6. Playing the Part

Savannah stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the strap of her simple black dress for the third time. She hated how her hands trembled, hated how her reflection looked more like a girl preparing for her execution than someone playing a role in a harmless game. Tonight wasn’t just about appearances; it was their first big test as a "couple," and the thought of it made her stomach churn.

The annual Autumn Gala at Ridgeway High wasn’t an ordinary high school event—it was ‘the’ event. The gym was transformed into a sparkling ballroom every year, complete with fairy lights strung across the rafters, glittering chandeliers borrowed from God knows where, and rows of round tables draped in deep burgundy cloth. Savannah had planned on skipping it, as she had every year. But now? Now, she was walking straight into the lion’s den with Cassian Black at her side.

A sharp knock at the door snapped her out of her thoughts. Savannah's heart jumped, and she smoothed the nonexistent wrinkles on her dress before opening it.

There he was, leaning casually against the frame like he had all the time in the world. Cassian didn’t wear his usual leather jacket tonight. Instead, he wore a sleek black suit that clung to his broad shoulders perfectly, his crisp white shirt open at the collar, revealing just the faintest hint of a silver chain. His dark hair was artfully messy, and his piercing blue eyes scanned her up and down, lingering just a little too long.

“You clean up well,” he said, his voice low, a slight smirk tugging at his lips.

Savannah felt heat crawl up her neck. “Thanks,” she muttered, stepping back to grab her small clutch. She felt his eyes on her, and when she turned, Cassian was still watching her like she was a puzzle he hadn’t quite figured out yet.

“You nervous?” he asked, his tone casual but laced with something else—concern, maybe?

“No,” she lied, but her voice betrayed her.

Cassian chuckled softly, stepping closer until the scent of his cologne—something dark and woodsy—filled the air between them. “Relax, Rivers. It’s just a party. Smile, act like you’re crazy about me, and we’ll have everyone fooled in no time.”

“Right,” Savannah said, more to herself than to him. She couldn’t tell if his confidence was comforting or infuriating. Maybe a bit of both.

The moment they stepped into the gym, all heads turned. Conversations faltered, whispers spread like wildfire, and Savannah could feel the weight of a hundred stares pressing down on her. The lights cast a golden glow over the room, but it wasn’t enough to melt the icy tension creeping up her spine.

Cassian, however, seemed completely unfazed. His hand rested lightly on the small of her back as he guided her through the crowd, his touch a steadying anchor. “Eyes up,” he murmured in her ear, his breath warm against her skin. “If you look like you’re hiding, they’ll eat you alive.”

Savannah forced herself to lift her chin, her gaze scanning the sea of faces. Derek was there, of course, standing by the punch table with his arm draped possessively around some blonde junior. His eyes locked on hers, and the smug, cruel smile that spread across his face made her stomach turn.

“Don’t look at him,” Cassian said sharply, his hand pressing more firmly against her back. She hadn’t realized she’d stopped walking until he leaned closer, his voice dropping. “Focus on me.”

And so she did. She turned her attention to Cassian, to the easy smile he wore as he led her to the center of the room. He looked so at ease, so natural, and she envied him for it.

“You’re staring,” he teased, his lips quirking into a half-smile.

Savannah flushed, quickly averting her gaze. “I’m not.”

“You are,” he countered, his tone almost playful now. “Don’t worry, Rivers. It’s part of the act.”

The evening dragged on, each moment feeling heavier than the last. Savannah couldn’t tell if she was doing a good job or if everyone could see right through her. Cassian, however, played his part effortlessly. He laughed at all the right times, leaned in just enough to make it look real, and even danced with her once, his hand warm and steady on her waist.

“You’re doing fine,” he murmured as they swayed to the slow music, his voice barely audible over the sound of the piano.

“Am I?” Savannah asked, her eyes meeting his. For a moment, she forgot about the crowd, about Derek, about the rumors. All she could see was Cassian—his sharp jawline, the way his lashes cast shadows on his cheekbones, the flicker of something unspoken in his eyes.

“You are,” he said firmly, his gaze never leaving hers. And for the first time that night, Savannah felt like maybe—just maybe—she could do this.

But the moment was short-lived. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Derek making his way toward them, a predatory grin on his face. Savannah’s pulse quickened, her grip on Cassian’s shoulder tightening.

“He’s coming over,” she whispered, panic creeping into her voice.

Cassian’s expression hardened, the warmth in his eyes replaced by a cold, steely resolve. He pulled her closer, his hand sliding up to the back of her neck as he leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear.

“Then let’s give him a show.”

Before Savannah could respond, Cassian’s lips were on hers. The kiss was deliberate, slow but firm, and it sent a jolt of electricity through her entire body. The room seemed to disappear, the murmurs and whispers fading into nothingness.

When he pulled away, his thumb brushed against her cheek, his smirk returning. “Now everyone knows you’re mine,” he said, his voice low and possessive.

Savannah was too stunned to respond. Her heart was racing, her knees felt weak, and the room suddenly felt too small. She caught Derek’s furious expression over Cassian’s shoulder, but all she could think about was the way Cassian’s lips had felt on hers and the way his hand lingered on her back, like he was daring anyone to challenge him.

And just like that, the line between their fake relationship and reality blurred even further.