Cursed By Fate

The favor

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Chapter Title: The Favor

As Aria entered her room, her heart raced at the sight of Ryker leaning against the wall, a casual smirk on his face. She froze in the doorway, her thoughts spiraling back to their earlier encounter, the heat of his touch still lingering on her skin.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, trying to sound annoyed but failing to mask the flutter of excitement in her chest.

“I came to check on you,” he replied, his tone teasing as he stepped closer, his intense gaze locking onto hers. “What happened out there?”

She took a breath, deciding to play along with the tension that hung in the air. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe I just made a little deal with you,” she said, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

“A deal?” he echoed, raising an eyebrow. “And what kind of deal would that be?”

With a daring glint in her eye, Aria stepped forward, leaning in as if to kiss him. She could see the surprise flicker in his gaze, but before their lips could meet, she swiftly pushed the door shut and locked him out.

“Really, Aria?” Ryker’s laughter rang out from the other side, amusement woven through his voice. “You think locking me out will stop me?”

“Maybe not,” she called back, a grin spreading across her face. “But it’ll give me a moment to breathe!”

She leaned against the door, reveling in the thrill of the moment. The playful banter between them felt electric, a game that neither of them wanted to end.

“Let me in!” he insisted, his voice now tinged with mock urgency.

“Why should I?” she challenged, thoroughly enjoying herself.

“Because I’m the prince,” he replied, sounding both indignant and amused. “And you owe me a favor.”

Aria laughed, the sound echoing off the walls. “A favor, huh? Well, maybe I’ll just take my time collecting on that.”

“Is that how you want to play this?” His voice dropped, sounding more serious now, and she could almost picture the way his eyes would be narrowed, a playful yet determined look etched across his face. “You might just regret it.”

“Regret? I doubt it.” She pressed her ear against the door, imagining his smirk lingering just beyond it. “You’ve always kept me on my toes, Ryker.”

“Just remember,” he said, a hint of warmth creeping into his voice, “I always get what I want.”

“And what is it that you want?” she shot back, fully aware of the answer she was baiting him with.

“I want you,” he stated simply, the sincerity of his words sending a jolt of warmth through her.

Aria’s breath hitched. The intensity of his admission hung in the air, thick and undeniable.

“You’ll have to try harder, then,” she teased, forcing herself to maintain her composure, despite the butterflies in her stomach.

“Challenge accepted,” he replied, determination lacing his tone, leaving no doubt about his intentions.

Aria leaned against the door, laughter bubbling inside her as excitement coursed through her veins. This game was only just beginning, and she was more than ready to see where it would lead.

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