Viktor’s eyes didn't budge from the board. "You're about to lose." "Keep telling yourself that." You stood, stretching your arms and feigning a yawn. He rose to his feet, too, that scowl still wilting his lips. You were about to leave when he stopped you.

"When will we finish the game?" He removed his phone from his pocket and thumbed through it. His calendar app flashed before you.

Goodness, it didn't even occur to him that you would say no. His thumb shot up with each scroll, probably sorting through dates convenient for him. "Tomorrow is no good for me, and I have a meeting in London the next day, though I will not be staying overnight."

Your jaw clamped shut with an audible snap. It shouldn't have surprised you. Viktor wanted to be challenged. No, he needed to be challenged. Everyone around him bored him. Unfortunately for him, it seemed you would rather drive home blindfolded and handcuffed than spend another second in his presence.