Chapter 26: The Edge of a Knife

Ariana's grip tightened around her drink.

Leila stood there, still as a predator, gaze locked onto her like a silent challenge.

What exactly are you trying to prove, Ariana?

The words still hung in the air, charged, heavy.

Ariana forced a smirk. "I didn't know I needed to prove anything."

Leila tilted her head, amusement flickering in her dark eyes. "Really?"

She stepped closer.

Ariana refused to back away.

The tension was suffocating.

Leila's voice dropped to something dangerously soft. "Then why do you look like you lost a bet?"

Ariana clenched her jaw. She hated how well Leila could read her.

She took a slow sip of her drink, stalling.

Leila watched. Waited.

Ariana exhaled. "You walked away first."

Leila's lips twitched. "Did that bother you?"

Ariana scoffed. "You wish."

Leila leaned in, voice like silk. "I don't have to wish."

Ariana's pulse spiked.

She hated this.

Hated how one look from Leila made her entire world shift.

Hated how she suddenly felt like she was losing control.

Leila studied her face. "You think you're playing me."

Ariana tensed.

Leila smiled—slow, knowing.

Then she leaned in even closer, breath warm against Ariana's ear.

"Sweetheart, you were mine the moment you started trying to win."

Ariana inhaled sharply.

Her mind screamed at her to say something. Anything.

But she couldn't.

Because deep down—she knew Leila was right.