Chapter 13: A Dangerous Pull

Ariana didn't leave.

She told herself she would. She even started the engine. But her hands wouldn't move the gear shift.

Her eyes stayed on the café window, watching as Leila sat back down across from Ethan.

Laughing. Smiling.

And it infuriated her.

Not because Leila was happy.

But because she wasn't happy with her.

Ariana clenched her jaw, gripping the steering wheel. What the hell is wrong with me?

She didn't want Leila.

Did she?

She groaned, leaning her forehead against the wheel. This was not supposed to happen.

But it was.

And she had no idea how to stop it.

—

The next morning, Ariana arrived on campus earlier than usual, hoping to clear her head.

It didn't work.

Especially when she found Leila already there—with Ethan.

He leaned casually against his car, arms crossed, smirking as Leila said something that made him chuckle.

Something inside Ariana snapped.

Before she could stop herself, she walked straight toward them.

Leila saw her first. A small smirk tugged at her lips. As if she had been expecting this.

Ethan raised a brow. "Miss Montgomery. To what do we owe the pleasure?"

Ariana ignored him, focusing on Leila. "Can I talk to you?"

Leila's smirk didn't fade. "About?"

Ariana's patience was wearing thin. "Just—alone."

Leila tilted her head, then glanced at Ethan. "I'll catch up with you later."

Ethan chuckled. "Of course. I wouldn't dare interrupt whatever this is."

Ariana barely resisted the urge to glare at him as he walked away.

Once he was gone, Leila crossed her arms. "Well?"

Ariana exhaled sharply. "What are you doing with him?"

Leila raised a brow. "Having breakfast. Why?"

Ariana's hands curled into fists. "You know why."

Leila took a step closer. "Do I?"

Ariana's breath caught.

Leila studied her, a knowing glint in her eyes. "I think you're jealous."

Ariana stiffened. "I am not—"

Leila's fingers brushed against Ariana's wrist. Soft. Deliberate.

Ariana's pulse spiked.

Leila smirked. "Then why do you keep chasing me?"

Ariana took a step back, heart pounding.

She didn't have an answer.

And Leila knew it.