Embers of Jealousy

 Leah's approach didn't go unnoticed. As she engaged in conversation with Darius, Max's eyes followed her every move. Jealousy smoldered in his gaze, a fire he couldn't extinguish. He had dismissed her earlier, but now he regretted it.

Max leaned against a pillar, his jaw clenched. The music pulsed around him, but all he heard was the rush of blood in his ears. Leah was a puzzle—a dangerous one. He had seen her talking to Darius, the viper-eyed leader of The Vipers. Was she playing both sides? Or was she genuinely seeking answers?

His instincts warred within him. Max was no stranger to betrayal; it came with the territory. But Leah's vulnerability had pierced his armor. She wasn't just another pawn in their deadly game. She was a wildcard, a piece that defied logic.

As Leah laughed at something Darius said, Max's fingers tightened into fists. He couldn't afford distractions, not when the city teetered on the edge of chaos. The gangs vied for dominance, and he was their puppet master. But Leah... Leah was different.

When she glanced his way, her eyes held a challenge. Max's resolve wavered. He had pushed her away, but now he wanted to pull her closer. She was a risk, a spark in the darkness. And he was drawn to her flame.

 He had only met her once. He didn't understand what made him so drawn to her.

 Max teetered on the edge of dismissing his inner turmoil and approaching the Sharks' leader. But then, in the periphery of his vision, he witnessed something that ignited a fire within him: Leah and Darius entangled in a passionate embrace. Jealousy surged—a tempest of anger and longing.

 Leah's lips on Darius's fueled his rage. Was she playing both sides? Or was this a genuine connection? Leah glanced his way, her eyes challenging him.

 With sudden anger, I stormed over to Leah and Darius. My fist connected with Darius's jaw, and I seized Leah's wrist, pulling her outside.

"Trying to get on my nerves? After fighting alongside me I thought you would at least have a bit of an honor."

"Honor my ass! You ignored me you arshole". Leah slurred, obviously drunk.

"If you can't handle alcohol why would you drink It?!" I retorted.

"Sut Up" Leah mumbled.

"Ugh, I hate drunkards"

"Well well well, good for you!" Leah slurred defiantly " I'ym nah drunh"

Oh god was this even worth the trouble? I should just ditch her here and enjoy the party. But… that idiot may accidently harm herself so I will only stay till she finds someone to take her home.

 Nolan suddenly came from behind shouting my name. "Max!"

"What's wrong?"

"It's- Darius! What did you do to him to get him so angry?!"

"I may or may not have punched him" I quietly whispered. But apparently, It wasn't quite enough for Nolan not to hear.

"Why would you?! God- Weren't you the one who told us to not get any attention to ourselves and act in the shadows-" Nolan stopped as he noticed Leah. "You-?"

"She is- a friend of mine"

"You are lying" stated Nolan. He knew him well. "She is Annalise's friend from school"

"Well, she is drunk out of her mind so ask Annalise to take her home"

"Not home- My dad will kill me" Leah protested.

"My house then" I answered.

"Max-"

"Nolan go back inside and solve the problem." I said coldly, clearly giving him a warning to shut his mind.

 Nolan looked reluctant to go but still went, In the end, It was my order.

"Do you have a problem coming to my house?"

"Nooh."

"Then let's go"

 Honestly, this week is the worst week ever. All the things that went wrong this week can make a long list. What's the worst thing you may ask? Most problems in this list were caused by her and now I'm taking her to my house! I don't even know why I suggested taking her to my house.