Jace Donovan was many things.

Arrogant. Ruthless. Feared.

But off his game? Never.

At least, not until her.

Everleigh Carter was a problem.

She was everywhere. In the hallways. In his thoughts. In his dreams.

And worse? She was toying with him.

Jace wasn’t stupid—he knew a game when he saw one. And Everleigh was playing dirty.

Like now, for example.

He had been minding his own business at practice, trying to focus on basketball, when he caught sight of her sitting in the bleachers.

Watching him.

Worse? She wasn’t alone.

She was laughing—laughing—with Nathan Cole.

Jace’s grip on the ball tightened.

Nathan Cole was a junior. Star soccer player. Too charming for his own good.

And currently sitting way too damn close to Everleigh.

Jace didn’t like that.

At all.

Not that he cared, of course.

Except that he did.

More than he wanted to admit.

"Yo, Donovan!" His teammate, Ryder, clapped him on the back. "You good? You’ve been off today."

Jace forced his shoulders to relax, masking the irritation building inside him. "I’m fine."

Ryder followed his gaze and let out a low whistle. "Ah. I see. Carter."

Jace scowled. "Shut up."

"Relax, man," Ryder smirked. "Looks like she’s just having fun."

Jace hated that word.

Because Everleigh was having fun.

At his expense.

And she knew it.

The way she smirked when she caught his glare?

Yeah. She knew exactly what she was doing.

Jace exhaled sharply. Fine.

If Everleigh Carter wanted to play?

Then it was time for Jace Donovan to play back.

Later That Day – Everleigh’s POV

Everleigh was pleased.

Phase two of her plan was going perfectly.

Flirting with Nathan? Check.
Making sure Jace saw it? Double check.
Watching him unravel? Priceless.

But her victory was short-lived.

Because as she walked through the hallway after school, she suddenly found herself cornered.

By him.

Jace leaned against the row of lockers, blocking her path. His gaze was dark, intense, and completely unreadable.

Everleigh raised a brow. "Can I help you?"

His lips twitched, but it wasn’t a smile. "You think you’re cute, don’t you?"

She shrugged. "I mean, I’ve been told."

His jaw clenched. "What’s your game, Carter?"

Everleigh tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Game? I have no idea what you’re talking about."

Jace let out a low chuckle—but there was no humor in it. He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"You wanna mess with me?" he murmured. "Fine. But don’t forget who you’re dealing with."

His words sent a shiver down her spine.

Not because she was scared.

But because for the first time—Jace wasn’t just reacting.

He was fighting back.

And maybe, just maybe… she had pushed him too far.