I get home, locking my bedroom door behind me. I strip out of my shorts and tank top. I grab an oversized tee and slip it on. I make my way to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. I lay in bed, wondering what the hell tonight was all about. I'm just a game to him, according to Brie. I don't need him; I have never had to depend on anyone to get what I want. I think about him; his skin is flawless, his eyes light up, and I melt. I fight back, but I'm going to start to give in if this continues. I've never let a man control my emotions, but I feel like a child when he smiles. I turn over and close my eyes. This is just an infatuation. That's all this is, nothing more. Clay doesn't date; my subconscious warns.

⁂

When Monday arrives, I get ready for class. I notice something as I examine myself in the mirror because I genuinely think I noticed blue flames flicker in my eyes.

You're just seeing things, Ray; it's all in your head.

I wait for my class to begin while sitting on the stairs at the university. I notice him with Sloane when I look up, and I immediately recognize that what he was saying was untrue. Thank the Lord, I controlled my feelings and refrained from telling him how I felt. As he moves by me, his eyes catch mine. I hold his gaze for a moment before looking away, trying to hide the hurt and anger I feel.

I head to class and find myself in my own world, thinking of Clay. I knew he was playing games; after all, that is what he is known for, but so am I. I think of all the ways this could play out, and one of us will get hurt.

⁂

After class, I met with Brie, and we headed to the bistro for lunch. "Logan should be here soon," she tells me. We sit there and talk, waiting for him when he comes in with Clay by his side.

"Hey girls," Logan says, walking up to our table. "Hey!" We both say. I don't acknowledge Clay one bit. Most of the time, I found myself in my own world. Thinking of life, in every scenario I see myself in, I find Clay right there. Once in a while, I would jump into the conversation just to make it seem interesting.

Lunch is over, and I'm relieved to be leaving. I hadn't realised where the time had gone; my mind had wandered to the cocky boy sitting next to me. I grab my bags and walk out without saying a word.

"What was that?" Logan asks Brie.

"I don't know," she replies.

⁂

I walk onto campus when I hear my name. I turn to see that Clay has followed me. "Umm. Would you like to hang out after school?" He runs his hand through his hair.

"Now tell me, do I look like the kind of girl that would go home with you?" I say, "Because we both know you only want one thing, but you have your little lap dog for that, so what do you want from me?"

He has no answer. "Listen, Clay, give me one reason; justify a reason for us to hang out." He looks at me, lost for words. "That's what I thought." So I walk away. As I said, he's good, but I'm better.

⁂

That night, Brie comes into my room and asks me what is happening between Clay and me. I tell her nothing is going on, but she doesn't believe me. I cave and finally explain that there is this feeling in me that I can't explain, and it makes me mad when I see another girl all over him. But I won't let my emotions show otherwise. I tell her that I tried to stop playing around, but I can't seem to. I honestly can't do without what he does to me.

I think I'm way into deep with my mistake.

She tells me that if I feel this way, I should make him work for it. If Clay has changed and wants to be with me, he will do just that. "Just talk to him." She tells me.

"Hell no, I'm Raven. Did you forget that? I'm the girl who creates the perfect storms. Plus, we already said we would keep it casual."

"Can you do that? In my opinion, it sounds like you're falling for the one who likes games just like you."

"I can do it. I just need to find someone else to keep my mind occupied." I smile, and she shakes her head, knowing my games will hurt the next poor boy. But ensure that Clay stays in his place as the pawn in this chess game between us.

A knock at the door stops our conversation. Brie gets up and goes to see who it is. I quietly follow, hoping she doesn't hear me. Logan and Clay are both here. I walk back into my room and slowly close the door slightly.

A knot forms in my stomach as I sit on my bed. When he's around, I start to feel uneasy. Despite the fact that I act like a complete bitch and don't give a damn, I think I'm beginning to like him.

Knock knock

My heart races. "Come in!" I shout, lying on my bed, working on assignments.

"Hey." I look up to see Clay.

"Hi," I respond. His eyes lock onto mine, and my heart starts to race. Why does he make me feel like this? Why do I always get a flutter deep in my core when he is around? None of this makes sense to me, none of this should be happening, but yet I welcome it.

Clay walks over to my bed and sits down next to me. I can feel the warmth radiating off of him, and I can't help but lean in a little closer. "What are you working on?" he asks, looking over my shoulder at my laptop screen. I try to focus on my work, but it's hard when he's so close to me. "Just some English assignments," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper. Clay nods, and I can see a small smile playing on his lips. "You know, you're really cute when you're concentrating."

I slam my laptop close and look up at him. "What do you want?"