The party was in full swing, but a certain tension seemed to settle around you, Mattheo, and Pansy. You could feel her eyes on him, even from across the room.

Mattheo stood beside you, his arm casually draped around your waist, a quiet confidence radiating from him. But the moment Pansy stepped into view, a flicker of discomfort passed over him. She was walking toward you both, her gaze fixated on him.

You crossed your arms, trying to keep your calm. “Can you just leave me and my man alone?” you said.

Pansy smiled sweetly, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Your man has been watching me all night,” she purred.

You tilted your head, narrowing your eyes at her. “It’s better if you look somewhere else.”

Mattheo, sensing the tension, stepped in, his voice low but firm. “Or anyone else you’re feeling, Pansy,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

You smirked, not backing down. “Take home whoever walks in.”

But Pansy wasn’t backing off. She stood her ground, eyes never leaving Mattheo. “But my eyes are on him,” she said with a little more force than before.

Mattheo exhaled, clearly tired of the games. “I’m not into you. And I have my girl,” he said, his gaze softening as he looked at you, a protective warmth in his eyes.

Pansy’s smile faltered, but she wasn’t finished. “I know you’re curious, Mattheo,” she teased, as if she could change his mind with a mere suggestion.

You leaned in closer to Mattheo, locking eyes with Pansy. “He doesn’t want you,” you said.

Mattheo’s voice grew even more forceful, the patience he'd been holding onto slipping away. “I’m not telling you again, Pansy,” he said, his jaw clenched, the warning unmistakable.

You looked Pansy in the eye, your tone ice-cold. “Leave.”