After I finished speaking, I saw anger and disappointment flash in Dexter's eyes.

I quickly tried to comfort him, saying, "I was really satisfied with your performance last night. Well, I wish you all the best in your future, young man!"

I pulled open the door and rushed out. As I closed it behind me, I heard him say, "Just you wait."

…

Two weeks had passed since that incident. I had been busy with work lately and had not been back to that bar.

Today, the company welcomed a batch of college interns, and the senior employees were assigned to mentor them on projects.

"That covers the basics. Now, let me introduce everyone to our new colleagues." The supervisor had been droning on and on.

I glanced at my phone. My mom had introduced me to another blind date prospect. I had come out to her years ago, and after much back and forth, she had become fairly open-minded about it.

However, since retiring, she had not been able to stay idle and had started looking for potential boyfriends for me. I supposed parents would be parents no matter their child's orientation.

According to her, this guy was 20 years old—a college student who had been studying abroad and recently returned home. She asked when I would be free to meet him.

Good grief, where was she finding these connections?

I did not reply and put my phone away. When I looked up, one of the guys standing in front of me looked familiar. Wait, was that not the guy from the hotel last time?

What a small world. I raised my left hand and pretended to fix my hair, using the motion to block his gaze.

"Let me introduce Dexter here. He's doing his studies abroad and is graduating next year. He has outstanding abilities and is quite accomplished for someone who's only 20."

Our supervisor, Colin Clark, looked impressed and continued, "Oh, and Lincoln, starting today, you'll be partnering with Dexter."

"Huh? Mr. Clark, don't you think Lucy might be more suitable? After all, she studied abroad too, and people closer in age would have more to talk about." I tried to deflect.

"Mr. Shaw, right when I got here, I heard that you have extensive experience handling these projects. I really want to learn from you. I specifically requested this assignment," said Dexter.

Seeing him put on that 'humble' and 'sincere' expression, I really wanted to slap him.

"Alright, that's how we'll arrange the pairs. And since they're new to the company, as mentors, you should look out for them in their daily lives as well as at work."

I was about to grab my laptop and escape when Dexter stepped in front of me and suddenly leaned close to my ear. "Long time no see. Let the game begin."

I stared at him in shock, suddenly realizing that his previous sunny, innocent demeanor had been an act. This was not some naive college guy with clear, doe eyes. This was clearly a wolf in sheep's clothing!

"Dexter's really handsome, isn't he? Look at those arm muscles. He must work out regularly."

"Yeah, totally! His butt's perkier than mine, and he's a guy. His Adam's apple is gorgeous too. I'm in love!"

Ever since Dexter arrived, I had been overhearing conversations like this in the break room.

'He does have a decent body and pretty good strength.'

God, what was I thinking?

He was seven years younger than me. Sure, he was handsome, but a man that smart was not my type. I preferred dumb, pretty boys since they were easier to fool.

Plus, how had this guy tracked me down here anyway? He was too persistent. Gosh, I had to stop thinking about it.

I grabbed the printed materials and was heading back to my desk when a pair of large hands suddenly pulled me into the stairwell around the corner.

"What the hell..."

Before I could finish saying '...is wrong with you', I saw who was in front of me.

"Babe, I've missed you so much." Dexter reached out and hugged me, as if savoring the memory. "You have such a slender waist. That night, I never expected you to be so fervent. No matter how I held you, you never got tired."

"Dexter, are you out of your mind? I already told you that night is over."

His solid chest pressed against me, making it hard to breathe. I lowered my voice angrily.

"This is the first time you've called me by my name. It sounds nice. And the fact that you still remember that night means that you like me."

He looked at me with a somewhat relieved expression.

"You're not my type, and I'm not looking to date anyone." I figured maybe being direct and clear with him would make him give up.

"How do you know you won't like dating me if you won't give it a shot? Don't tell me you plan to just hook up without ever falling in love?"

"Bingo. I'm a player, okay? Now, please move," I spat.

"I won't. Kiss me and I'll let you go."

He tightened his arms around me. I was worried a coworker might suddenly appear, so I quickly gave him a light peck on the cheek.

"Good job, babe. I'll let you off the hook for today," he said.

"By the way, why are you even here?" I really could not understand how our one-night stand came with a sequel.

"That night, a few of us interns went out together. When I came back from the restroom, I happened to run into you," he continued enthusiastically.

"It was such a coincidence too. That night, you asked me to find something in your bag, and I saw your work ID. Right then, I thought it had to be fate."

After hearing his explanation, my head started pounding. Was this what they meant by play with fire and you would get burned?

"Oh, there's one more thing I haven't told you. But you'll find out tonight," he said mysteriously.

I had to put in some overtime that day. Exhausted both physically and mentally, I decided to go to a bar to unwind.

I returned to my apartment provided by the company to clean up and get ready. Right as I was walking past the unit next door, I heard noise coming from inside. That place had been empty for a while. A new coworker had probably moved in.

By the time I finished getting ready, it was already 11:00 pm, and the noise next door had stopped.

Just as I was about to leave, I discovered the door lock was broken again. I was locked inside and could not get out. Fortunately, I had an emergency backup plan.

I tried to find my next-door neighbor's contact in the community's group chat. Sure enough, there it was.

Soon after, the person texted me back. Following my instructions, he found the spare key under the flower pot by the door and opened it from the outside. The moment the door opened, I froze.

How was it Dexter again? This guy was relentless.

"Babe, this is the second time I've saved you." He leaned against the doorframe with a smug smile.

"Well, well, look at you, all dressed up. Don't tell me you're going bar hopping again?"

"It's none of your business."

"Take me with you, alright? I'd like to shadow you and learn a thing or two."

"No need. I prefer going alone."

"Well then, I guess I have no choice but to show you something." He pulled out his phone and swiped once. A photo of me nestled in his arms in bed instantly appeared on the screen.

"Dexter! Are you insane? Delete that right now!" I said angrily. He was actually blackmailing me with photos he had secretly taken that night.

"Then take me along. Three, two..."

"Fine, I'll take you! Now, delete the photos."

"Well, that depends on my mood. Besides, my baby looks so stunning in every shot. I'd hate for anyone else to see these."

"This is only my second time at a bar. That night was the first," Dexter said, sitting next to me.

"Tsk, tsk. Don't bother. Your innocent act has completely fallen apart with me," I said dismissively, taking a sip of my drink.

"I've never put on an innocent act. If you insist on seeing me as some innocent guy, that's not my problem." He held his glass with those well-defined, pale, slender fingers and chuckled.

"Hey, come here." I crooked my finger, signaling him to lean closer.

Then, I breathed against his ear and asked with a smile in my eyes, "That night wasn't your first time, was it?"

"It was."

I licked my lips and grabbed his tie. "Not enough. I want more."

After saying that, I pushed him back and leaned away.

"Anyway, three o'clock. My target has appeared."

I slowly walked toward that man with my drink in hand. He raised his glass in response.

After one drink, he suggested taking me home, and I agreed. Just as I returned to my seat to grab my things and leave, I saw Dexter looking furious.

"Let go. This is my boyfriend." After saying that, he pulled me to his side.

"Stop talking nonsense. I'm not his boyfriend. Let's go."

"That's right! He said it himself that he's not your boyfriend. Try blocking him one more time and you'll see what happens!" The other man, emboldened by alcohol, raised his voice.

"Haven't you seen couples fight before? Get lost."

Dexter was not backing down either. I could see fine beads of sweat on his forehead as his fists clenched tighter.

During their scuffle, Dexter's forehead hit the table. Immediately, a large bump swelled. The other man fell on the steps and split his lip.

Finally, security arrived and stopped the fight in time. I could not stay at the bar anymore, so I had to take Dexter and leave quickly.

On the way back, Dexter kept brushing against me, his hands wandering everywhere. I could not tell if he was drunk or if the bump on his head had scrambled his brain.

I found his keys in his coat pocket and helped him into his unit.

"Babe, I want water."

"Here, here. Drink up."

"Babe, my head hurts."

"Let me give you a massage."

I tended to him, then went to get ice cubes from the refrigerator to make an ice pack for his forehead.

"Babe, I want a hug."

In this state, he was more demanding than a child.

I had no choice but to humor him. "Come on, here's your hug."

He lay on the bed, holding me tightly and draping one leg over me. I could feel his heart pounding in his chest and the warm breath constantly flowing from his mouth.

Whether from the heat or the alcohol hitting me, I felt a bit dizzy too. Suddenly, he started kissing my face.

At first, they were light, tentative pecks. When he saw I was not struggling, he deepened the kisses. They left me somewhat breathless. I wanted to push him away, but he had me pinned down with both his hands and legs.

His fingertips continued tracing across my body as his lips found mine.

I decided to take matters into my own hands, thinking, 'If this is going to happen, I need to be the one in control. I can't lose my dignity.'

I flipped over and straddled him, unbuckling his belt and kissing my way down. That was when I froze.

Feeling me stop, he immediately lifted me up. "Satisfied?"