Chapter 3
SCARLETT
MY HANDS CURL INTO fists, and I have to force myself to breathe slowly. Gabriel’s a total asshole who wanted into my pants right away, and I can’t believe Carla saw something in him. Pretending to be sweet was disgusting, but it’s what I need to do, because I’m certain Gabriel will target me now.
The next morning, I wake up with my jaw sore from clenching it all night. I couldn’t stop replaying the party in my head and stop seeing Gabriel’s smug grin and the way he looked at me as if I was something he could have whenever he wanted.
But that’s exactly what I need him to think.
I grab my phone and check his social media. He posted a story an hour ago with a photo of the rink and some caption about early morning practice. I know his schedule by heart, but seeing it confirmed makes everything feel more real.
I pull on my jeans and a sweater, which is casual and approachable enough, and head out. There’s a coffee shop near the rink that I scoped out, and I make my way there slowly, taking the long route past the campus landmarks where Gabriel might see me.
The coffee shop is busy but not crowded.
I order a latte and a sandwich, then find a bench outside where I can sit and watch the flow of students.
My phone is open on my lap, tracking Gabriel’s teammates’ social media.
Cory just posted from the gym. Taj is still at the rink.
Gabriel hasn’t posted anything new, but I know he’s around.
I take a bite of my sandwich and pretend to be absorbed in my phone, but my eyes keep scanning the area while I wait.
A few minutes later, I spot Gabriel. He’s strolling across the quad with another guy, both of them in Northstone Hockey hoodies.
His hair is messier than usual, probably from a shower after practice, and he’s laughing at something the other guy is saying.
He seems so relaxed, as if the whole damn world belongs to him.
My stomach clenches, but I keep my expression neutral and focus on my phone.
“Hey.”
I look up and find Gabriel standing in front of me, with a charming grin plastered on his face. The other guy is hanging back a few steps and watching.
“Oh, hi,” I say, keeping my tone light and a little confused.
“I didn’t expect to run into you again so soon,” Gabriel says, and there’s something in his voice that suggests he thinks this is fate, luck, or whatever bullshit he’s telling himself.
I tilt my head and give him a polite smile. “I’m sorry, have we met?”
His grin falters for just a second, and I see the flash of annoyance in his eyes before he covers it. “Last night. At Taj’s party. I’m Gabriel.”
“Oh, right.” I snap my fingers as if I’ve just remembered. “Sorry, I met a lot of people last night.”
The annoyance is still there, simmering under the surface, but he keeps his voice smooth and charming. “No worries. I’m hard to forget, though.”
I smile again, sweet and innocent. “I’m sure.”
He shifts from foot to foot, and I can tell he’s not used to this. Girls don’t forget Gabriel Santelli or treat him like he’s just another face in the crowd. Watching him try to hide how much it bothers him is almost satisfying.
The guy behind him steps forward. “I’m Cory,” he says, extending his hand. “I don’t think we’ve met.”
I shake his hand. “Scarlett.”
“Nice to meet you. Are you a student here?”
“Yeah, I just started.”
Cory opens his mouth to say something else, but Gabriel shoots him a look. It’s quick and just a flick of his eyes and a tightening of his jaw, but the message is clear.
Back off. She’s mine.
Cory immediately pulls back, his smile faltering. “Cool. Well, welcome to Northstone.”
“Thanks,” I say, keeping my voice friendly.
Gabriel turns back to me, his grin back in place. “So, what are you up to today?”
“Just grabbing some food and exploring the campus.”
“You should come to a game sometime. We’ve got one this weekend.”
“Maybe.”
He nods, but I can see the frustration in his eyes. He’s not getting the reaction he wants, and it’s driving him insane.
“Well, see you around,” he says, and there’s an edge in his voice now.
“See you!” I watch as he and Cory walk away.
As soon as they’re out of sight, I let out a breath. Being that close to him and pretending to be sweet and oblivious makes my skin crawl.
But it’s working. He’s annoyed, which means he’s interested. The way he shut Cory down without even saying a word proves that Gabriel thinks he owns everything and everyone around him.
He’s a self-absorbed asshole who controls his friends and expects the world to revolve around him. I still can’t believe Carla fell into his trap.
I pick up my phone and scroll through social media while I finish my sandwich. A post from the Northstone Hockey account catches my eye. They’re looking for a team photographer.
Looking for a student photographer to cover games and practices. Experience preferred but not required. Apply via the athletics department.
I stare at the post for a long moment, my mind racing. This is perfect. If I’m the team photographer, I’ll have access to everything. Practices, games, and the locker room area. I’ll be around Gabriel constantly, and he won’t be able to avoid me.
And if I play my cards right, he’ll probably pull strings to make sure I get the job. He’ll think it’s his idea and that he’s orchestrating this to get closer to me, but in reality, it’ll be all me.
I immediately start drafting an email to the athletics department.
I keep it professional but enthusiastic, mentioning my interest in sports photography and my desire to get involved on campus.
I attach a few photos that I took in high school, including the one that won a state competition.
It’s good enough to show that I know what I’m doing. Besides, I love taking photos.
Before I send the email, I go to my social media profile and make a post. I upload a photo of the coffee shop with the caption saying: Excited to apply for the team photographer position! Fingers crossed! Along with some emojis.
I hit post and stare at the screen. I don’t have many followers yet, just a few students I’ve connected with yesterday. But I know Gabriel will see it. He’s probably already stalking my profile and trying to figure me out.
And when he does, he’ll think he’s reeling me in and getting me exactly where he wants me. He’ll make sure I get the job because he wants me close.
But what he doesn’t know is that I’ll always be the one in control.
I head back to my dorm. So far, everything’s going according to plan. Gabriel is interested, I’m getting closer to him, and he has no idea what’s coming.
Carla’s face flashes in my mind, and there’s an ache in my chest. But this time, it’s mixed with determination and resolve.
I’m going to make Gabriel pay.