Games Of Hearts

29. A Dangerous Game of Cat and Mouse

As soon as Joshua's car disappeared around the corner, Jamie seized my arm and whisked me away from the curb. Joshua's gaze lingered on us for a moment, but he didn't intervene, his expression indifferent.

"What's going on?" I hissed at Jamie, my eyes narrowing in annoyance. But then, like a flash of lightning, last night's events came flooding back - the whispered secrets, the giggles, and the unspoken understanding between us. Jamie's eyes sparkled with mischief as she clapped her hands together, her face alight with excitement.

"It was amazing!" she squealed, bouncing up and down like a rubber ball. I forced a smile, sensing the inappropriateness of her enthusiasm, but reluctant to burst her bubble. For now, I'd play along, but the weight of our secrets hung precariously in the balance.

Joshua stood at a distance, far enough that our arrival together on campus went unnoticed. I listened intently as Jamie shared her experiences, my gaze drifting back to Joshua, who was engrossed in his phone.

Leaning against the car deck, I had suggested he drive instead of bike, citing the chilly morning air. Just then, a familiar, grating voice cut through the air. "Hey Joshua!!!" Olivia approached him, but he didn't flinch, his eyes fixed on his screen, effectively ignoring her.

His indifference was palpable, a clear sign that he wasn't interested in acknowledging her presence.

"This bitch!!" Jamie muttered under her breath, her words dripping with venom. My eyes widened in shock, darting to her in disbelief. "What happened?" I asked, my voice low and concerned.

"Ahh, nothing," she replied, nonchalantly scratching her forehead, her gaze fixed on the scene unfolding before us. Olivia had wrapped herself around Joshua's arm, a saccharine smile plastered on her face.

A surge of jealousy coursed through me, propelling me forward. I quickened my pace, my heart racing with possessiveness. Since we were tucked away in a corner, Olivia remained oblivious to our approach. "Heyy! Joshua, thanks for waiting for me," I said, my voice sugary sweet, as I slipped my hands into his and walked alongside him, leading him into the campus.

I turned back to glance at Jamie, but Joshua's gentle touch interrupted my gaze. He cupped my chin, his fingers warm and guiding, and turned my face forward, his eyes locking onto mine with a soft, knowing glint. The subtle gesture was possessive yet tender, a silent message that he had my attention, and I shouldn't look back.

Jamie's POV:

I flashed a sweet smile at Olivia, playing with my curly strands as I said, "Hey Olivia!" Her gaze was fixed on Joshua and Eva walking towards the college, her eyes blazing with anger.

She turned to me, her expression faltering for a moment before she forced a fake smile. "Hey," she replied, her tone strained.

I couldn't hold back my words any longer. "You know, you should never interrupt people's relationships. Better stay away from Joshua and Eva," I said, my voice firm and assertive, my anger finally boiling over after simmering for so long. I felt a sense of satisfaction seeing Olivia's face fall, her eyes narrowing in annoyance.

Olivia's eyes blazed with defiance as she snapped, "You don't tell me what to do." I stood my ground, crossing my arms and meeting her gaze head-on, my feet shoulder-width apart. "Well, I can tell you. I give you a challenge," I said, my voice firm and confident, my words dripping with a sense of daring.

Olivia's eyes narrowed, her arms crossing over her chest, her pink highlights cascading down her elbow like a fiery waterfall. Her smirk was a thin-lipped, venomous smile, spreading across her face like a challenge. "Oh, you're going to challenge me?" she sneered, her voice low and menacing. "I challenge you that I'll knowingly make you cry so bad that you'll never forget it. I'll break you, Jamie. I'll make you beg for mercy. Your countdown has already started."