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𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐃 𝐁𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐆𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐄, each round growing more outrageous. Truths had been spilled, dares had been executed, and the group was in high spirits. I wasn't paying much attention, though. My mind kept drifting—toward him. Toward Rafe.
He sat across the circle, his long legs stretched out lazily, one arm draped over the back of the couch as if he owned the world. The damn black hoodie he wore only made his sharp features more prominent, his blue eyes scanning the room with an air of boredom, though I knew better. Rafe thrived in moments like these.
Adriana was laughing beside me, completely at ease as someone dared Lucas to chug three shots of vodka in a row. I tried to join in, but my gaze kept flickering toward Rafe. He hadn't looked my way once since the game started, and it irritated me more than it should.
Then came her dare.
The girl—tall, blonde, and clearly smitten—leaned forward, her voice sugary sweet as she said, "Rafe, I dare you to come upstairs with me for five minutes."
The group erupted into cheers and laughter, some people whooping as if this was the most scandalous dare of the night. My stomach twisted as I glanced at Rafe, hoping he'd roll his eyes and brush her off.
But no.
He smirked, that slow, infuriating smirk, and said, "Sure."
The cheers grew louder, and the girl practically beamed as she stood up, waiting for him to follow. He moved leisurely, standing and stretching as if he had all the time in the world. And then he started walking toward the stairs, the girl trailing closely behind.
I hated the way my chest tightened as I watched them ascend the staircase.
Why did I care? I shouldn't care. It was just Rafe being Rafe—arrogant, manipulative, and infuriatingly charming. If some girl wanted to throw herself at him, why should I give a damn?
Still, anger bubbled up inside me, hot and relentless. Was I jealous?
No, I told myself. That couldn't be it.
I pulled out my phone, scrolling through meaningless notifications just to have something to focus on. My jaw clenched as I pretended the game didn't exist anymore, the laughter and dares fading into background noise.
"Catalina, it's your turn," someone called.
"I'm not in the mood," I replied curtly, not even bothering to look up.
Adriana glanced at me but didn't say anything, too caught up in the game to press further. She was having fun, and I wasn't gonna ruin her mood.
