A shift in fate | Mattheo Riddle

Thirteen

Before I could push it further, a sharp clink echoed through the room. My eyes flicked to Mattheo, just in time to see him set his glass down with more force than necessary, his jaw tight as hell.

Bingo.

I ignored him completely, turning back to Draco. "Well, in that case, I expect a thank you for my support, Malfoy," I teased, crossing my arms.

Draco chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, fine. Thanks for the support, Moonvale."

I grinned, placing a hand on his arm for just a second too long before pulling away. "Everything for you, Malfoy."

The boys chuckled, but Mattheo? He was silent.

When I finally let my eyes flicker to him, his gaze was already on me. Dark. Intense. Borderline lethal.

I could practically feel the storm brewing inside him.

Perfect.

Before he could say a word, I turned back to Draco. "You should come get a drink with me," I said, nudging his arm lightly.

Draco smirked. "You trying to get me drunk, Moonvale?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "I wouldn't dare."

But as I started to walk away, I felt it—the unmistakable heat of Mattheo's stare burning into me like fire. Perfect, seems like my little plan was already working.

Draco fell into step beside me as we weaved through the crowd toward the drinks table. I could still feel Mattheo's gaze searing into my back, but I didn't look back. Instead, I kept my focus entirely on Draco, my expression relaxed, a slow smirk playing on my lips.

"You know, I never pegged you as the kind of guy to get flustered so easily, Malfoy," I teased, reaching for a bottle of firewhiskey. I poured us both a drink, handing him one.

Draco scoffed, accepting the glass. "Flustered? Please. I don't get flustered, Vienna."

I took a slow sip, letting my eyes linger on him over the rim of my glass before swallowing. "Right," I said, dragging out the word. "So that whole moment back there? The way you tripped over your words? That was you being completely composed, then?"

Draco narrowed his eyes at me, but I saw the way the corner of his mouth twitched. "You're full of yourself, you know that?"

I shrugged, stepping a little closer. "Maybe. But I think I have good reason to be."

Draco's gaze flickered to my lips for half a second before he quickly looked away, bringing his drink to his mouth. "You're awfully confident tonight," he mused, tilting his head.

I smirked, leaning a little closer. "Is that a bad thing?"

He hesitated, but then his smirk matched mine. "No," he admitted. "It's...different."

"Different how?" I asked, feigning innocence.

He exhaled a quiet laugh, shaking his head. "Merlin, you're impossible."

I grinned, taking another sip of my drink. "And yet, here you are, still talking to me."

Draco rolled his eyes but chuckled. "Maybe I just enjoy a challenge."

I tilted my head. "So you do think I'm a challenge?"

"Don't twist my words," he shot back, but there was amusement in his tone now. "I just meant—"

"That you find me intriguing?" I interrupted, raising a brow.

He huffed a laugh, shaking his head. "You're insufferable."