The Gangster Princess

Chapter 8

Chapter 8: The Devil’s Game

Aisha Fancy Lee

The air shifted the moment I stepped inside the classroom. There was a certain tension that clung to my skin like smoke, and I didn’t need to look back to know that Jake’s glare was already aimed at me. As usual. I could almost feel the heat of his stare boring into my skull like I’d just committed a crime. But what crime? Simply existing?

And there he was—Reid Go. Leaning back in his seat like the devil he is, that maddening smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. His eyes sparkled with amusement, and I swear, if I had a knife right now, I’d throw it straight at his face. The nerve. Nakakainis siya sobra. Ang sarap sapakin.

Why am I even here? Why am I still playing this twisted game? We made a deal, sure—but at what cost? If promises are meant to be broken, why does the burden of ours still rest so heavily on my shoulders? Every second beside him felt like a punishment. But the worst part? I couldn’t escape.

With a sigh, I slumped into the seat next to him. Of course. Fate had to be cruel enough to pair us in class.

“Class, may gusto ba kayong i-request para magawan natin ng paraan?” our professor asked. Perfect timing. I felt the opportunity to change things for myself.

Without thinking, I raised my hand. This was my moment.

“Yes, Ms. Lee?”

“Sir, I really think the current seating arrangement is too crowded. Four people per desk? It’s chaotic. I suggest we switch to pairs. That way, we can focus better.” I made sure to keep my tone assertive. I wasn’t just doing this for myself—I was trying to escape.

“That’s a good point. Anyone else with suggestions?”

I should’ve known.

Reid’s hand went up slowly. I didn’t even need to hear him speak. I already knew what game he was about to play.

“Yes, Mr. Go?” the professor asked.

“Then let’s implement the new seating now,” he said, voice casual, smooth.

The professor nodded. “Okay then, who would you like to sit beside, Mr. Go?”

Reid turned to me with a glint in his eyes that made my stomach churn. That smirk again.

“Ms. Lee,” he said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

I should’ve seen that coming. Bakit ba ako nag-expect ng iba? The professor moved our seats, and now, here we were, sitting at the back of the room, away from everyone else.

I hated it. I would’ve preferred sitting next to Dylan—hell, anyone but Reid. But nope, I was stuck with him.

And damn, did he look proud of himself.

That ever-infuriating smirk on his face, like he just won a game I didn’t even know I was playing.

“Tss. Hayop ka talaga, Reid,” I muttered, gripping my bag strap tighter. He was enjoying this—my frustration, my discomfort, the chaos he planted and let grow. The worst part? He wasn’t even trying to hide it.

And I… I was already losing.

How did I even end up here?

☽ a//z ☾

We were in some dingy back room of the underground court. My lip was bleeding, my pride was shattered, and Reid—freaking Reid—was sitting across from me like he just won a video game level.