She moved to her vanity, carefully styling her blonde hair into soft waves that framed her face perfectly. She applied her makeup with precision, enhancing her already striking features. With a final touch of lip gloss, she stood back and admired her transformation.
"Perfect," Emma whispered to herself, the self-assured smile back on her lips. She was ready for whatever game Dave was playing. If he thought he could charm her, she would be the one in control tonight.
As she grabbed her clutch and checked the time, Emma allowed herself a small smirk. Tonight, the chessboard was set. And she was determined to stay several moves ahead, no matter what.
"Let's see what you're really after, Dave Garcia," she murmured to herself before heading out to meet him.
She left confidently with a smirk playing on her lips Alas..
Next Morning
The sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room as Emma Frost slowly stirred awake. Her head felt slightly foggy, and she blinked a few times, trying to shake off the haze of sleep. It took her a moment to realize she wasn't alone—her head was resting on the bare chest of Dave Garcia.
Emma's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively sat up, clutching the bedsheet to her chest. Her mind raced as she tried to piece together what had happened the night before. "How did this happen?" she mumbled quietly to herself, frowning as flashes of the evening returned in fragmented pieces—dinner, drinks, laughter, a spark of connection. But she couldn't quite recall how things had escalated to... this.
As she tried to gather her thoughts, she suddenly heard Dave's calm voice. "You're awake," he said, his tone steady and relaxed.
Emma turned her head to look at him, her expression still one of confusion mixed with surprise. "Yes," she replied softly, her usual composed demeanor faltering as she tried to make sense of the situation. Without another word, she slipped away from his chest and laid beside him, staring up at the ceiling, her mind racing. This wasn't like her. She never lost control. And yet, here she was.
Dave glanced over at her, sensing her unease. "You should rest," he said in a gentle, reassuring tone. He sat up, kissed her softly on the lips—an action that felt both natural and intimate—and then effortlessly got out of bed, gathering his clothes.
Emma remained lying there, watching him as he got dressed and left the room with a final glance in her direction. The door closed softly behind him, leaving her alone in the quiet room.
Emma sat up, still clutching the bedsheet, her mind swirling with questions. "Seriously, just what happened last night?" she thought to herself, frustration bubbling up. She was a master of control, always several steps ahead of everyone. And yet, with Dave, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had been caught off guard, that somehow he had taken the lead in a game she usually dominated.
Her thoughts drifted back to the dinner, trying to pinpoint the moment things had shifted. But there was a nagging feeling deep inside her, a strange mix of curiosity and unease.
"What are you after, Dave Garcia?" Emma whispered to herself, determined to regain control of the situation. Then she remembered how she end up like that last night..
****
As Emma arrived at the restaurant, she was immediately greeted by a polite waiter. "Ms. Frost?" he asked with a professional smile.
Emma nodded, her usual calm exterior intact, though her mind was preoccupied with the evening ahead. The waiter led her to the VIP section, situated on the top floor, where a large window offered a stunning view of the city skyline illuminated by the beauty of the night. The soft lights of the streets below twinkled like stars, reflecting the vibrant energy of New York.
"This is your room," the waiter announced as he bowed slightly and opened the door.
Emma stepped into the private dining room, her eyes widening in subtle surprise as they landed on Dave. He was seated casually on a plush sofa, facing the window, seemingly lost in thought as he admired the night view. When he sensed her presence, he turned his head toward her and smiled—a warm, inviting smile that seemed to melt the tension she didn't even know she was carrying.
"Welcome, Emma," Dave said, standing up to greet her.
For a brief moment, Emma felt a strange sense of being caught off guard. There was something about his presence that made her feel... different. Composed as ever, she nodded in acknowledgment, but her breath hitched slightly as she took in how effortlessly handsome he looked tonight.
"You look beautiful," Dave remarked, his voice genuine and smooth.
Emma felt an unfamiliar flutter in her chest, her heart betraying her usual calmness. She gave a faint, polite smile, trying to regain control of her emotions. "You also look... dashing," she replied, her voice wavering just a bit, a rare vulnerability slipping through.
Inwardly, she scolded herself. What are you doing? she thought, irritated at how easily her composure seemed to be slipping in front of him. She had faced off against powerful minds and business moguls, yet this man was somehow disarming her without even trying.
As Dave gestured for her to take a seat, Emma breathed in deeply, forcing herself to regain her sharpness. This wasn't just any dinner—it was a carefully calculated move, and she needed to stay focused. Still, something about Dave made it difficult to remain as detached as she usually was.
'Humph, I will not let you lead this conversation,' Emma thought to herself, steeling her resolve as she sat across from Dave. Her posture was elegant and upright, exuding confidence as she locked her gaze on him.
"You've chosen quite a nice place," she remarked coolly, her voice laced with the sophistication she was known for. She subtly adjusted her posture, as if reclaiming control over the evening's narrative.
****
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'My Charity System Made me Too OP'
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