12| cupid

D I A N E

As we started playing, I could feel Yulia's eyes on me, burning with hatred.

I tried to ignore her and focus on the game, but it was hard. Every time I made a mistake, I could feel her smug satisfaction. And every time I made a good shot, I could feel her seething jealousy.

The tension between us was palpable, and I knew it was only a matter of time before something exploded.

As the game went on, the tension in the air became almost unbearable. Every point felt like a battle, and I could feel myself getting more and more frustrated.

Suddenly, my eyes caught a familiar figure in the corner of my eye. I turned to look, and my heart skipped a beat. It was Isaak, looking hot and sweaty like he'd just come from a workout.

He was wearing a grey tank top, drenched with sweat, and a pair of black sweatpants. The sight of him took me by surprise, and I was at a loss for words. I watched as he wiped the sweat off his forehead and looked around the court, his eyes finally settling on me and Yulia.

Yulia rushed over to Isaak, greeting him with a kiss on the cheek. I stifled a sigh, trying not to roll my eyes. Claudia caught my expression and gave me a knowing look. "It's a long story," Yulia said, a sheepish smile on her face. She turned to me and said, "Say hello to Isaak."

I turned to him, forcing a smile onto my face. "Mr Rivera," I said, trying to keep my tone light. "It's nice to see you again."

He looked at me coolly, his expression unreadable. "Please, let go of the formality,"

Then Yulia said, "Honey, let her be." Isaak's eyes flashed with irritation as he turned to her. "Stay out of this, Yulia," he said, his tone cold. "This is between me and her."

I could see Yulia's face fall, hurt flashing in her eyes. It was like he had said all that to me.

"That's no way to talk to your wife," I said, my voice low and even.  Isaak's eyes narrowed, his expression turning stormy.

"You don't know anything about our relationship, so don't try to insert yourself into it," he said, his tone harsh and cutting. "Don't start something you can't finish."

I bristled at his words, feeling anger rising within me.

Was he seriously telling me that?

"It won't end well,"

So I challenged him. "Do your best,"

Isaak's footsteps echoed in the empty hallway, his approach slow and measured. He stopped in front of me, so close that I could feel the heat radiating from his body. He leaned in, his breath minty and warm against my cheek.

"Don't challenge me, cupid," he whispered, his voice low and seductive. I felt my heart race at what he was doing. One thing I liked about Isaak was how he didn't care about who was watching him, he did everything he did, shamelessly. "Is that a challenge?" I asked, my voice breathy.

He didn't answer, just smiled that same devilish grin. My body flushed with heat as my eyes never left his. Finally, he broke the silence. "Let's see what you're made of, cupid," he said, his voice low and seductive. "Ready?"

I nodded, unable to speak. I knew I was playing with fire, but I couldn't stop myself. I was drawn to him like a moth to a flame. He was dangerous but irresistible and I hated that.

The sound of the name, cupid, on his lips brought back a flood of memories. Memories of simpler times, when we were young and carefree. We would write letters to each other, filled with silly nicknames and inside jokes. It was a time when everything felt possible when the future was a blank canvas waiting to be painted.

But that was a long time ago.

"I could end your engagement right here, right now," I murmured, my eyes fixed on his lips. "I could kiss you, and you'd forget all about her. But that would be too easy." I said the words without thinking, caught up in the moment.

He didn't say anything, but I could feel his gaze on me, intense and questioning. I held my breath, waiting for his reaction.

The silence stretched on for what felt like an eternity. Finally, he broke the silence. "Are you sure you want to play that game?" he asked, his voice a low purr. "You might not like how it ends."

I knew he was right, but I was too far in to back out now. I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. "I'm sure,"

He looked at me, his expression unreadable. "Then let's play," he said, his voice low. "But remember, you started this."

I felt a rush of heat as he inched closer. "I'm not your toy to play with," I said, as much as I wanted to get lost in the moment, I couldn't ignore the warning behind the kiss.

I looked over at Yulia, who was watching us with a mix of hurt and anger on her face. I felt a rush of guilt so I hurried away, my mind racing and my heart pounding in my chest. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was about to make a terrible mistake.

But at the same time, I couldn't deny the undeniable pull I felt towards him. It was like a force of gravity, drawing me in despite my better judgment. I turned the corner, my breath coming in short, panicked gasps. And then I stopped, my heart nearly stopping with it.

He was standing there, waiting for me. I knew then that I had reached the point of no return.

And that's when I woke up, gasping for breath.