The next morning, Maya approached Ridgewood International with a mix of dread and anticipation. After yesterday, she could not stop thinking about Liam and the way he had leaned in so close. Her stomach still fluttered when she remembered his words.
English class felt impossibly long. Maya tried to focus on the teacher, on the chalkboard, on anything other than Liam's presence in the room. He had already claimed the seat behind her, and she could feel the weight of his gaze every time she turned slightly.
When the teacher announced they would be doing partner work, Maya froze. She knew the odds were stacked against her.
"Pair up," the teacher said.
Liam Kingston's name was the first on her mind, and she swore her heart stopped when he slid his chair to sit beside her.
"You picked the wrong seat," she whispered, trying to sound casual.
He smirked, tapping his pen against the desk. "No, I picked the right one. You do not seem like the type to make mistakes."
Maya blinked. "I make mistakes all the time."
He leaned closer, just enough for her to notice his cologne again, and said quietly, "Not when it matters."
Her cheeks warmed, and she glanced away, pretending to focus on the worksheet in front of her.
Throughout the lesson, he whispered comments, teasing her gently, testing her patience and composure. Every glance felt deliberate, calculated to get a reaction. When Maya laughed quietly at one of his jokes, she caught Vanessa glaring from across the room, her arms crossed and jaw tight.
Maya tried to ignore Vanessa, but the tension in the room made her uneasy. She realized that she was caught in something much bigger than she had expected. Liam's attention made her feel seen in a way that was thrilling and terrifying all at once.
As the class ended, Liam leaned over her shoulder and whispered, "Meet me at the library after school. I have something to show you."
Before she could respond, he was gone, leaving her heart pounding and her mind racing.
Maya could hear Vanessa muttering behind her as she packed her things. She knew the battle lines had already been drawn.
Walking out of the classroom, Maya realized one thing clearly: her life at Ridgewood International was no longer just about surviving. It was about navigating dangerous attraction, hidden agendas, and a boy who made her question everything she thought she knew about herself.
And Liam Kingston had made it clear that he was not going anywhere.