Bets, Beds and Treads || 18+

𝒊.

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪ
| ʜ ᴜ ɴ ᴛ |
𝐑 𝐄 𝐈 𝐍 𝐀

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗟 rang through Schola Stellae as I strode forward, the sharp click of my heels echoed against the polished floor, slicing through the noise. Heads turned instinctively, some bold enough to cast admiring glances, while the smarter ones kept their eyes averted. I didn't need to shout to command attention; my presence alone did the trick. That's how I was raised to be.

Queen Bee, they called me and though, I prefer man-eater, I still wore that title like a fucking crown.

"I can't believe Sia got shut down," Marissa's voice cut through my thoughts as she slipped up beside me. Her sharp green eyes glinted with dangerous amusement.

"By Reign Mf Augustus. She's slipping," she added, laughing. "Honestly, She shoulda seen that coming. I mean, the guy always looks like he can't wait to go back home as soon as he steps into the school."

I felt a smirk tug at my lips as I recall the iconic moment that I would cherish for the rest of my life.

Reign had rejected Sia-Sia, the diva bitch of our social hierarchy. My nemesis. Seeing her flabbergasted was so satisfying, I could actually kiss Reign's feet right now. But what really irked me was the way he hadn't even looked twice. As much as I hate to admit it, Sia D'Souza is actually pretty attractive.

She had strutted her stuff, flaunted her curves, and tossed her hair in that exaggerated way that always caught the attention of every guy in the room. But Reign hadn't even blinked. He'd shot her down with a casual indifference that sent shockwaves through the crowd.

"Poetic Justice. It was about time someone put her in her place but Oh my god, I would have never imagined it to be Reign Augustus," Bianca chimed in, a cigarette tucked behind her ear, her long, dark braids swaying with every step. Bianca always had that rebellion attitude, but she was a fierce ally, and I trusted her instincts. "He didn't even look up. Now that's cool."

"Exactly," Marissa added, leaning in closer. "I mean, did you see her last attempt to flirt with him? It was embarrassing. He didn't even flinch."

"Honestly, good for him," Bianca said, taking a drag from her cigarette. "He's way too good for her. I mean, what's she going to do next? Throw another tantrum because she got turned down? It's sad, really."

Marissa laughed, a wicked gleam in her eye. "No, we already know she's going to go on some pathetic campaign to try to win him over again."

"That makes me think. You know I wouldn't mind watching you take him down a notch. Would drive her insane." Bianca raised her brow at me.

I turned really fast and scoffed, "What? No. Please, he's a loner. And he prolly thinks he's too good for this school. You know how I hate guys like that. Besides, I don't need to waste my time on virgin dicks. It's already hard with the experienced ones. They don't satisfy shit."

It was true. I didn't like him one bit and he probably hates me too. The feeling's mutual. And as much as I hate to admit it, I know Reign better than I'd like.

No one knows this but we've known each other since junior year, always locked in a silent battle over grades. Without ever uttering a word to each other, we were rivals-competing in a game that had no formal rules.

But we stayed far, far from each other because we were two worlds apart. I did everything to seize the spotlight-though I hardly had to work for it-while he did everything to blend into the shadows.

"Good thing that I am not into dicks then." She takes a puff of her cig.

Marissa rolled her eyes, her lips curling into a sly smile. "That's exactly why it's so delicious, Reina. He's unapproachable. I can already picture the fallout. Imagine the chaos, imagine Sia's face when she realizes you've snagged her biggest rejection? Priceless."