I narrowed my eyes.

"No."

The word came out firm. Steady. Defiant.

"I'm not a traitor."

For the first time, his expression faltered just slightly, but he recovered quickly.

"So you have morals... interesting."

He lifted my chin again, forcing me to look directly into his eyes.

"It's admirable, really. But think it through. This deal could be beneficial to both of us."

"Not interested," I said coldly. "You can call your council members if you want. I won't resist."

I raised my hands in mock surrender.

Isaiah laughed, amused.

"You're a stubborn one."

His eyes raked over me, taking in my stance, my defiance.

"And... attractive," he added, almost to himself. "Most people are too afraid to stand up to me. But you... you're different."

I shrugged.

"The life of a spy isn't easy. It's a game of chance-fifty percent luck, fifty percent doom. Looks like I landed on doom."

He let out a low chuckle, clearly enjoying this.

"You really are something else." His hand moved from my chin to rest gently on my shoulder. He leaned closer again, voice dropping. "And I find that determination... quite irresistible."

His cologne-warm, spicy, with a sweet undertone-wrapped around me like a second skin.

"You're more interesting than the average Cresswell student," he murmured.

"I have to say, there's something about you.. something that's making me want to drop the games. Just for a moment."

His voice had softened, losing the sharp edge it had before. He was still standing close to me, his hand still gently cupping my face.

"Maybe it's that defiance in your eyes, or the way I can't seem to get you out of my head. Something about you is just... intoxicating.”

“When exactly will you drop your nonsense?” At this point, I am getting kinda annoyed.

He chuckled, the sound low and amused.

"Nonsense, huh? You're quite the pessimist, aren't you Kitty?"

He shifted his position, his body leaning even closer to me now. His hand moved from my face to gently rest on my shoulder. 

"Here's the thing, Kitty," he murmured, his voice soft and yet filled with intensity. "I've never been one to back down from a challenge. And you, my dear, are one hell of a challenge.”

He let his hand slide down my arm until his fingers wrapped around my wrist.

"Fine. You won't betray your university. But... maybe you'll consider a smaller favor."

I narrowed my eyes, instantly suspicious.

"What now?"

"Don't look at me like that." He smiled innocently. "Just a tiny favor, and in exchange... I won't tell anyone about your little mission."

His fingers tightened slightly around my wrist as he pulled me closer-so close our bodies nearly touched.

"All you have to do... is keep me entertained for the night."

I blinked.

"Excuse me?"

He smirked, clearly enjoying my confusion.

"You heard me. I want your company for the rest of the evening. No spying. No running away. Just... a little fun."

Then, without warning, he released my wrist and placed his hand around my waist, pulling me against him.

My eyes widened.

"Do I look like that kind of girl to you?! How perverted can you be?"

Isaiah let out a laugh, light and teasing.

"Relax. I'm not asking for anything indecent. Just your presence. Some conversation. Maybe even... a dance."

He began to sway slowly, guiding me with confident hands.

I frowned.

"Now what's this?"

He looked amused.

"It's called dancing, you know. When two people move together to music."

I huffed.

"I know what dancing is. But if you wanted to dance, why not go to the prom? Why drag me into it here in the Council Office?"

"Because," he said smoothly, "the prom is boring. This... this is much more interesting."

His hands guided me in a gentle rhythm, pulling me into a slow, quiet waltz amid the dimly lit hallway.

"You're unbelievable," I muttered. "Who in their right mind dances with a spy from a rival university in the student council room?"

Isaiah grinned.

"And yet, you're still here."

Before I could retort, he spun me-fast enough to steal my breath-then caught me again with firm hands.

"This is more fun, don't you think? And besides..." He pulled me close, his voice low against my ear. "You're the only girl who ever refused me so boldly. I can't help but see you as a challenge."

His breath tickled my skin, sending a shiver down my spine.

"A very fun challenge."

I scoffed.

"Your definition of fun is questionable. You definitely have a few screws loose."

Isaiah laughed again, tightening his hold around my waist.

"Maybe. But this little dance? I can tell you're not entirely hating it."

He spun me once more, our bodies even closer than before. His voice was barely a whisper now.

"And I have a confession to make…I’ve always had a thing for rebellious girls," he continued, his voice low and playful.

"Every time you talk back at me, with that feisty glint in your eyes and that sharp tongue of yours, I find myself wanting you even more. It's like your defiance is a drug, and I'm completely addicted to it.”

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You made it to the end of Chapter 1(Part 2)-yay!

What did you think? Spicy enough? Suspicious enough?

Drop your thoughts, scream in the comments, or just say hi. I'd love to hear from you!

-Your slightly chaotic author

Also...also...

Question of the day:

Which line of Isaiah's made you scream internally the most? (Answer honestly)

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