Chapter 4

FOUR

" Y ou play that tiger like you were born to it," Ellie remarked, unable to keep the admiration from her voice.

Zy chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that sent an unexpected shiver down Ellie's spine. "Maybe in another life. For now, I'm just enjoying exploring this incredible world you've created."

The sincerity in his voice caught Ellie off guard. She'd expected corporate platitudes, not genuine appreciation. "I... thank you," she managed, her focus momentarily slipping.

Zy seized the opportunity, his tiger character pouncing in a surprise attack that nearly overwhelmed Ellie's defenses. She recovered quickly, retaliating with a clever combination of illusions and quick strikes.

"Sneaky," Ellie commented, a smile tugging at her lips despite herself. "I'll have to watch out for those claws."

"All's fair in love and war," Zy quipped, his shoulder brushing against hers as he leaned in to execute a particularly tricky maneuver.

Ellie found herself increasingly drawn into the unique dynamic between their characters. Her fox's agility and cunning versus his tiger's raw power and grace. It was a dance of strategy and skill, each of them pushing the other to new heights.

Ellie tried to ignore the warmth that spread from the point of contact, focusing instead on the game. But she couldn't deny the growing attraction she felt, not just to Zy's undeniable physical appeal, but to the quick wit and genuine enthusiasm he brought to the match.

As the competition heated up, so did the banter between them. Ellie found herself trading quips and playful jabs with Zy, their words dancing on the edge between rivalry and flirtation.

"You know," Zy said as they entered the final stage of the match, "I have to admit, I came here expecting to dominate. But you've given me a run for my money, Ellie. It's been a long time since I've had this much fun playing a game."

Ellie glanced at him, surprised by the warmth in his voice. "Well, don't get used to it. I still plan on wiping the floor with you."

Zy laughed, the sound rich and genuine. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

The final moments of the match were intense, both of them pulling out all the stops. Ellie's heart raced as she guided her character through a gauntlet of challenges, Zy hot on her heels. The crowd's cheers faded into the background as she lost herself in the game, in the thrill of competition and the electric awareness of Zy beside her.

When the final score flashed on the screen, Ellie blinked in surprise. It was almost a dead heat with her edging out Zy by the narrowest of margins.

The audience erupted in applause, but Ellie barely heard it. She turned to Zy, breathless and exhilarated, to find him already looking at her. The intensity in his gaze made her pulse quicken.

"Congratulations," Zy said softly, extending his hand once more. "That was…intense. You're incredible."

Ellie took his hand, acutely aware of the warmth of his skin, the strength in his grip. "Thank you," she replied, her voice equally low. "You weren't so bad yourself."

For a moment, they stood there, hands clasped, the world narrowing down to just the two of them. Then the announcer's voice broke the spell, calling for a round of applause for both competitors.

As they turned to face the cheering crowd, Ellie's mind whirled. She'd come to this showcase prepared to demonstrate her game, to prove herself as a developer and innovator. She hadn't expected to find a worthy rival in Zyan Ashford, let alone to feel this undeniable spark between them.

As they made their way off the stage, Zy leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear. "I hope this isn't the last time we play together, Ellie. I have a feeling we could create something truly extraordinary."

Before Ellie could respond, he was gone, swallowed by the crowd of well-wishers and industry bigwigs. She stood there for a moment, her heart racing, her thoughts a jumble of confusion and excitement.

What just happened? And more importantly, what was she going to do about it?

As Ellie made her way back to her booth, her mind replayed every moment of the showcase – the thrill of demonstrating Infinite Odyssey, the unexpected challenge of facing off against Zy, the undeniable chemistry that had sparked between them. It was all so much to process.

Noa pounced the moment Ellie returned, her blue eyes wide with excitement. "Oh my god, Ellie! That was amazing! You totally held your own against Zyan freaking Ashford! And the way you two were bantering... girl, spill!"

Ellie laughed, the sound a bit shaky even to her own ears. "Slow down, Noa. It was just a game demo."

"Just a game demo?" Noa scoffed, pulling Ellie aside to a quieter corner of the booth. "Hon, I was watching the live stream. That was not just a game demo. That was... that was like watching the nerdiest, most adorable meet-cute ever. The sexual tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife!"

"Noa!" Ellie hissed, her cheeks flaming. "It wasn't like that. We were just... playing the game."

Noa's brow rose, clearly unconvinced. "Sure. Sure. Not like I've ever seen people fall in love at first sight. Come on, Ellie. I haven't seen you look at a guy like that since... well, ever. Not even with you-know-who."

The mention of her ex-husband sobered Ellie instantly. "That's different. Zy is... he's the competition, Noa. The enemy."

"Is he, though?" Noa challenged gently. "Because from where I was standing, he looked a whole lot more like a potential ally. Maybe even something more."

Ellie sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It's complicated. You know what happened with the last game, how Ashford Entertainment bought it from... him. How am I supposed to trust someone who's part of that world?"

Noa's expression softened. "Oh, honey. I know you've been hurt. But you can't let one bad experience close you off to all the good possibilities out there. And from what I saw today, there might be some very good possibilities with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome."

Despite herself, Ellie felt a smile tugging at her lips. "He's not that dark. More... golden."

"Aha!" Noa crowed triumphantly. "So you did notice!"

Ellie groaned, but there was no real annoyance behind it. "Fine, yes, I noticed. It's kind of hard not to when he's standing right there, being all..." she waved her hand vaguely, "...God-like…Zy-like."

Noa grinned. "Zy-like, huh? Is that code for devastatingly handsome and charming?"

"You're impossible," Ellie muttered, but she couldn't hide her smile. "Look, even if I was interested - which I'm not - it's not that simple. We're competitors. Our companies are rivals. And let's not forget, Ashford Entertainment is the one who bought my stolen game."

Noa's expression sobered. "I know, sweetie. But have you ever considered that maybe Zy didn't know the full story? Big companies buy games all the time. He might not have had any idea about the drama behind it."

Ellie paused, considering this. It was true, she'd never actually spoken to anyone at Ashford Entertainment about the situation. She'd been too hurt and angry to even consider reaching out. But the way Zy had looked at her during the showcase, the genuine admiration in his eyes when he praised Infinite Odyssey... could she have misjudged him?

"Maybe," she conceded reluctantly. "But it doesn't change the fact that we're still competitors. Getting involved with Zy would not be smart at all. Plus, it would be beyond complicated…if I were interested, which I'm not."

Noa shrugged. "The best things in life are usually complicated. But, hey, I'm not pushing. Just... don't close yourself off to the possibility, okay? You deserve some happiness, Ellie. And if that happiness comes in a big, sexy package with killer gaming skills, tons of muscles, and the face of a god, well, who am I to argue?"

Ellie laughed. "Can we please focus on the fact that Infinite Odyssey just got an amazing showcase in front of the whole industry?"

"Now that," Noa said with a grin, "is something I can definitely celebrate. Come on, superstar. You've got fans waiting."

As they turned back to the busy booth, Ellie's mind drifted once more to Zy. The warmth of his smile, the intensity in his eyes, the way he'd made her laugh even as they competed... it was a dangerous train of thought, but one she couldn't seem to derail.

For the rest of the afternoon, Ellie threw herself into the convention with renewed energy. She demonstrated Infinite Odyssey to eager fans, answered questions from industry insiders, and even gave a few interviews to gaming journalists. But through it all, a part of her remained hyper-aware, constantly scanning the crowd for a glimpse of Zy.

It wasn't until late in the day as the convention was winding down, that she spotted him again. He was across the hall, deep in conversation with a group of what looked like investors. Even from a distance, his presence commanded attention. Ellie found herself admiring the confident set of his shoulders, the graceful way he gestured as he spoke.

As if sensing her gaze, Zy looked up, his eyes meeting hers across the crowded convention floor. For a moment, the bustle of the convention seemed to fade away. Zy's lips curved into a warm smile, and he gave her a small nod of acknowledgment. Ellie felt her heart skip a beat.

"Earth to Ellie," Noa's voice broke through her reverie. "You okay there? You looked like you were a million miles away."

Ellie blinked, tearing her gaze away from Zy. "Yeah, sorry. Just... thinking about some potential updates for the game."

Noa followed her line of sight, a knowing smirk spreading across her face when she spotted Zy. "Uh-huh. ‘Updates.' Is that what the kids are calling it these days?"

"Oh, shut up," Ellie grumbled, but there was no heat in her words. "Come on, let's start packing up. I'm exhausted."

As they began dismantling their booth, Ellie's mind whirled with the events of the day. The showcase had been a resounding success with Infinite Odyssey generating more buzz than she'd dared to hope for. But it was her unexpected encounter with Zy that kept replaying in her mind.

She'd come to this convention seeing Ashford Entertainment as the enemy, a faceless corporation that had profited from her pain. But now... now, she wasn't so sure. Zy had been nothing but respectful, even admiring, of her work. He'd challenged her, yes, but in a way that had pushed her to be better, to showcase the true potential of her game.

As the last of their equipment was packed away, Ellie made a decision. She couldn't ignore the connection she'd felt with Zy or the spark of something that could be... more. But she also couldn't forget the history between their companies and the hurt that still lingered from her past betrayal.

"Noa," she said, turning to her friend. "I think... I think I need to talk to Zy. Properly. Clear the air about some things."

Noa's eyes widened in surprise, then softened with understanding. "I think that's a great idea, hon. Do you want me to come with you?"

Ellie shook her head. "No, this is something I need to do on my own. But... thanks. For everything."

Noa pulled her into a quick hug. "Anytime, superstar. Now go get your man. Or... clear the air. Or whatever it is you're planning to do."