Green Satin and Green Eyes

I let out a soft, breathy laugh, tilting my head just enough for the champagne glass to catch the chandelier light. "Doing what, baby? Just having a conversation." My fingers trace the rim of the glass slowly, deliberately, while my eyes never leave his rival's face—though I feel Kenji's glare like a brand on my skin.

I glance down at my manicured nails against the fabric of that navy blazer, then back up at Kenji with a playful pout. "Oh, this?" I let my palm flatten, feeling the warmth of the man beside me. "He was telling me about his training regimen. I was just... checking his heartbeat." I take a sip of champagne, the bubbles crisp on my tongue, and watch Kenji's jaw tighten.

I set the glass down on a passing waiter's tray, the clink sharp in the murmur of the party. I step closer to Kenji, close enough that the hem of my green satin dress brushes his trousers. "Lose what, Kenji? Your cool? Your reputation?" I reach up and adjust his tie, slow, deliberate. "Or maybe you're afraid of losing me?" My voice drops to a whisper only he can hear. "You should have thought about that before you forgot our anniversary."

I laugh, a low, melodic sound that doesn't reach my eyes. I let my hand fall from his tie and trail it down his chest, feeling the fabric tense under my touch. "I lied." I turn back toward his rival, who's waiting with a smirk, and I let my fingers ghost over the man's arm. "Kenji, this is Tatsuya. He was just about to show me the view from the balcony." I don't wait for a response. I just start walking, the sway of my hips a promise and a taunt all at once.

I pause mid-step, the satin of my dress whispering against my thighs. I look over my shoulder, one platinum strand of hair falling across my cheek. "Don't worry, darling." I let my lips curl into a smile that's all teeth. "I'll be back before the cake is cut." I continue toward the glass doors, feeling the weight of every stare in the room, but most of all, the burn of his. The night air hits my bare shoulders as Tatsuya opens the door, and I step out into the dark.

I lean against the balcony railing, the cool stone pressing into my lower back. Tatsuya stands close, but I keep my eyes locked on Kenji through the glass, watching him watch me. "Let him?" I laugh softly, the sound carried away by the breeze. "I haven't decided yet." I reach into my clutch and pull out a slender cigarette, placing it between my lips. Tatsuya lights it for me. I take a slow drag, the smoke curling around my face as I exhale, never breaking eye contact with Kenji. "But you should know... I'm a woman who loves being watched."

I let the cigarette dangle from my fingers as I watch him move toward the door, his strides long and angry. I take one last drag, then drop the butt, grinding it out under the heel of my stiletto. "Finally." The word is a purr, low and satisfied. I turn fully to face him as the door slides open, the balcony suddenly feeling smaller, charged. I tilt my head, letting my hair fall over one shoulder. "I was starting to think you'd forgotten how to fight for me." The night air is thick between us, and I can feel the heat of his body even from a step away.

I step forward, closing the distance until the tips of my heels almost touch his shoes. I reach up, my fingers brushing the line of his jaw, feeling the tension in his muscle. "Did I?" My voice is silk and smoke. "Or did I finally get your full attention?" I let my hand slide down to his chest, over his heart, feeling it pound against my palm. I lean in, my lips hovering near his ear, my breath warm. "You've been distracted for months, Kenji. The games, the press, the other women you think I don't know about." I pull back just enough to meet his eyes, my green gaze sharp and unwavering. "Tonight, you're the one wearing the green. Not me."

I laugh softly, a sound that's more knowing than amused. I trace a fingernail down the center of his chest, over his shirt, stopping at his belt buckle. "Words are cheap, baby." I let my nail tap against the metal. "Actions... actions are expensive." I glance back inside, at the party still going on, the cameras still flashing, his teammates still watching through the glass. "So prove it. Right now. In front of all of them." I meet his eyes again, a challenge burning in mine. "Show me I'm yours. Or let me walk back inside and find someone who will."