My Game

Chapter 15

EMILY

Two Hours Earlier

I knocked on Mr. Stewart's office door. "Great, you're both here. Let's go," he said, stepping out with William and locking the door behind him. "Today, you're not having your together time in my office. I'm not risking my space for you two. You'll be using the dance studio." We followed him. Once we arrived, he opened the studio door.

"I've realized you two barely talk during these sessions, which defeats the purpose. So, I've made a list of questions. Ask each other. If there's time left, practice your moves. Oh, and there are cameras. Behave yourselves." He handed William a folded paper and walked off. William groaned, looking at it. "Is he kidding me?" I snatched the paper from him. He has got to be kidding me.

I read over the questions again and again. "Let's get started," he muttered. Fine. The earlier we start, the sooner we finish. "If you died tonight, what would you regret not doing?" he read. I paused. "I guess... I'd regret not travelling the world. Seeing new places." He nodded, surprisingly sincere.

I took the sheet. "What would people say about you at your funeral?" He smirked. "That I was the best person alive." I rolled my eyes. "Cocky much?" "Do you believe in life after death, and why?" he asked next. "Yes, I do. I'm a Christian. We believe in eternal life."

...

One Hour Later

We went back and forth — some questions sparked bickering, others laughter. "Last question for you," I said. "Do you believe in burning bridges with exes?" He thought for a while. His lips turned slightly to the left, a wrinkle formed on his forehead, and he scratched his chin with his index finger. He looked kind of cute like that. "Yes, I would," he finally said. "She'd be my ex for a reason. I don't go back. I wouldn't date someone I couldn't see a future with. And I sure as hell wouldn't cheat either."

I frowned. "Of course you're perfect. No flaws at all. Who said anything about cheating? What if it wasn't intentional?" "Intentional or not, she still did it. There's no going back." "You're really self-righteous, you know that?" I snapped. "I'm not. And you're definitely the kind of girl to cheat." I froze. "Excuse me?" "You know what I mean. You tried to hit on me the first time we met, remember? And now here you are, defending cheaters."

I laughed in disbelief. "You wish. I still feel bad for those drinks. I'm not defending anyone. I'm just saying mistakes happen." He rolled his eyes. "Can we move on?" "Fine," I said coldly. "Is there such a thing as lasting peace?" "Not with someone like you, obviously." He threw the paper to the floor and stood up. "Here I was thinking this was going to work. Then you go and ruin everything."

"I ruin everything? I haven't done anything." "Of course you haven't. Because you never do." I shook my head. "I wonder how your parents even stand you. You must be an unbearable son. You clearly can't take a joke." He turned to me, eyes burning. "What. Did. You. Just. Say?" "I said, 'You must be one unbearable son.'"

Before I could react, I felt my back slam into the mirror. I winced. He grabbed my arm, pinning me to the glass. "Don't. Ever. Talk. About. My. Parents. Ever. Again." His hot breath hit my forehead with each word. His eyes — dark, cold, and terrifying — didn't leave mine. "You can insult me all you want. But don't you dare bring my mum or dad into it."

Just then, the door opened. Ava stepped in. William didn't even see her — still inches from me, still fuming. "William," I whispered in his ear, "I don't think your girlfriend would appreciate how close we are." His face softened instantly, and he let me go. He turned to her. "Ava—" She shook her head and walked out. He made to go after her, but I grabbed his arm.

"Don't ever threaten me again. And don't you dare touch me." He glared at me. I smiled. "Also... you can't leave. We still have an hour. We should practice." "I wish I could get rid of you," he muttered. "Trust me. I know."

...

WILLIAM

After the punishment was over, the first place I went was Ava's room. I knocked several times before she opened the door. "Ava—" Before I could finish, a stinging slap landed on my cheek. "You disgusting pig—" "Nothing happened!" I cut in. "You just walked in at the worst time."

"Why should I believe you?" she snapped. I held her hands and looked into her eyes. They were red and puffy. "You've been crying," I said softly, smiling. She kicked me. I laughed.

"Stop making me laugh. I'm mad at you," she whined. "I'm sorry, okay? Nothing happened. I can't even stand her." She nodded. "Okay. I believe you. Now go." She pushed me away and shut the door. I walked back to my room, grinning.