Megan approached Marcus with the practiced ease of someone who knew how to command a room—or at least thought she did. Her heels clicked softly against the polished library floor as she stopped beside his table.
"Marcus," she purred, leaning against it, her saccharine smile firmly in place.
Marcus didn’t look up, his pencil still moving across the page, a thick textbook open in front of him. "Busy."
Undeterred, Megan tilted her head, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "You must be tired of playing second string to Brent. Why not come to the winning side?"
Marcus snorted softly, still not bothering to glance up. "You’re not as clever as you think, princess. Find someone else to annoy."
"You know, a guy like you deserves someone who knows how to have fun." Her hand slowly brushed along his arm.
Marcus caught her wrist mid-motion, his grip firm but not rough. “Megan, stop these sick games you’re playing.” His eyes finally lifted to meet hers, his dark gaze steady and unamused. Touch me again, and I’ll show you exactly how much fun I can have. Spoiler: it won’t be the kind you’re looking for."
He released her wrist and stood, gathering his books in one smooth motion. Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Megan standing there, her expression a mix of shock and barely restrained fury.
***
From behind a nearby bookshelf, Betty had watched the entire exchange, her stomach twisting with a mix of emotions she couldn’t quite name. Relief that Marcus had shut Megan down so decisively. Amusement at his sharp tongue. And something warmer, something unexpected, at the calm confidence he’d exuded the entire time.
She ducked behind her own book as Marcus walked past, hoping he wouldn’t notice her.
Later that evening, they sat together in Betty’s usual study spot, the glow of the desk lamp casting a warm halo over her open laptop. She was doing her best to focus on her notes, but her mind kept drifting back to the scene in the library.
"What?" Marcus flipped a page and Betty blinked, realizing she’d been staring. "Nothing." She quickly looked away, her cheeks flushing.
"Jealous?" He smirked, leaning closer.
"What? No!"
"Don’t worry, I’ve got better taste."
Betty rolled her eyes. "You’re impossible."
"And you’re predictable.".
Betty quickly looked down at her notes, but she couldn’t help the faint smile spreading through her face.