Riley couldn't stop thinking about Zayden, even as she tried to concentrate on her studies. Crestwood Elite Academy wasn't just a school—it was a battlefield, and Zayden was the king of it. His presence loomed over everything, his reputation preceding him in ways that made her feel like an outsider, no matter how hard she tried to fit in.
But what bothered Riley most wasn't the constant attention Zayden drew—no, what really unsettled her was the strange pull she felt every time they were near each other. He was infuriating, arrogant, and impossible to read, but there was something behind his cocky facade. A complexity, a vulnerability that Riley couldn't ignore.
And maybe, just maybe, that was why she kept finding herself in his orbit.
It was a Friday afternoon when the game truly began.
"Dare you to go on a date with me," Zayden's voice came from behind her, smooth as silk, carrying just the right amount of challenge.
Riley froze, mid-step, her heart pounding in her chest. The cafeteria was buzzing with activity, and Zayden was standing in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
She turned around slowly, trying to keep her cool. "What?" she asked, her voice low but firm, even as her pulse sped up.
"A date. With me. Tonight," Zayden repeated, raising an eyebrow. His eyes sparkled with amusement, but there was something dangerous about the way he stood there. Like he knew exactly what he was doing.
Riley laughed, but it was dry, her stomach twisting in knots. "Nice try, but no. I'm not some plaything for you to entertain yourself with."
"Oh, I'm not offering entertainment, Morgan," Zayden said, his lips curling into a smirk. "I'm offering an experience. Don't you want to know what it's like?"
The words hung between them like a challenge, daring her to rise to it. Riley could feel the weight of everyone watching them, but she couldn't back down. Not now.
"I don't think I'm interested in whatever game you're playing, Zayden," she said, her tone stronger now, a defiance bubbling to the surface.
His smirk only deepened. "Are you sure? Because I think you're afraid of what might happen if you say yes."
Riley bit her lip, considering his words. Was she afraid? Or was she just playing it safe? Something told her that saying yes would only lead her down a path she wasn't ready for.
But in the back of her mind, a voice whispered—what if it's exactly what you need?
"You're wasting your time," Riley replied finally, turning on her heel to walk away.
But as she reached the door, Zayden's voice stopped her. "One date, Morgan. Just one. And then you'll see I'm not just some spoiled rich boy who thinks he can have whatever he wants."
Riley hesitated. Something about the challenge in his words gnawed at her, but she forced herself to ignore it.
But Zayden didn't let it go that easily.
"Think about it," he called after her, his voice low, almost pleading.
The invitation still lingered in her mind, like a ghost that wouldn't leave. Riley had tried to push it away, to forget about it, but every time she closed her eyes, she could still see the way Zayden's gaze had locked onto hers. She didn't want to admit it, but a part of her wondered—what would it be like?
The night of the date came faster than she expected. She had reluctantly agreed to meet him, deciding that maybe, just maybe, she needed to face whatever this was between them head-on. The curiosity was eating at her, and she couldn't let it fester anymore.
When she arrived at the meeting spot—an upscale restaurant in the heart of the city—she immediately regretted it. Zayden was waiting outside, leaning casually against the sleek, black sports car that she had seen him driving before. His sharp suit and effortless confidence made him look like he belonged in another world, one that Riley wasn't sure she wanted to step into.
"You made it," Zayden said when he saw her approach, his lips quirking into that signature smirk.
Riley fought the butterflies in her stomach and crossed her arms. "You're lucky I came at all."
Zayden chuckled and held out his arm. "Let's get this over with then, shall we?"
Riley hesitated before reluctantly placing her hand in his. The moment their skin touched, an electric jolt shot through her, and she quickly pulled away. "You're impossible," she muttered, but Zayden only laughed.
"You'll get used to it, Morgan," he said, his voice softening in a way that made her heart beat faster.
As they stepped into the restaurant, the luxurious surroundings felt almost too much for Riley. The soft lighting, the elegant decor—everything about this place screamed wealth. It was so different from her own world. But she wouldn't let it affect her.
Dinner was filled with tense silence at first, both of them avoiding each other's gaze. But Zayden didn't seem to mind. He was content to let Riley stew in her discomfort. Every time she looked at him, he had that same cocky smirk, as though he knew exactly what was going on inside her head.
"You've got a lot of walls up, don't you?" Zayden said suddenly, his voice cutting through the quiet.
Riley blinked. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means you don't let anyone in," he replied, his gaze sharp and calculating. "You put up this tough facade, but I can see through it."
Riley clenched her jaw, refusing to let him get under her skin. "Maybe I'm not interested in letting anyone in."
Zayden leaned forward, his eyes never leaving hers. "Maybe you're just afraid of what'll happen if you do."
The words hung in the air between them, heavy with meaning. Riley felt the familiar sting of vulnerability at the edges of her mind, but she refused to let it show.
"Well, maybe I'm not the one who needs to change," Riley said, pushing back her unease.
Zayden smiled, that dangerous smile that made her heart race. "Maybe. But tonight, you're going to have to decide."