Chapter 17: A Game of Fire

Ariana didn't break eye contact.

Leila stood there, waiting. Expecting her to back down.

But Ariana wouldn't.

Not this time.

"Go ahead," Ariana said, voice steady. "Kiss him."

Ethan choked on his own breath. "Wait—what?"

Leila blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Then, slowly, a smirk curled at the corner of her lips.

"Ariana," she murmured, stepping closer. "You're giving me permission?"

Ariana's heart pounded, but she didn't let it show. "I'm saying if you really like him, then prove it."

Leila studied her, amusement flickering in her eyes. "And if I don't?"

Ariana's voice was quiet. "Then stop playing games."

Ethan raised a hand. "I feel like I should have a say in this—"

Leila ignored him.

For the first time, something serious flashed across her face.

Like Ariana had just cornered her.

Like she had just figured something out.

Leila's smirk wavered. Just for a second.

And that second was everything.

Ariana felt it—the shift.

The undeniable truth beneath all of Leila's teasing and games.

She didn't want Ethan.

She never did.

She just wanted to see how far she could push Ariana.

And Ariana had just called her bluff.

The air between them felt thick.

Leila exhaled sharply. Then, with an unreadable expression, she turned to Ethan.

"You can take your arm off me now."

Ethan blinked. "Huh?"

Leila sighed. "I said, take your arm off me. We're done here."

Ariana didn't move.

Didn't breathe.

Ethan held up his hands in surrender, stepping back. "Well, damn. That was fun while it lasted."

Leila finally turned back to Ariana, her smirk returning—but different this time.

Softer. Quieter.

Like she had just lost a game she never expected to lose.

Ariana didn't smirk back.

She just held Leila's gaze.

Because she knew now.

She knew.

And so did Leila.

Neither of them said a word.

Because there was nothing left to say.