Keeping His Promise by Prescott Liv

Author:Prescott, Liv
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Liv Prescott
Published: 2023-04-24T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

CLAIRE

The whole tournament is buzzing about Leo’s takedown of Ivan Orlov, and a number of people approach to tell me that Orlov “had it coming.” I win my next match, and my competitor shoots his hand out for a shake almost before his king has fully tipped over on the chessboard.

“One more game to go, champ.” Leo skims his gaze over my body as he approaches, his eyes warm and approving. He hands me a bottle of water and brushes his fingers across my cheek. “You need anything?”

I shake my head and take a drink. The truth is, I need him, but our time alone will have to wait. I want to win because I want to win, but I’m also excited about the idea of going with him to New York for the Candidates Tournament. I might have resented his presence at first, but now I don’t want to go anywhere without him.

The last match of the tournament arrives quickly. Gustave Nilsson and I are the final two in the bracket.

I consider Gustave a friend—he and I have competed several times before, but we’ve also talked strategy and practiced, and we get together for lunch or dinner when we’re in the same city. He’s always been unfailingly respectful and kind, and his wife even sends me gifts and cards for special occasions, including as congratulations for my wins.

I’m anticipating a lively and challenging match. Gustave and I greet each other warmly before sitting down to play. He opens with the Dutch Defense, and we both start strong with good strategies and tactical maneuvers.

But after he breaks the board’s symmetry with an unexpected move, I realize I’m getting into trouble. Faint panic rises in me.

If I lose this match, I’m done. I won’t advance to Candidates, much less the World Championship.

Leo’s “job” will be over.

I feel his gaze on me. He’s sitting in the front row, gorgeous as ever in his tailored suit and perfectly knotted tie. Although his presence has never been a distraction—just the opposite—now I’m getting nervous. I don’t want to lose, and I don’t want him to watch me lose.

Taking a risk, I speed up my game, hoping to put Gustave under pressure. I give up a rook for a pawn and a bishop. Gustave takes my last pawn and regroups his queen. He’s on the attack, and he knows my defensive weaknesses.

By the time the clock is running out, I can’t see any way out of an imminent loss.

I stare at the board, picture the array of moves and positions in my head, work out a thousand different strategies…but he’s pushed my king to the edge of the board and is advancing with both the queen and a rook.

I can make only one move, which will put my king right in the rook’s path.

My heart, which has been steadily sinking for the past hour, now plummets. The edges of my vision darken.

I reach out to take hold of my king. Gustave sits back. I lay the king down on his side, then slowly rise and extend my hand.

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