Chapter 16

                                    

                                          
Callista Miller

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The next morning, school felt better than ever. Sitting in class, I looked out at the parking lot, still feeling the lingering sensation of Ares' lips on mine and his touch on my skin. I blushed at the memory, unable to believe that it had happened – that he had confessed his feelings for me. It felt like a dream come true, and I was floating in happiness. The school day passed by in a blur, my mind filled with thoughts of Ares.
When chemistry class came around, my heart skipped a beat, hoping to see Ares walk in. However, he wasn't there, and I tried to reassure myself that he might be busy with something else. I smiled, still basking in the afterglow of his confession.
But then, my smile faltered as I saw Isaac walking towards me, taking the seat next to mine. The memories of last night rushed back, and I felt the distaste and anger resurface. He had lied to me and tried to use me against Ares. Sighing, Isaac said, "Hey."
I chose to ignore him at first, the anger building up inside me as I remembered his actions from the night before. He must have sensed my hostility because he spoke again, "I'm sorry for last night, Calli." He watched me cautiously, as if expecting me to lash out at any moment. "Please know that I never intended to hurt you."
His words only fueled my anger, and I couldn't hold back anymore. "Oh, you hurt me, Isaac! You knew how much I love Ares, yet you wanted to use me," I snapped.
Isaac looked away, and I could see sadness written all over his face. "You wouldn't understand how the mafia works, Calli," he said. "Nobody thinks before using and hurting others."
I glared at him, my frustration mounting. "Ares never lied to me, unlike you. He never asked me to understand him or his mafia. You're just unbelievable!"
Isaac met my glare with his unwavering gaze, and it sent shivers down my spine. He said, "Then I'm afraid you don't know who he truly is."
Before I could question him further, the classroom door swung open with a bang, revealing Cameron, Avery, Noah, Carter, and Ares standing at the entrance. My heart leaped at the sight of him, and a smile burst onto my face. Ares had arrived, and I couldn't be happier.
The delinquent boys took seats at the back of the classroom, and Ares made his way towards me. As he approached, he gave Isaac a meaningful glare, and I could feel the tension between them. Ares spoke firmly, "Move."
Isaac didn't move. He smirked at Ares and shifted even more in the seat, as if daring Ares to do something about it. The air crackled with tension, and I felt a mix of fear and concern washing over me. The two boys looked extremely intimidating, each holding their ground firmly.
Ares's electric blue orbs narrowed, cold and calculating, while Isaac's eyes held a stubborn defiance, challenging Ares to make him move. It seemed like any moment now, things could escalate into a full-blown confrontation.
Ares's voice was low and firm as he repeated, "Leave."
Isaac leaned in towards me, a mischievous grin on his face. "This seat belongs to me," he stated, trying to assert his dominance.
Ares's gaze turned darker, and he stood unmoving and rigid. "Don't make me move you," Ares warned, his voice now carrying an edge of warning.
Isaac sat up straighter, but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. He smiled sweetly at me, which only added to my unease. I felt my heart sinking at the unfolding drama, wishing for a way to defuse the situation without making matters worse.
Isaac's confidence wavered slightly, but he held onto his bravado. "I dare you," he shot back at Ares, his voice betraying the adrenaline coursing through his veins.