The game of us

Sam

Adrian looks completely lost. “Wait, was this a… game?”

“Don’t worry about it, Adrian,” Theo says, flashing him an easy grin. 'This was a game where you were the perfect audience, my friend.”

I can’t believe I just did that. Samantha White. I actually said it.

It feels like the whole world’s spinning a little faster now, like I’ve just given away a piece of myself I wasn’t ready to share. And it was him. Theo. Of all people.

I can’t help but feel a sense of disbelief mixed with... something else. A weird, almost uncomfortable admiration. He outsmarted me—really outsmarted me. The way he’d manipulated the conversation so smoothly, the way he always knew exactly what to say, how to lead me where he wanted. It was like watching a master at work, and it... it impressed me in ways I didn’t want to admit.

I didn’t even realize I was caught in his web until it was too late. His words wrapped around me like threads I couldn’t escape from. And now... now, I’m sitting here, knowing he’s got something over me. He’s got my full name. And it’s not just my name—it’s a piece of me.

Although I can't deny the fact that I wanted to hear my name from his mouth, his deep, manly voice and I'm guilty as charged.

My heart is still racing, and I can’t help but feel a little lighter, a little more exposed. What was supposed to be a harmless challenge has turned into something else entirely. I shouldn’t feel like this. I shouldn’t be impressed. But somehow, I am.

I find myself sneaking glances at him, my chest tightening every time I catch him grinning like he just won some great victory. Because he did. He won, and I didn’t see it coming. I feel a tiny flicker of something I can’t quite place—a mix of frustration and, damn it, admiration for Theo.

I’m not supposed to be feeling this way. Not with him. This is dangerous.

I’ve always been good at keeping my distance, at keeping control. But the way he makes me feel... it’s like I’ve lost my grip just a little.

It’s stupid. It’s reckless. I shouldn’t be allowing myself to be impressed. I shouldn’t even be attracted to him.

But, hell, it’s hard to deny it. The more I sit here, watching him, feeling the weight of what just happened, the more I realize that I’m falling for him.

A little. Maybe more than I’d like.

And that thought? That thought is terrifying. Because if I let myself feel any more, I might just lose myself in him entirely.

"Hey, look Sam. I'm not sure if this guy's the right choice for you...." pointing at Theo comically, making my blood boil.

"...and your mom knows best. She chose me for a reason."

"Look, Adrian. I'll be very honest with you. I'm not interested and do not force this issue on me. You and my mom can go on discuss as much as you guys want, keep me out of it. And his name is Theo!" I snap back with glaring eyes and a growing discomfort in my heart. Why am I feeling angry more at the disrespect being thrown at Theo instead of him trying to force the marriage?

"You heard the woman." Theo gives a stern look at him. I know if this conversation lasts longer, he won't handle the disrespect well.

"Well, I don't know what games you are playing with her, I'll let you know that I'm staying in the hotel right next to your dorm. So, Sam, I'm coordially inviting you over there to stay with me. With your mother's approval of course. You can call and ask her about this." Adrian smirks and scans my chest once again with his not so subtle gaze. What the actual fuck is he talking about?