**Chapter 11: Another Kiss**

Theodore's face was still inches from hers, his dark gray eyes blazing with anger and frustration. Kaitlyn could feel the heat of his body against hers, the pressure of his chest against her own. She tried to struggle, but he held her fast, his hand closing around her wrist like a vice. "Why the hell are you running away?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing. His silver strands seemed to gleam in the dim light of the corridor, a reminder of his status as the heir to the O'Neill family. Kaitlyn tried to think of a response, but her mind was a blank. She knew she couldn't tell him the truth - that she felt suffocated by the ceremony, by the expectations, by the very idea of marrying a man she didn't love. Instead, she stammered out a weak excuse. "I...I just needed some fresh air," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. Theodore's eyes narrowed, his face inches from hers. "Don't lie to me," he growled, his breath hot against her skin. His mole seemed to twitch with annoyance, and his sharp eyebrows furrowed in anger. But before she could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed down the corridor. The guests, it seemed, had followed them. Theodore's face darkened, and he pulled Kaitlyn into a passionate kiss. It was like a branding iron, searing her skin and claiming her as his own. Kaitlyn's eyes widened in shock as his lips crushed hers, his tongue probing deep into her mouth. She felt a rush of emotions - anger, frustration, and a spark of attraction that she couldn't quite explain. Her petite frame seemed to melt into his tall, muscular body, and for a moment, she forgot to resist. As the guests approached, Theodore reluctantly parted from her, his eyes never leaving hers. Kaitlyn's face burned with humiliation, but she refused to show weakness. She smoothed out her dress, her blue eyes flashing with anger. As soon as the guests left, Kaitlyn shoved Theodore away with all her strength. He stumbled back, his eyes narrowing in surprise. "You're not going to get away that easily," he warned, his voice dripping with malice. Kaitlyn smiled, a cold, hard smile. "I'm not trying to get away," she lied. "I just needed some fresh air." Theodore raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with skepticism. But he said nothing, simply turned and strode back up the stairs, leaving Kaitlyn to follow him. The game had just begun, and Kaitlyn was about to discover that she was in a battle for control - a battle that would change her life forever. As she followed him, Kaitlyn couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She knew that she had to be careful, that one misstep could lead to disaster. But she also knew that she couldn't back down, not now, not when she had come so far. She steeled herself for the challenges ahead, her blue eyes flashing with determination. Theodore waited for her at the top of the stairs, his eyes watching her with an unnerving intensity. Kaitlyn met his gaze, her heart pounding in her chest. The air was thick with tension, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, the only sound the heavy silence between them. Then, without a word, Theodore turned and walked away, leaving Kaitlyn to follow him, her heart heavy with foreboding.