A shift in fate | Mattheo Riddle

Thirteen

"But you like it."

Draco paused for a second too long. Then, with a smirk, he clinked his glass against mine. "Maybe I do."

I grinned, but his words caught me off guard. I quickly looked away, not wanting him to see the flicker of surprise in my expression. In that moment, something clicked—a reminder of why I had scripted Draco in the first place. I had always found him attractive, always felt that pull toward him. Maybe, just maybe, I should give him an actual chance.

Draco leaned in slightly, his voice lower now. "You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd think you were trying to prove a point tonight."

I turned back to him, raising a brow. "And what point would that be?"

He smirked, swirling his drink in his hand. "That Riddle's an idiot."

I blinked, caught off guard again. "Excuse me?"

Draco chuckled, taking a slow sip before continuing. "Come on, Vienna. You think I don't notice things? You've been attached to Mattheo for years, and yet tonight, suddenly, you're all over me." He tilted his head. "Did he piss you off that badly?"

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Please, Malfoy. The world doesn't revolve around Mattheo fucking Riddle."

"Maybe not," he said, watching me closely. "But your world? It kinda does."

Something about the way he said it made my stomach twist. I hated that he wasn't wrong. But I refused to let that show. Instead, I took a step closer, smirking up at him.

"Believe what you want," I said, tilting my head. "But if I were trying to make a point, wouldn't you rather enjoy being a part of it?"

Draco exhaled a laugh, shaking his head. "You really are dangerous, aren't you?"

I grinned, clinking my glass against his. "Only if you can't handle it."

"Trust me, Moonvale," he murmured, his gaze darkening just slightly. "I can handle anything."

I felt a spark between us—real or not, I wasn't sure. But before I could dwell on it, a sharp voice cut through the air behind me.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me."

I didn't even have to turn around to know who it was.

Mattheo.

I smirked before turning around, already bracing myself for whatever tantrum Mattheo was about to throw.

He stood a few feet away, drink in hand, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might snap. His dark eyes burned into mine, flickering to Draco for a brief second before locking back onto me.

"Something wrong, Riddle?" I asked sweetly, tilting my head.

He let out a humorless laugh, shaking his head as he stepped closer. "Nah, not at all. Just enjoying the fucking show."

Draco scoffed beside me. "Relax, mate. We're just having a drink."

"Yeah?" Mattheo shot back, his voice sharp. "Funny, doesn't look like just a drink."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, for fuck's sake, Mattheo."

His gaze snapped back to me, something unreadable flashing across his face. "Tell me, V," he murmured, voice lower now. "Do you actually want him, or is this just some pathetic little game you're playing?"

I lifted my chin. "And what if I do?"

His nostrils flared slightly, but he let out a sharp chuckle. "Then that's fucking hilarious." He took another step closer, lowering his head just slightly. "Because we both know you don't actually want him."