chapter 7: Devious plan

Blair's POV

The dining table was a mess of half-empty plates and crumpled napkins, the air still carrying the lingering aroma of garlic and spices. Tianah leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling like the weight of the world was pressing down on her. Kaylor sipped her water, eyeing Tianah with a quiet concern she tried to mask.

I set my fork down and stretched my arms above my head with an exaggerated sigh. "Okay, that was good," I said, feigning casualness. "But you know what we need after this?"

Kaylor raised a brow. "A nap?"

Tianah hummed in agreement, rubbing her temples.

I smirked. "Nope. A massage. I know this place—best in town. Trust me, after everything, we need it."

Tianah blinked, considering it, then shrugged. "Honestly? That sounds amazing."

Kaylor hesitated. "I don't know..."

I rolled my eyes. "Come on, Kaylor. When's the last time you did something relaxing for yourself?

She sighed, clearly reluctant, but Tianah nudged her. "Let's do it. I need something to take my mind off... everything."

That was all it took.

"Fine," Kaylor muttered, standing up. "But if they mess up my back, you're paying for my chiropractor."

I grinned, pulling out my phone as we cleared the table.

Shortly after, we all slid into my car, the doors shutting with soft thuds. The leather seats felt cool against my skin as I settled in, glancing at Tianah in the backseat. She leaned her head against the window, exhaling slowly, while Kaylor adjusted her seatbelt beside her , her fingers drumming lightly on her lap.

Joel, my driver, started the engine, the low hum filling the quiet space.

"So," Kaylor drawled as I pulled out of the driveway. "This place… you go there often?"

I smirked. "Let's just say I'm a regular."

She narrowed her eyes but didn't press further.

Tianah sighed from the backseat. "I just hope it actually helps. I feel like my body has forgotten how to relax."

I met her gaze through the mirror, my lips curving slightly. Oh, trust me, Tianah. You'll relax.

I suggested the massage center to Kaylor and Tianah like it was an innocent idea—just a simple way to relieve stress. But deep down, I had other plans.

Ryder was my friend, but more than that, he was my escape. We'd known each other since freshman year, and by the time he opened this massage center in our final year, I was already a regular. Not just because he was good with his hands, but because of the "happy endings" that came after. No strings attached, no emotions—just satisfaction.

And now, I wanted Tianah to experience the same.

She was making the biggest mistake of her life, and if she couldn't see it, then I'd make her see it. Oliver cheated, and yet she was still willing to marry him? That didn't sit right with me. If men could do whatever they wanted, then so could we.

So, I did what any good friend would do—I sent Ryder a text.

Me: I'm bringing a friend. She's tense. Make sure she relaxes in a good way.

Ryder: Got it. Should I turn on the charm?

Me: Full force.

I smirked, locking my phone.

"What's got you smiling like that?" Kaylor asked, arching an eyebrow at me.

"Just texting this guy I met on Tinder," I lied smoothly.

Tianah, sitting beside her, perked up. "Oh? And he's making you smile like that? He must be something special."

"Maybe." Another lie.

The truth? The only man who could make me feel anything was Oliver. And the only reason I had ever dated Jason was because he was Oliver's friend. I had wanted to be close to him, orbiting in his space, waiting for the moment he would finally see me the way I saw him.

But he never did. He chose Tianah.

And if that wasn't bad enough, now I had to live with the fact that Serena had also had a taste of him. That realization left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Oliver was sexy—the kind of man who commanded attention without trying. His lips? To die for. And the way he carried himself, the confidence, the charm… God, I had wanted him for so long.

And yet, here I was, still second place.

Not for long.

If this massage session went as planned, then I'd finally have something to hold over Tianah's head.

She stole Oliver from me.

And now, I was going to take something from her.

I glanced out the window, watching the buildings blur past as we drove. Kaylor was rambling about something—probably trying to rationalize why she was still with that broke boyfriend of hers—but I wasn't listening.

I was too focused on what was about to happen.

I was too focused on the game.

Flashback –

The First Time I Saw Oliver

It was my second year of college, and I had been at a party I had no interest in. The music was too loud, the air smelled like cheap beer and sweat, and I was already plotting my escape—until I saw him.

Oliver.

He was standing by the pool, laughing at something Jason had said, his head thrown back slightly, his strong jawline catching the dim light. He looked untouchable, like something straight out of a movie.

I had felt it instantly—that pull. That need.

I turned to Serena, who was sipping from a red Solo cup beside me. "Who is that?"

She followed my gaze, smirking. "Oliver".

I repeated his name in my head, liking the way it sounded.

"He's hot," I murmured, watching the way he carried himself, so effortless, so in control.

Serena took another sip, tilting her head. "Yeah. Too bad he's not interested in casual things."

I glanced at her. "So, he has a girlfriend?"

"No," she said, laughing. "He just doesn't do flings."

That was fine. I didn't want a fling.

I wanted him.

And I always got what I wanted.

Or so I thought.

Because two months later, he met Tianah.

And everything changed.

Present Day

"Sorry to end your flirtatious chat," Kaylor grumbled, shifting in her seat, "but how much longer until we get there?"

I rolled my eyes. "Relax, we're almost there."

Truth be told, Kaylor annoyed me sometimes. She liked to act like she had our best interests at heart, but I wasn't fooled. She played the good girl role too well, like she was above all of us, like she was better. But I saw through her.

Leah, on the other hand? She was a spoiled little daddy's girl who barely hung out with us. She preferred Oliver's company over anyone else, which made sense—they were twins, after all. Twin bullshit.

But today wasn't about them.

Today was about Tianah.

And today was about me.

I giggled to myself, already imagining Oliver's face when he saw a video of Tianah with another man.

That would be a deal breaker.

The car finally came to a stop, and we stepped out. The second I entered the massage center, the familiar scent of lavender oil filled my nose.

It felt like home.

"Hello, Madam Blair," the receptionist, Joanna, greeted me with a polite smile. "Did you book an appointment?"

I flashed her a grin. "Hi, Joanna. Just tell Ryder my friends and I are here."

She nodded, dialing his office. A moment later, she looked up. "He's expecting you. You can go right in."

I led the way, excitement buzzing through me.

This was going to be fun.

Flashback—

The Night I Slept with Jason,I didn't want Jason.

I never did. But I wanted Oliver.

And Jason was my way in.

I met him at another party—same scene, same loud music, same meaningless conversations. He had been drunk, his arm slung around Oliver's shoulder, laughing about something I didn't care to understand.

And that was the moment I decided.

If I couldn't have Oliver, then I'd take the next best thing.

Jason.

We ended up in his dorm that night, tangled between sheets, his hands on my skin, his lips on my neck. But the whole time, my eyes were closed, and in my head, I wasn't with him.

I was with Oliver.

When Serena had a thing with Jason, I didn't care—not really. But that didn't stop me from throwing a tantrum, making sure Oliver noticed. I wanted him to see, to understand, that when I love someone, I mean it. Not that I actually loved Jason. He was never up to Oliver's standard.

Money? Nowhere close.

Sex appeal? Forget it.

Fame? Nonexistent.

Jason was nothing more than a side piece, a placeholder at best. But the worst part? He actually thought he was the whole damn deal, like he could land any girl he wanted. That was his biggest lie. And if there's one thing I can't stand, it's a man who brags more than he delivers.

So when I caught him with Serena, the relief that washed over me was almost intoxicating. Finally, an excuse to be done with him.

Present Day

As we stepped into Ryder's office, he was already waiting, leaning against his desk with that easy smirk on his face.

"Ladies," he greeted smoothly, his eyes flickering over Tianah before settling on me. "You didn't tell me you were bringing someone this beautiful."

Tianah shifted uncomfortably, but I just smiled.

This was going to work.

I was sure of it.

Because once Ryder had her in his hands, whispering all the right things, touching all the right places… A masseur with the knowledge of a woman's body . He's sensual with his touch, the promise of pleasure at his fingertips

She would break. I know i could trust ryder with that.

And when she did, I would be right there.

Watching.

Waiting.

And holding all the power.