The next morning, Riley arrived at Crestwood Elite Academy with an unfamiliar feeling in her chest. The world around her was still the same—luxurious, polished, and full of students who acted like they owned everything. But Riley felt different. The weight of her encounter with Zayden hung heavy over her, and she couldn't stop replaying the look in his eyes when he'd leaned in so close to her the day before.
Was he just toying with her, or was there something more to his behavior?
As Riley walked through the halls, she couldn't help but notice the whispers that followed her. It seemed like everyone had already taken sides—some admired her for standing up to Zayden, while others saw her as an outsider who didn't know her place. But no one had any idea of what was really going on between her and Zayden.
She tried to shake off the unease, focusing on her first class of the day. But as she stepped into the classroom, her eyes immediately found him—Zayden Adrian, sitting at his usual spot, surrounded by his usual entourage. He was leaning back in his chair, his arms crossed, and he caught her eye the moment she walked in. The air between them crackled with an unspoken challenge, and Riley felt the familiar surge of irritation rise in her chest.
Zayden's lips curled into a smirk, and without saying a word, he motioned for her to come closer. Riley's instincts screamed at her to walk away, but something about his silent dare made her pause. He was pushing her, testing her—just like he always did.
Without thinking, Riley marched over to him, her boots clicking against the floor with purpose. As she stood in front of his desk, Zayden didn't move. He just watched her, waiting.
"Is there a reason you're staring at me like that?" Riley asked, her voice laced with defiance.
Zayden leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "I'm just trying to figure you out, Morgan. You think you can keep up with me? With this world?" He raised an eyebrow. "You really think you belong here?"
Riley's heart raced. The tension between them was almost unbearable, but she refused to back down. "I'm not like you, Zayden," she said. "I don't need to play the same games to prove myself."
"Really?" Zayden leaned even closer, his voice a low whisper. "Then prove it."
The bell rang, signaling the start of class, and Zayden leaned back in his chair, his smirk never leaving his face. Riley stood there for a moment, her fists clenched, fighting the urge to snap back at him. But she knew she had to be careful. Zayden's games weren't over—they were just beginning.