Eye for an Eye

~Rhea

The next morning, Rhea still wasn’t home.

I checked her room, empty. Her power bike was gone from the garage. She hadn’t texted, hadn’t called.

I stared at my phone for a second, thumb hovering over her name, then decided against it. If she wanted to disappear and sulk after last night, that was her problem. I wasn’t going to chase her like a desperate puppy.

Besides… I had other plans.

I took my time getting ready. I combed my curly hair until it looked effortlessly messy in the way girls liked, then picked out a fitted black button down that hugged my chest and arms, paired with dark jeans and clean sneakers.

I wanted to look good today. Really good. Because today I was dressing for Seraphima Ashford.

When I got to campus, I spotted her immediately near the main courtyard. She was leaning against a pillar, scrolling on her phone, looking like she owned the entire school in a cream colored blouse and a short navy skirt that showed off her long legs.

The moment she saw me, she straightened up and gave me that cool, slightly superior smile.

“Kai Lennox,” she said, voice smooth and amused. “You clean up nicer than I expected.”

I grinned, walking straight up to her. “Only the best for you, Seraphima. Trent said you're looking for someone to take you for a tour of the school library, right? Can I?”

She raised one perfect eyebrow, clearly enjoying the fact that I remembered. “Who am I to say no to a personal escort from the campus playboy?”

I offered her my arm like a gentleman. “Lead the way, princess. I know every quiet corner in that library.”

She didn’t take my arm, but she did start walking beside me, her heels clicking confidently on the pavement. As we headed toward the library building, she glanced sideways at me.

“So tell me, Kai… do you give this personal tour to every new girl who catches your eye, or am I special?”

I leaned a little closer as we walked, lowering my voice just for her.

“You’re definitely special. Most girls don’t have that I could ruin your life with one look energy. It’s… refreshing.”

She let out a soft, arrogant little laugh. “Flattery already? You move fast, I like your lies.”

We stepped into the grand library, high ceilings, rows of dark wooden shelves, soft lighting, and the faint smell of old books. It was mostly empty this time of day, which was perfect.

I guided her through the aisles, pointing out the rare book section, the private study rooms, and the quiet mezzanine level that overlooked the main floor.

“See that corner over there?” I murmured, nodding toward a secluded spot between two tall shelves. “Best place to disappear when you don’t want anyone finding you. Very private.”

Seraphima stopped, turning to face me. She was close enough that I could smell her expensive perfume, something floral and expensive.

“And why exactly would I need a private corner with you, Kai?” she asked, tilting her head, that arrogant little smile playing on her lips again. “Are you planning to show me more than just books?”

I stepped even closer, backing her gently against one of the shelves, my voice dropping low.

“I’m planning to show you whatever you want. Books… conversation… or something a lot more interesting. Your choice, Seraphima. But I have a feeling you like being chased.”

She didn’t move away. Instead, she looked up at me through her lashes, lips curving into a teasing, superior smile.

“You’re very confident for someone who got shot down yesterday. But fine… give me your best shot. Impress me. Maybe I’ll let you take me somewhere more private than this dusty old library.”

My pulse kicked up. The game was on, and Seraphima Ashford was proving to be exactly the kind of challenge I loved.

We moved deeper into the quiet mezzanine level of the library, where tall shelves created perfect little hidden alcoves.

Seraphina walked ahead of me, hips swaying just enough to make the short navy skirt ride up slightly with every step. I followed close, eyes glued to the way her blonde hair brushed her shoulders.

I showed her the rare book section, then guided her to another one of the most secluded corners, a small reading nook with a single leather chair and shelves on three sides, completely hidden from the main floor.

“This is the best spot,” I murmured, stepping in behind her. “No one ever comes back here. Perfect for… private conversations.”

She turned to face me, one eyebrow raised in that arrogant way that made my blood run hot. “Private conversations? Is that what you call it when you bring girls here?”

I smiled, moving closer until she was backed against the shelf. “Only the special ones.”

Before she could reply, I leaned in, one hand bracing on the shelf beside her head, the other lightly brushing her waist. I tilted my head like I was going for a kiss, my lips hovering just inches from hers.

She let me get close, close enough to feel her breath then slap.

Her palm cracked hard across my cheek, the sound sharp in the quiet space. My head snapped to the side from the force.

I blinked, stunned for half a second, cheek stinging.

Her blue eyes were ice cold, her voice dripping with disdain.

“I’m not one of the sluts that chase you around, Kai Lennox,” she said sharply, pushing me back with both hands. “You think flashing your daddy’s money and a pretty smile is enough to get between my legs on day two? Pathetic.”

She straightened her blouse, grabbed her bag, and stepped around me without another glance. “I suggest you learn some manners before you try that again.”

With that, she walked out of the alcove, heels clicking confidently as she disappeared down the stairs toward the main exit.

I stood there for a moment, rubbing my stinging cheek, then let out a low, genuine laugh.

“Damn.” That slap actually hurt, but it only made me smile wider.

Most girls would have melted or played along. Seraphima Ashford had just slapped me in the face and walked away like I was nothing.

I liked her even more now.

I adjusted my shirt, still grinning as I headed out of the library. My cheek was probably red, but I didn’t care.

This wasn’t over, not by a long shot.

As I stepped outside into the sunlight, my phone buzzed. I pulled it out and saw a new message from Rhea.

Rhea: Still alive, or did you finally get yourself killed doing something stupid?

I chuckled and typed back quickly.

Kai: Alive and well. Just got slapped by the prettiest girl on campus. Jealous yet?

I hit send, already imagining Rhea’s furious reaction when I got home later.

I was heading to the parking lot after the last class when I spotted Seraphima Ashford walking toward the main gate.

She looked just as untouchable as earlier, blonde hair swaying, short navy skirt fluttering slightly in the breeze, designer bag slung over her shoulder.

I jogged to catch up, falling into step beside her with an easy grin.

“Heading home already?” I asked.

She glanced at me sideways, that arrogant little smile playing on her lips again. “Obviously.”

We walked in silence for a moment. Then, without even looking at me properly, she said it like it was the most natural command in the world, “Oh I forgot, my car had fault in the morning, carry me home.”

No please. No question mark. Just a flat order, like I was her personal chauffeur.

I almost laughed. The audacity was impressive.

But instead of arguing, I shrugged and pulled out my keys. “Sure. Why not?”

I led her to my sleek black sports car, opened the passenger door for her like a gentleman, and waited until she slid in.

She didn’t thank me. She just crossed her legs and looked straight ahead, as if this was exactly what she expected.

I got in the driver’s seat and started the engine. The powerful purr filled the air as we pulled out of the campus lot.

The drive was quiet at first. Seraphima stared out the window, acting like I wasn’t even there. I kept stealing glances at her the way her skirt rode up her thighs, the elegant line of her neck, that proud tilt of her chin.

Halfway to her place, on a quiet stretch of road lined with trees, I decided it was time.

I pretended to check the dashboard, frowning dramatically. “Shit… looks like I’m out of gas.”

Seraphima turned her head sharply. “What?”

I pulled over to the side of the road and killed the engine. “Yeah, the gauge just dropped. Must be a leak or something. I need to check under the hood real quick.”

She rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. “Fine. Hurry up.”

I got out, walked around to her side, and opened the door for her like a perfect gentleman.

“Mind stepping out for a second? The hood’s heavy and I don’t want to risk hitting you.”

She sighed irritably but unfolded her long legs and stepped out onto the grass, arms crossed.

The second her feet touched the ground, I slammed the passenger door shut, jumped back into the driver’s seat, and locked all the doors with a loud click.

Seraphima’s eyes widened in shock.

I rolled down the window just enough to flash her a bright, wicked grin.

“This is for the slap earlier, princess,” I called out cheerfully. “Have a nice walk home!”

Before she could scream or lunge at the car, I hit the gas.

The engine roared to life and I sped off down the road, leaving her standing on the side of the street in her short skirt and heels, mouth open in pure disbelief.

In my rearview mirror, I saw her stamp her foot and pull out her phone, probably already cursing my name.

I laughed out loud the entire way back to the estate, cheek still faintly stinging from her slap.

She had just been played.

And I was already looking forward to whatever revenge she’d try next.