Chapter 34: The Dance of Deception

Ariana let Ryan pull her onto the dance floor.

Laughter and music swirled around them, but her mind was still caught in that look.

Leila's smirk. The unshaken confidence.

Ariana clenched her jaw. No. She wasn't losing this game.

Ryan's hands settled at her waist as they moved to the rhythm.

"You seem distracted," he murmured.

Ariana flashed a teasing smile. "And here I thought you liked a challenge."

Ryan chuckled, spinning her around. "I do. But tonight, you feel… elsewhere."

Ariana tipped her head back, letting the flashing lights blur her thoughts.

"Maybe I just needed a distraction."

Ryan's grip tightened slightly. "Then let me be one."

He pulled her closer. Too close.

Ariana felt his breath ghost against her ear.

This should have worked.

Ryan was charming. Safe. A perfect distraction.

But when her eyes flickered across the room, she saw her.

Leila stood near the bar, watching.

Not jealous.

Not angry.

Just waiting.

Ariana's stomach twisted.

Ryan leaned in. "What if I kissed you right now?"

Ariana's lips parted slightly.

Leila raised an eyebrow.

A silent dare.

Ariana turned back to Ryan.

Smiled.

And closed the distance.

But as her lips met his, all she could think about was how wrong it felt.

And how, even in that moment—

She was still playing by Leila's rules.