The music thumped through the air like a heartbeat. You walked in, flanked by Pansy and Daphne. Across the room, Mattheo leaned casually against the bar. Theodore leaned closer to Mattheo. "She does have guts coming here after your little threat."

Mattheo straightened slightly. "What? Where?"

On the dance floor with Pansy, you moved with purpos. You knew he was watching, and you wanted him to.

“She’s got moves, don’t you think?” Mattheo muttered to Theo.

Theodore smirked. “Definitely.”

As the song ended, you and Pansy approached the bar, joining the boys with playful banter.

"I have to go now," Mattheo said suddenly. His eyes flickered toward you as his lips curved into a mocking smile. "Getting some girls on me, you know..."

Before you could react, Mattheo turned, pulling Astoria close. He leaned in and kissed her. Over her shoulder, he raised his middle finger in your direction, the gesture a wordless challenge.

Later that evening, Theodore had invited you to his dorm, but your attention drifted as soon as you saw Mattheo's side of the room. A pile of parchment lay on his desk, scrawled with notes and letters. Your heart raced as you pieced it together—Mattheo was working for his father.

“What are you doing here?” His voice cut through the silence. “If you dare to open your mouth,” he said, “you will meet the real Mattheo.”

You swallowed hard, his words hanging in the air like a storm cloud. He didn’t wait for a response, slamming the door behind you as you left.

Later that night, you found yourself back outside his dorm. You knocked on the door, and when it opened, Mattheo’s expression shifted from surprise to exasperation.

“What the h3ll do you want?” he asked.

You hesitated. “Everyone just annoys me, and I just needed a distraction. So, please, just let me do this.”

He frowned. “What do you mean? I don’t understand—”

You didn’t let him finish. Grabbing the front of his shirt, you pulled him closer, pressing your lips to his in a kiss that was as desperate as it was impulsive.