Playing With Fire

The cafeteria buzzed with noise—people laughing, trays clattering, and voices blending together. Maya was seated with Luna, Sally, and a couple of boys, expertly spinning her web of flirtation. Every glance she threw was a promise. Every touch was electric. She didn't even have to try—boys flocked to her like moths to a flame.

But then her gaze shifted.

Vic.

He was sitting across from Jackie, his hand casually resting on her shoulder, his lips brushing against her temple as they shared an intimate moment. Jackie, looking at him with those adoring eyes, whispered something, and Vic responded with that lazy, confident smile that always made Maya feel like she was second-best.

That was all it took.

Maya's fingers curled into the edges of her tray, her nails digging in. A rush of heat flared in her chest, twisting into something dark. She watched them for a moment, her heart clenching as jealousy curled deep inside her.

She hated the way they looked at each other.

Jackie. With Vic.

And her stomach turned when she saw how much Vic didn't even look her way. He was too caught up in Jackie, as usual.

Her breath hitched.

No way was she going to let that slide.

Maya stood abruptly, the legs of her chair scraping the floor. She barely noticed the eyes on her as she walked—everyone would watch her regardless.

She moved with purpose, each step calculated, each sway of her hips just a little more exaggerated. Without even sparing Vic and Jackie a glance, she passed them, walking straight to Eddie's table.

Eddie.

She didn't even care what he thought.

She slid into the seat next to him, her body just a fraction too close, her scent lingering in the space between them. Eddie blinked, looking at her as if she were some kind of enigma.

"Maya? What—what's up?" Eddie's voice was shaky, caught off guard.

Maya didn't give him a chance to finish. She leaned in, just enough so her breath could graze his ear. "Hey, Eddie."

Her voice was light, but the way her words flowed made it clear she had no intention of just chatting. She was on a mission.

Eddie shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his hands fumbling with his books. "Uh, hey… What's going on?"

Maya smirked, her fingers brushing against his arm as she rested her chin on her hand. "I've never noticed how strong your arms are," she purred, her voice dripping with sweetness.

Eddie stammered, looking down at his own arm like it was the first time he'd ever seen it. "Uh, I… I don't really work out."

"Really?" Maya's fingers traced the inside of his sleeve, moving up slowly, purposefully. "I think you should. You're looking… well, kind of irresistible."

She could feel his discomfort, the way he was squirming, but that only fueled her. She wasn't here for Eddie. She was here for Vic. She wanted to make him feel this.

Maya's knee brushed against Eddie's under the table, a soft, deliberate motion, and she let her leg linger there for just a second too long.

Eddie didn't know what was happening.

He looked at her like she was an alien, unsure if he should push her away or keep his mouth shut. "Maya, I—"

She didn't give him a chance to finish, her hand now resting on his wrist, lightly tracing the veins there, feeling the pulse under his skin.

"You know," she said with a smile that was both sweet and dangerous, "you should come hang out with me more. I could teach you a thing or two."

Eddie opened his mouth, unsure what to say, but all the words stuck in his throat. He was too innocent for this. Too oblivious.

Behind her, the air shifted.

Maya didn't need to look to feel Vic's presence burning into her back. His gaze was hot, furious, but also—hurt.

The rage rolled off him in waves. She could feel it in the way his posture straightened, his fists clenching.

She knew exactly what this was doing to him.

Without turning, Maya spoke, her voice dripping with teasing sweetness, aimed right at Vic. "What's wrong, Vic? Don't like me showing Eddie a little attention?"

Her tone was like honey—sickly sweet, but underneath it, there was a bite.

Vic's voice was low and dangerous. "This is pathetic, Maya." His words cut through the air. "You think this is going to get to me?"

Maya's lips curled into a smile that was almost too innocent. "Do you feel it, Vic? The jealousy?" She let the words hang in the air, heavy with the intent behind them. "It's making you so angry, isn't it?"

Eddie, still unaware of the true weight of the situation, shifted in his seat, his voice uncertain. "I—I don't know what's going on here, guys."

But Maya wasn't looking at him anymore. She could practically hear Vic's heartbeat pounding in the silence between them.

"I don't know why you're still with her, Vic," Maya said, her voice sharp. "She's all over you one minute and then off with someone else the next. Are you really okay with that?"

Jackie shot Vic a confused glance but said nothing.

Vic's hands clenched into fists, the muscles in his jaw tight. He could feel the anger rising in him, but something else was there too. Something deeper. Hurt.

"I don't know what game you think you're playing, Maya," Vic snapped, stepping toward her. "But it's not funny."

Maya leaned back, her body language oozing satisfaction as she pushed Eddie's arm away from hers. "I'm not playing a game, Vic. I'm just letting you know what you're missing."

Eddie stood up suddenly, his chair scraping back, eyes wide with confusion. "You know what? I'm out of here," he muttered, grabbing his things. "I don't need this."

Maya didn't even look at him.

She was too busy watching Vic.

When Eddie left, the silence between Maya and Vic was thick.

Finally, Maya stood, her gaze meeting Vic's coldly. "You still think you have the upper hand?"

Vic didn't answer. His expression was unreadable, the storm brewing in his eyes.

"Because, baby," Maya purred, stepping closer, "you don't."