*Ariana's pov*
"I was still reeling from the shock of finding Blaze in my room. Wait, was I dreaming? How did he even get in? Then it hit me - his window was just a stone's throw away from mine. I brazened it out, smirking at him as I asked, "What exactly do you want, Blaze?
Or is it that you like me?"
I was teasing him, trying to throw him off balance, but he didn't seem to take the bait. Instead, he stood up, his eyes locked on mine, and my heart skipped a beat. He took a step closer, his voice low and husky.
"Maybe I just wanted to see the view from up here." I raised an eyebrow, playing along. "And what's the view like?" He smiled, his eyes raking over me, "It's been getting better by the minute."
I felt a flutter in my chest, but I wasn't about to let him know he was getting under my skin. I tried to regain control, my voice a little shaky as I said, "My mom's downstairs, remember?" He took another step closer, a wicked glare in his eyes.
"I don't care. In fact, I want her to hear how her 'slut daughter' sounds like."
---
My heart raced as I stood there, adrenaline coursing through my veins. "Ariana, why aren't you fighting back? Why are you flirting with him?" I thought, frustration bubbling inside me. Suddenly, he slammed me against the wall—not too hard, but enough to send shivers down my spine.
With a smirk playing on his lips, he leaned in close, his gaze locking onto mine. "You are at my mercy now," he whispered, his voice dripping with seduction. I was momentarily speechless, my mind racing as I struggled to comprehend that he had just invaded de my space, my sanctuary, without permission.
Then, without warning, he leaned in and pressed his lips against my neck. A gasp escaped my mouth, followed by an involuntary moan that I barely recognized as my own. In a panic, I covered my mouth.
---
He leaned in closer, whispering, "Why aren't you pushing me away like last time, hun?" A teasing glint sparkled in his eyes. "So, you like what you see?"
I was still taken aback by the boldness of his words and the audacity of the stunt he pulled. "Cat caught your tongue?" he said with a smirk, clearly enjoying the moment. This time, I didn't respond; I was caught in a whirlwind of emotions.
"Go to the bathroom," he instructed playfully. I complied like an obedient child, heart racing with curiosity and a hint of excitement. After a minute of waiting, I stepped outside, only to find that he had vanished.
As I stood there, confusion washed over me. I glanced at my phone and remembered my mom was waiting for me downstairs. I quickly freshened up, slipped into my pajamas, and made my way down the stairs.
When I reached the living room, I saw my mom engrossed in her phone, her fingers dancing across the screen. She looked up and smiled warmly at me. "What took you so long in the bath?" she asked, her voice light and teasing.
I hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to share the strange encounter with her or keep it a secret. A playful smile crept onto my lips as I replied, "Oh, just a little fashion show!"
---
Ariana and her mom sat at the dinner table, laughing and chatting over leftover pasta.
"You know," her mom began, wiping her mouth, "Aunt Sia is truly a miracle worker."
Ariana raised a brow. "What did she do this time?"
"She got me a contract," her mom said, eyes lighting up. "A full-time legal consultant role for a firm in Sydney. Flexible hours, great pay — and I can work both remotely and on-site."
Ari grinned. "Mom! That's amazing!"
"I know," her mom chuckled. "It means stability. A fresh start. Real independence. No more leaning on anyone, especially not your so-called father."
They both laughed and clinked their glasses in celebration.
After more excited chatter and teasing, they finally called it a night.
***
Back in her room, Ari tossed herself on the bed. Her mom's news made her genuinely happy… but her mind couldn't stay in one place.
*Blaze Hunter.*
His eyes. His grip. His words.
His effect.
She huffed, running her fingers through her hair. "Why the hell does he get to me like this?"
Every time he touched her, even if it was filled with anger or tension, her thoughts turned to mush. Her body froze, and her sass evaporated.
It pissed her off.
Back in her room, the quiet settled in — and Blaze Hunter's face came crashing into her mind again.
The bathroom. His hands. His mouth.
His words.
She scoffed, sitting on her bed. *This guy's got some nerve.* And what frustrated her even more was the way her body refused to act like her mind wanted. She hadn't pushed him away. Not hard enough.
"I need to fix this," she muttered, staring at her reflection in the mirror. "He thinks I'm weak. That I'm just some girl his mom dragged into his life."
She leaned forward, a slow smirk forming on her lips.
*"Let's play, Blaze. But on my terms this time."*
Game on.
---
*Meanwhile…*
Across the street, Blaze Hunter sat in his dimly lit room, back against the headboard, eyes locked on the ceiling fan spinning above him.
His jaw clenched.
*That girl.*
That *Ariana Belle.*
She strutted into his life with zero warning and even less respect — and somehow turned everything upside down. The way she acted like she owned the place, like she didn't care what anyone thought.
And today?
He scoffed.
She caught him at a bad moment, but it wasn't *her* that had him turned on — at least, that's what he told himself. It was just… adrenaline. That's it.
Still, the way she looked at him like he was nothing — like he didn't scare her — it grated on him.
"She thinks she can play me," he muttered under his breath, a dark smirk spreading across his face. "Cute."
But she had no idea who she was dealing with.
"If she thinks she's gonna waltz into my school, my house, my world, and act untouchable?" He sat up, eyes dark with intent. "Then I'll make her life a living hell."
He wasn't going to fall for her.
No matter how good she looked in that skirt.
No matter how soft her skin felt when he pinned her.
This was *war* now — and Blaze always played dirty.