Black Widow

When Realization Strikes

"Hey, Liz, we have to tal—what the fuck?"

The girl on Liz's bed was shoved sideways so abruptly that she landed on the floor with a heavy thud.

For one extremely confusing second, I was simply grateful that both of them were fully dressed.

Then the ash-blonde hair registered.

Victoria.

I stared at them.

What the hell was this?

Last time I checked, they were supposed to be mortal enemies.

"Shit," Liz muttered as she pushed herself upright and tucked both sides of her blonde hair behind her ears. "Are you okay?"

Victoria rubbed the side of her head.

"Yeah. I'm fine."

I looked between them, making no attempt to hide the boredom in my voice.

"I see karma finally found its way to you."

Liz widened her eyes at me in warning before getting off the bed and helping Victoria up.

"I'll text you later, okay?"

Victoria nodded.

She made it halfway to the door before stopping beside me. "Hey."

I looked at her.

"I'm sorry about what happened at the game. I panicked."

My eyebrows rose but I didn't say anything.

Apparently that was enough.

Victoria exhaled and left the room.

I waited until the door closed before turning toward Liz. "You've been busy."

"I can explain."

"This should be good."

I walked over and sat on the edge of her bed while she shut the door, dragged the chair from the corner of the room and sat across from me.

"It's not what it looks like."

I leaned back on my elbows. "So you didn't have your tongue down the throat of the girl who stole your work just now?"

Liz tilted her head. "Funny."

"I try."

"I know what I'm doing, Jade."

There was something in her expression that made me straighten slightly.

"I promised her war," Liz said, allowing a slow smile to spread across her face. "I never specified which kind."

My mouth opened.

Then I understood.

"You're playing her."