

It was with increasing alarm that I realized I was no better.

How could I have allowed this to happen, to let control slip through my fingers like this?

I felt almost dwarfed by him, although not in an unpleasant way. His eyes narrowed slightly, glinting in determined curiosity as he took one careful step closer. My heart was pounding in my chest, blood thundering in my ears. We looked at each other, the tension increasing. He bared his teeth in a lazy half smirk, tilting his head downwards, our noses touching. The contact sent delicious sparks of desire through my entire being.

To hell with it!

In an attempt at retrieving some sense of control I took the initiative before he did, suddenly leaning forward, shivering pleasantly as my hands connected with flat, smooth planes of muscle. He shuddered momentarily, before I felt his hands on my shoulders, sliding slowly down my back. The sensation of long, elegant fingers was absolutely divine, and his hands cupped my behind, giving a tentative squeeze. I made a small, surprised sound, shaking with need as I felt his erection press against me through his boxers. Shit! What had gotten into me? I had to stop, I really did, but I found that I couldn´t. The feel of that hard muscled body pressed flush against mine, the wonderful masculine smell, and those striking eyes, it proved to be to much for me to resist.

I moved my hands to his shoulders, clutching them for support as he leaned closer, soft lips brushing carefully against mine.

Being kissed by Kai Hiwatari was unlike anything I had ever experienced. First he was surprisingly careful, and then he suddenly bit down, hard, making me squirm with pleasure mixed pain. My eyes slid shut as the kiss deepened, his tongue lazily stroking mine as I allowed him to pull me closer, his hands still on my behind. I could feel his grip tightening, knew that he was preparing to lift me up, feeling more than ready to accommodate him, and then everything was ruined.

A loud bang was heard as someone entered through the front door, and we pulled apart, the interruption completely ruining the moment. His hands were still on me, and my breath was coming in rough gasps. Fucking shit! Typical that someone had to come and ruin everything just as I decided to go through with it.

Kai looked at me, eyes narrowing in a combination of arousal and intense irritation. We stepped away from each other, his fingers brushing almost gently over my shoulder as he removed them. Then he heaved a sigh, bending to pick up his clothes. I did the same, a loaded silence settling between us. Never before had I wanted a guy as much as I wanted him at that exact moment, and we watched each other guardedly as we dressed.

I pulled on my jacket about two seconds before Boris appeared in the doorway, carrying a briefcase.

"Yes?" Kai questioned, voice a hoarse sneer.

Boris literally flinched at his tone, looking slightly unsure, and I actually felt with him for once. Despite myself I could understand exactly what he was feeling, because I had just fallen under the same spell.

"I…this is from your grandfather", he said, pulling himself together.

The longing in his eyes was apparent, and Kai bared his teeth in open disgust. It must be hard I thought, seeing the one you love, knowing that he hated you. That being said I had heard enough about what went on underneath Balcov Abbey to not feel particularly sorry for him.

"Hn".

A whole minute ticked by without anyone saying anything. I knew Boris had seen my messy hair and hastily arranged clothes. My previously crisp white shirt was crumpled, and I didn´t have any shoes on. Kai was unfazed, arms crossed and eyebrows raised in silent provocation, daring Boris to say something. Of course he didn´t, although I could see envy there when he looked at me.

I hoped it wouldn´t become a problem.

"Your grandfather expects your presence for dinner tomorrow", Boris finally said, before reverting his attention over to me.

"Mariah, a word".

I caught Kai sending me a dark look, filled with a combination of promise and sly contemplation. He didn´t like the fact that Boris had ruined our sexual buss, and he was plotting revenge, no doubt about it. I considered warning Boris for about two seconds, before I dismissed the idea. Normally I would have informed him immediately, but not this time. I wasn´t sure why, couldn´t explain it.

Either way I had just placed myself in a very dangerous position. If it was ever discovered that I wasn´t as forthcoming as I should there would be hell to pay.

Still, I couldn´t betray him, not completely.

I would tell Boris what was necessary, nothing more I decided.

Kai´s death glare was literally boring a hole in the back of my neck as I followed Boris into the kitchen, silently closing the door behind me. I tried not to think about what we had been doing, desire still burning in my loins, in my entire being. With some effort I schooled my features, leaning back against the counter in an attempt at appearing relaxed and at ease, although I felt anything but. Boris sat down by the kitchen table, tight lipped and evidently not in a good mood.

He had removed his awful red glasses for the occasion, and was wearing a pressed suit with a classic pin-stripe. It didn´t look very good on him. Somehow he always reminded me about some slimy, disgusting insect, even when he was impeccably dressed.

"Report", he said stiffly, slowly turning to look at me.

I stared evenly back at him, shrugged.

"There is nothing much to report. He has kept inside the house since we arrived, eaten dinner and watched some television".

His eyes narrowed, and he awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck with one hand.

"Did you have sex with him?"

I felt a sudden urge to walk right up and backhand him, but of course I didn´t.

"You told me to use all means necessary, but no, I did not", I replied, voice sharp.

Yeah well, had he not showed up we probably would have.

He nodded, shook his head a few times.

"Of course, of course. This is not an easy assignment. A lot is on the line here, but you seem to be doing well. The last one in your position lasted an hour".

I didn´t know what to say to that.

"Here you go", he continued, pointing at a leather binder that was resting on the table.

"Some information, it might help you in dealing with him. Sooner or later he will lose interest and decide to start making trouble. Be prepared".

With that he got up, stalking outside, closing the door with a resonating bang. I exhaled shakily, sliding down to the floor. Outside I could hear the engine of a car start up, and moment later he was gone, the gate rustling as it closed. Everything considered I had an ok relationship with Boris. I was a girl, and I was good at what I did, which normally kept me in the clear. However this had now changed. His obsession with Kai Hiwatari was bound to be causing problems sooner or later, and I knew with certainty that I would be the one to pay the price.

It was a fine line. On one hand I had to keep Voltaire Hiwatari happy, and then on the other Boris was my supervisor. That being said I´d rather displease Boris Balcov than Hiwatari senior. Boris was predictable in the sense that you could always grasp his nature; he was selfish, self-possessed and cunning enough to always pose a danger. Voltaire Hiwatari on the other hand was much more calculated, a manipulator, someone who had already planned ahead and always knew what would happen around the next corner. He was the biggest player, the one with the advantage. I was not about to challenge him.

I didn´t have the courage, although part of me wished I did.

I got to my feet with some effort, feeling absolutely exhausted, like all my previous energy had been drained. The files were still on the table, and I grabbed them, sliding them under one arm as I silently went out into the hall and up the stairs to the second floor.

Despite my keen senses I wasn´t sure where exactly Kai was, which in itself was unnerving. My other subjects had always been easy to keep an eye on, my neko-jin heritage ensured that. Still, I was dealing with a predator here, I suppose I shouldn´t have been surprised. What if he had left? Wandered off on his own to explore? The thought caused spikes of anxiousness to make me dizzy, and I stumbled up the last few steps and into my room, intent on getting rid of the files so that I could check on him.

Boris would kill me if I lost him, and add to that Voltaire Hiwatari´s wrath.

I almost fell when I tore door open, only to see him standing there, back facing me and looking out of my bedroom window like it was the most normal thing in the world. The leather binder slipped from my fingers and fell to the floor with a muffled bang. He didn´t react. My heart was pounding again, blood rushing to my face for whatever reason.

Shit!

Get your act together Mariah, I scolded myself, inhaling deeply as he finally moved, turning to face me.

His eyes fell on the leather binder, but he didn´t move to pick it up, he merely stared at me, almost expectantly. I didn´t pick up either, but remained in my spot, still feeling vaguely unwell.

"You know it is rude to go looking through a girl´s things", I said, pursing my lips in mild distaste.

"Especially her underwear".

He smirked, eyes glinting playfully.

"Why would I do that?"

I flashed him a nasty look.

"Because it is what guys do".

He tilted his head to the side, eying me almost speculatively. I got the impression that I interested him somehow, although I had no idea what exactly it was about me that had captured his attention to begin with. He looked genuinely curious, and some of the cold indifference that always seemed to mask his true self disappeared. I felt pretty certain that he could actually pull of charming pretty well, given he chance.

"Hn".

I smiled ever so slightly. There was something vaguely charming about him, underneath all the dark sexiness. Just as the thought crossed my mind his demeanour changed, and I could feel electricity sparkle between us as his eyes found mine. They seemed to darken while we looked at each other, tension building second by second.

This time I was prepared, knew what was coming, and felt certain that if I wanted to I could walk away. The problem was that I didn´t want to. The feeling that coursed through my veins when he looked at me, that made my blood sing, I wanted more of it.

Temptation was something I had never given into, and thus I decided to make an exception, knowing full well that it was reckless, dangerous and incredibly stupid. But I still did it, because I wanted to, because I needed to.

He was everything I had ever wanted and more, all contradictions, fire and ice, rage and indifference. Still, there was something there, something special…..