The Edge of the Game

Adrian was no fool.

He had played this game too many times to let his guard down, especially not around someone like Evelyn. Yet, there was something about her—something that made him feel the need to keep her in his orbit, to watch her every move as though he were waiting for her to slip up.

But Evelyn didn’t slip up.

She made it look too easy, like she was always one step ahead, even when she seemed distracted by the chaos of the night. Adrian couldn't stop watching her, watching how she held her own in a room full of people who would crush anyone weaker than her. There was no fear in her eyes, no hesitation. She was unbothered, and that made him want to know her even more.

“I told you she was trouble,” Damien muttered from beside him, watching Evelyn across the room.

Adrian didn’t take his eyes off her. “She’s not trouble,” he replied. “She’s different.”

Damien raised an eyebrow, the faintest smirk pulling at his lips. “I’ll believe that when I see it.”

Adrian didn’t respond. He couldn’t. The more he watched her, the more he realized just how much of a challenge she really was. She was unpredictable, and he hated that. Every move she made was a carefully calculated one, and she knew how to hide her emotions. She wasn’t like anyone he’d ever met before.

Adrian’s jaw clenched as Evelyn laughed with Moreau. The sound was light, carefree, as though they were friends. But Adrian knew it was just a mask, another game she was playing.

Still, it gnawed at him.

She was too close to Moreau, and that bothered him more than it should have.

His eyes narrowed. He couldn’t stand the way Moreau looked at her, as if she were just another conquest. He couldn’t stand the way she responded, so effortlessly, so unbothered. That wasn't how this was supposed to go.

It was supposed to be him. He was supposed to be the one she gave her attention to. But no. She kept playing the game, making him chase her.

Finally, after what felt like hours, Adrian couldn’t take it anymore. He pushed himself up from the table and made his way toward her. He moved through the crowd like he owned the room, his confidence practically radiating off him. When he reached her, he didn’t waste time with pleasantries.

“Evelyn,” he said, his voice low, commanding. Her name was a question, a challenge.

She turned, her eyes meeting his with that same unreadable expression. “Adrian.”

She didn’t flinch, didn’t back away. She stood her ground, and for a brief moment, Adrian was impressed.

“You’re avoiding me,” he said, his tone light but sharp.

She raised an eyebrow, a slow smile spreading across her face. “Am I?”

“Yes.” His voice dropped lower, the tension building. “And you’re making it harder than it needs to be.”

Evelyn didn’t look away. “I don’t make things easy for anyone.”

“I see that,” Adrian replied. His gaze was intense, challenging. “But maybe it’s time you did.”

The game between them was no longer just a game. It was something else now—something more dangerous. And neither of them was willing to back down.

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Author’s Note

“You think you have the upper hand, but so does she.” Adrian thought he had it all figured out, but Evelyn’s not one to be underestimated. What will happen when their games collide? Only time will tell.

Spicy Noodles (Serving stories hotter than your worst mistakes.)

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