The Royal Games

Chapter 14

Recap:

"Give it up darling. Let's not forget our little talk... you can't have you forgotten already surely?"

I gulp and exhale in defeat. He's right. There's nothing I can do but suck it up. And pray, for all our sakes, that so does Stefan.

The Ball, Part 2

Damon is loving this dance, I can tell. Alas, the same cannot be said for me... But there is nothing I can do. I'm backed into a corner, somehow drowning in a secret that threatens to destroy Stefan and I.

I know I know. In the grand scheme of things (the history of secrets, our love- or rather my love, his possible love for me and our relationship) this isn't even worthy to secure a place. The worse that'll happen will I'll be kicked out of the competition. But to me, that would change everything. And I'm not ready for that. I don't want that yet. Ironic I know... 2 months ago I felt exactly the same thing about coming here. Oh how the tables have turned.

Damon squeezes his hand a little, squeezing my ass, and I take a sharp breath. I sashay around a little, successfully managing to break the contact his hand had. Narrowing my eyes at him, I clench my jaw.

"Easy darling."

"Let's just get one thing clear, your highness." I hiss mockingly. "I am not your darling. And I never will be." I growl lowly, all too aware of the extremely tightly wound brother whose eyes are zoned in on us from across the dance floor.

"That's just it, you see darling. You are. You're anything I want you to be. I own you right now... darling." He murmurs dangerously, a glint in his eyes which sends goosebumps down my arm.

He runs his left hand down my bare arm, sending shivers down my spine. Again, not the good ones. He traces it down from my shoulder before returning it to my lower back, or rather onto my ass - yet again.

I grit my teeth and fight the urge to slap that stupid smirk off his face and run into Stefan's arms, whose face is the picture of concern.

I turn again to look at Stefan who looks furious. He's still dancing with Mary but his attention is solely focused on me. On us. I notice him tense when Damon returns his hand to my ass and notice the muscles in his body tighten. He's about to storm over. I can see it.

My eyes widen and I plead no silently. I offer the subtlest shake of my head - so subtle I'm not even sure it's visible. But regardless, his eyes are set and I know nothing I can do will change his mind. Just as I notice his grip loosen from his partner's shoulder and waist in preparation, he seems to pause as his eyes zero in on something behind me. Or rather to the left of Damon and I. Confused, I turn and see Dylan just a few metres away, heading straight for Damon and I.

He reaches us in no time.

"Damon! Good to see you."

"Dylan."

"Now, you've rather been hogging this beautiful lady for several dances. I think it's only fair. Wouldn't you agree?" He offers me a wide smile and stares Damon down. Damon narrows his eyes at Dylan but to refuse would cause a commotion. So, reluctantly, he detaches himself from me and I'm free of his hold. He steps back and Dylan takes no time in setting up camp where Damon was just moments ago. Dylan swiftly brings me to him and places one hand on my shoulder and the other on my waist. I notice Damon slowly retreat and I visibly sag in relief.

"Dylan! How can I ever thank you enough!" I gasp in relief as we continue to dance.

"Ah, what can I say? I am a superhero!" He winks playfully and I giggle.