A shift in fate | Mattheo Riddle

Thirteen

I smirked, glancing across the room where Draco stood, already surrounded by people congratulating him on the match. Then, I turned back to Jane.

"Oh no," I said smoothly. "For once, I'll actually admit it." I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice just enough. "I have a plan for tonight."

Then, I tilted my chin toward Draco.

"Just wait and see."

"I'm not even gonna ask, V. I think I'd rather just sit back and watch this unfold," Khai said with a knowing smirk. "But first, let's get you a drink. Something tells me you're gonna need it."

She turned to grab me one, and when she handed it over, I took a sip, feeling the warmth of the firewhiskey spread through my chest.

"Thanks, Khai. I think you might be right about that," I said, widening my eyes slightly. Then, with a sly grin, I flicked my hair over my shoulder. "Now, if you'll excuse me, ladies, I have a certain someone to make regret every decision he's made earlier today."

The girls exchanged amused glances, barely holding back their grins. Jane raised her glass in silent encouragement, and I flashed them one final smirk before turning on my heel and making my way across the room.

As expected, the boys were gathered in the far corner, drinks in hand, talking amongst themselves. Theo, Lorenzo, Sebastian, Mattheo, Blaise—and, of course, my target for the night—Draco.

Their conversation came to an abrupt stop the second I approached. I could feel their eyes sweep over me, taking in every detail. I didn't have to look to know Mattheo had tensed the moment he noticed me, but it was Draco's reaction I was paying attention to. His gaze flickered down my body, his lips parting slightly before he quickly looked away, pretending like he hadn't just been staring.

Bingo.

"Well, well, well," Lorenzo drawled, his gaze trailing over me with obvious intrigue. "Who the hell are you, and what have you done with Moonvale?" His smirk deepened as he leaned in slightly. "I mean, damn, V, I always knew you were hot, but this?" He let out a low whistle. "This is a whole new level."

I let out a small laugh, tilting my head. "Lorenzo, please. You act like you don't always flirt with me."

He grinned, holding up his hands in mock innocence. "Hey, I know beauty when I see it. But this isn't just hot—it's...dangerous." His eyes flickered with something unreadable. "You look different tonight, darker. Sexy as hell, but like you might actually ruin a man's life if you wanted to."

I arched a brow, smirking. "Maybe I would."

I smirked to myself but quickly masked it, rolling my eyes at Mattheo before turning my attention back to the group.

"So, how does it feel to completely humiliate Gryffindor today?" I asked, keeping my tone light and teasing. I made sure to look at everyone—everyone except Mattheo.

"I'd say it feels just as good as expected," Theo said, stretching his arms behind his head. "Gryffindor never stood a bloody chance."

"Obviously," Draco scoffed, crossing his arms. "I didn't doubt for a second we'd wipe the floor with Potter and his pathetic team."

I hummed, tilting my head. "Well, let's not forget you had me cheering for you," I said, my voice dropping just enough to be playful. "That definitely gave you an advantage."

Draco blinked, caught off guard, his lips parting slightly. "I—uh—" he cleared his throat. "Maybe...maybe that did help, yeah."

I arched a brow. Was Draco Malfoy actually nervous right now?