Chapter 14: The Wager
The clinking of glasses and the hum of conversations began to ebb away, the Gala Dinner drawing to a close. I could feel the tension in my shoulders, the knot of fear and anticipation that had formed in my stomach as the evening wore on. I had tried to push the wager with Matt to the back of my mind, to focus on the conversations around me, the food on my plate, anything but the thought of what was to come, I could feel the fear rising within me, my heart pounding in my chest like a drum.
The Gala Dinner was finally coming to an end, and the creators were beginning to leave the room, their voices a low murmur as they said their goodbyes and made their way to the exit. I glanced over at Matt, who was still in conversation with a group of fellow creators, his laughter booming across the room. I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest as I tried to stand up, hoping that Matt was not serious about the wager. I had to get out of there, to escape the weight of his gaze, the promise of his challenge. But as I pushed back my chair, Matt's hand wrapped around my shoulder, preventing me from standing up. I turned to face him, my eyes wide with surprise and a hint of fear.
"Why so rush, Marina?" Matt asked, his voice low and steady, his hand still resting on my shoulder. "You're not planning on backing out, are you?" I felt a shiver run down my spine at his words, my heart pounding in my chest as I realized that I was trapped, that I had no choice but to face the consequences of my actions.
I sat down again, my eyes flicking over the table as one by one, the other creators began to leave, their chairs scraping back as they stood up and said their goodbyes. I could feel the weight of Matt's gaze, the way he was watching me, waiting for me to make my move. I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest as I tried to steady my nerves. The clock on the wall ticked away the minutes, the hands moving slowly towards 10 pm. The ballroom began to empty, the creators' voices fading away as they left, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the now-empty room. The staff began to clean up, their hands moving efficiently as they cleared the tables, their eyes flicking over me and Matt, their expressions curious but unreadable. I could feel the tension in my shoulders, the knot of fear and anticipation that had formed in my stomach as the minutes ticked by.
Finally, Matt stood up, his chair scraping back against the floor. "Come on, Marina," he said, his voice low and steady. "Let's get this over with." He extended his hand towards me, his eyes never leaving mine. I hesitated for a moment, my heart pounding in my chest as I considered my options.
I was scared, scared of what was to come, scared of what I had agreed to. I looked up at Matt, his eyes steady and confident, his hand still extended towards me. I could feel the weight of his gaze, the way he was waiting for me to make my move. I could feel the fear rising within me.
I was angry, angry at the way they had dismissed me, at the way they had underestimated me. And so, because of my anger and my emotions, I rejected Matt's hand, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions within me. "I'm not backing out," I said, my voice firm and confident. "But I'm not going to make this easy for you either." "I wouldn't expect anything less," he said, his voice low and gravelly.
He gestured towards the elevator, and I followed him, my heart pounding in my chest as we stepped inside. The doors closed behind us, and we were alone, the silence stretching out between us as the elevator began to ascend. I could feel the tension in the air, the weight of the wager that hung between us. I tried to focus on the numbers above the door, watching as they lit up one by one, 2, 3, 4, until finally, the elevator came to a halt with a soft ding. The doors slid open, revealing a long, dimly lit hallway. Matt stepped out, and I followed, my heart pounding in my chest as we made our way down the hall. The carpet was thick and plush beneath my feet, the air filled with the soft hum of distant conversations and the faint scent of expensive cologne. Matt stopped in front of a door, his hand reaching out to grasp the handle.
He turned to me, his eyes gleaming with a mix of challenge and anticipation. "Ready, Marina?" he asked, his voice low and steady. I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest as I nodded, my eyes locked onto his. He pushed the door open, revealing a large, dimly lit room. I stepped inside, my eyes scanning the space, taking in the sight of the king-sized bed, the plush armchairs, and the minibar in the corner. Matt closed the door behind us, the sound of it clicking shut echoing through the room. I turned to face him, my heart pounding in my chest as I watched him reach down and grasp the hem of his t-shirt, pulling it up and over his head in one fluid motion. I remained standing by the door, my eyes wide as I took in the sight of his bare chest, the muscles taut and defined, the skin tanned and smooth.
My heart was pounding in my chest, my mind racing as I tried to think of a way out of this. I couldn't go through with it, not like this. I had to find a way to negotiate, to make him see reason.
"Matt," I started, my voice barely above a whisper, "we don't have to do this. We can still make that camping content together, without... without this." I gestured vaguely between us, my cheeks flushing with heat. Matt's eyes narrowed, and he took a step closer to me, his voice low and steady.
"We do have a deal, Marina," he said, his voice firm and unyielding. He raised the glass of vodka to his lips, taking a sip as he watched me, his eyes never leaving mine. "You agreed to this, remember?" He gestured between us, his eyes gleaming with a mix of challenge and amusement.
"You agreed to this, remember? You said you wouldn't make it easy for me."
I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest as I tried to find the right words.
But no words came out. I knew that my pride had trapped me into this, that I had let my anger and my desire to prove myself cloud my judgment. I could feel the fear rising within me, my heart pounding in my chest like a drum.
Matt, now perched on the edge of the bed, swigged back another mouthful of vodka, his eyes glassy and unfocused. He gestured to me, his hand wobbling slightly, "Come 'ere, Marina," he slurred, patting the space beside him. I hesitated, then took a deep breath and stepped closer, standing right in front of him. I could see the alcohol coursing through his veins, his pupils dilated, his movements slow and uncoordinated. I knew I had to be careful, to tread lightly. I didn't want to provoke him, not in this state. I could see the challenge in his eyes, the dare, but also the vulnerability, the uncertainty.
I stood my ground, my heart pounding in my chest as I met his gaze. Matt's hands, still unsteady from the alcohol, came to rest on my shoulders. His grip was firm, his fingers digging into my flesh as he held me in place.
"You remember the wager, don't you, Marina?" he growled, his voice low and rough. His eyes bored into mine, searching for any sign of hesitation or fear.
I took a deep breath, my mind racing as I recalled the terms of our wager. "If I win," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil within me, "you'll retract yourself from the nomination of the Creators Award." I made it a statement, not a question, needing to hear him acknowledge it one more time.
Matt's grip on my shoulders tightened, his eyes never leaving mine. "And if I win, Marina?" he asked, his voice low and steady, despite the alcohol coursing through his veins. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, embarrassment coloring my voice as I replied, "If you win, Matt, I'll agree to create that camping content with you." I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest as I added, "But only if... if I pass out." My voice was barely above a whisper, my face flushed with embarrassment and a hint of fear. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I blinked them back, determined not to let them fall. That's it, I thought to myself, my goal is not to pass out. If I can hold on, if I can stay conscious, I win the wager.
I repeated this mantra in my mind, trying to focus on anything but the fear that was rising within me. Matt's hands, still unsteady from the alcohol, moved from my shoulders, trailing down my bare arms, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake. I shivered, my heart pounding in my chest as he reached my waist, his fingers hooking into the waistband of my makeshift gala dinner crop top. He pulled me closer, his eyes gleaming with a mix of challenge and amusement. "Are you crying, Marina?" he asked, his voice laced with sarcasm.
I only shake my head from that question, but my sobs are unmissable. He pulls me closer, his breath hot on my neck, and I can feel his body pressing against mine. I try to hold back my tears, to keep my composure, but it's no use. The fear and the anger and the embarrassment all bubble up to the surface, and I can't hold it back any longer. I let out a shuddering breath, my body wracked with sobs as I try to pull away from him.
But Matt's grip is firm, his fingers digging into my flesh as he holds me in place. He starts to remove my crop top, his hands shaking slightly from the alcohol, but his movements determined. I try to push him away, but my efforts are weak, my body still trembling with fear and tears. He pulls the top over my head, leaving me in my black lace bra, my E-cup breasts heaving with each ragged breath I take. I can feel the cool air of the room against my skin, the goosebumps rising on my arms and chest.
Matt's hands, still unsteady from the alcohol, move to my waistband, his fingers hooking into the elastic of my black leggings. "Take them off," he slurs, his voice low and rough. I hesitate for a moment, my heart pounding in my chest as I consider his command. But I know I can't back down now, not after everything that's led up to this moment. I take a deep breath, my hands shaking slightly as I grasp the waistband of my leggings and pull them down, stepping out of them and leaving me standing in only my black lace bra and panties.
Matt's eyes roam over my body, his gaze lingering on the curve of my hips, the swell of my breasts, the smooth expanse of my stomach. I can feel his eyes on me, like a physical touch, and it sends a shiver down my spine.
He's watching me, his gaze intense and unyielding, as if he's trying to read my thoughts. I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks, my heart pounding in my chest as I try to maintain my composure. Suddenly, he pulls me closer, forcing me to sit on his lap, my body facing his, my breasts pressing against his chest. I gasp, my hands reaching out to grasp his shoulders for support, my eyes wide with surprise and a hint of fear. He's so close, I can feel his breath on my face, his heart pounding against my chest. I can smell the alcohol on his breath, the sweet scent of vodka mingling with the musky smell of his skin.
I try to push him away, my hands shaking as I grasp his shoulders, but his grip is firm, his fingers digging into my flesh as he holds me in place.
I can feel his breath hot on my neck, his tongue tracing a path up to my ear, sending shivers down my spine. His hands begin to roam, his fingers tracing the curve of my spine, his touch leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake. I can feel his lips on my neck, his kisses landing softly, sending a jolt of electricity through me. I try to suppress a gasp, my heart pounding in my chest as his hands move to the clasp of my bra, his fingers fumbling with the straps. I can feel the panic rising within me, my breath coming in short, ragged gasps as I try to think of a way out of this, a way to escape his touch.
His tongue continues its exploration, licking and kissing my neck and shoulders, his hands still trying to unstrap my bra. I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks, my body trembling with a mix of fear and desire.
I ask myself, am I being raped? There's no love or even the slightest desire like when I fucked Alan back in the Azerus luxury train, but on the other hand, I agreed to this wager. I agreed to this, and now I'm trapped in this hotel room with Matt, his hands roaming over my body, his breath hot on my neck. I can feel the panic rising within me, my heart pounding in my chest as I try to think of a way out of this, a way to escape his touch.
Suddenly, his hands finally unstrap my black lace bra, and with a sudden, jerky movement, he tears it free, the fabric ripping under his drunken strength. I gasp, my eyes widening in shock as I whisper, "What the fuck?!" But before I can react, Matt pushes my torso backwards, forcing me to lean back against his arm, my bare breasts now exposed to him.
I can feel the cool air against my nipples, making them harden, and I can see Matt's eyes darken as he takes in the sight. He leans down, his breath hot on my chest, and then, without warning, he licks me, right where my heart is pounding. I gasp, my back arching slightly at the unexpected sensation. Before I can react, he kisses me there, his lips soft and warm, sending a jolt of electricity through me.
I gasp, my back arching slightly, my hands reaching up to grasp his shoulders for support. But Matt is not done, he pushes me back, his hands moving to my hips, and with a sudden, jerky movement, he throws me onto the bed. I land with a soft thud, the air whooshing out of my lungs. I quickly sit up, my hands flying to cover my breasts, my eyes wide with shock and fear. Matt stands there, his eyes gleaming with a mix of challenge and amusement, his hands on his hips as he watches me, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
He takes a deep breath, his eyes never leaving mine, and then, with a sudden, jerky movement, he reaches down and unbuttons his jeans. I gasp, my eyes widening in shock as I watch him push them down, revealing his boxers. He hooks his thumbs into the waistband and pulls them down, his cock springing free, already hard and erect. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, my breath coming in short, ragged gasps as I try to process what's happening. He reaches into the nightstand drawer, his hand fumbling around for a moment before he pulls out a condom. He tears open the packet with his teeth, his eyes never leaving mine as he rolls it onto his length.
Then, he crawls towards me on the bed, his movements slow and deliberate, like a predator stalking its prey. I shrink back, my heart pounding in my chest as I try to put some distance between us, but there's nowhere to go. I'm trapped, cornered, and at his mercy. I can feel the fear rising within me, my breath coming in short, ragged gasps as I watch him approach, his eyes gleaming with a mix of challenge and desire. I try to cover myself with my hands, my arms crossed over my chest, but it's no use. He's too close now, too determined. He reaches out, his hand wrapping around my waist, and with a sudden, jerky movement, he pulls down my black lace panties, his fingers hooking into the elastic and dragging them down my legs. I gasp, my eyes widening in shock as I try to cover myself, but it's too late. He's already pulled them off, leaving me completely exposed to him. I can feel the cool air against my skin, the heat rising in my cheeks as I try to sit up, to cover myself, but he's too quick. He pushes me back down onto the bed, his body pinning me in place. I can feel his breath hot on my face, his eyes gleaming with a mix of challenge and desire. I try to push him away, my hands grasping at his shoulders, but his grip is firm, his fingers digging into my flesh as he holds me in place.
His cock, now hard and erect, makes its way to my vagina, and I can feel the fear rising within me. My heart is pounding in my chest, my breath coming in short, ragged gasps as I try to focus on anything but the sensation of him entering me. I know I have to hold on, to stay conscious, to win this wager.
But as Matt's cock fully enters me, I can't help but let out a moan, "Oh, God!" My back arches, my fingers digging into his shoulders as I try to adjust to the sudden invasion. Matt lets out a low chuckle, his breath hot on my ear. "That's it, Marina," he growls, his voice laced with satisfaction.