Dirty Games, Deadly Sins, Mafia Rules.

Ryder

The slap came fast, sharp, and resounding — A crack of flesh on flesh that sent my face tilting downward and slightly to the left.

Heat bloomed on my cheek, but pain? Nonexistent.

I smirked, the familiar rush of dominance flooding my veins. A deep exhale escaped me, my muscles flexing effortlessly beneath my fitted shirt.

Lifting my gaze, I trailed my eyes from Dr. Williams’ polished shoes up to his flushed, rage-filled face.

The institution’s vice-chancellor — A man drowning in his own arrogance.

“How dare you do that to your lecturer? Such a brat!”

He struggled with his tie as if it was strangling him, his swollen belly heaving with fury. The sight of him — Red-faced, pathetic — Only fueled my amusement.

He jabbed a trembling finger at me. “Don’t forget your place, Ryder Flynn.”

My place? That’s cute.

I licked the inside of my cheek before tilting my head, eyes darkening. “Why don’t you show me where my place is, then?”

His jaw clenched. “You’re a scholarship student. Remember that.”

Ah, the reminder.

I chuckled, shoving my hands into my pockets. “Obviously.”

Talking about scholarships, I am a student whose fees are paid by the institution. I came from Boston Massachusetts to New York City to further my studies and I'm currently in my second year.

I was and still being raised by a single mother — Iris Flynn. I have two younger siblings. I am an introvert at home but an acid outside, and one of the institution’s most popular dudes.

That suits me, right?

Less I forget, I can't live a day without sex. That's my food.

The silence stretched between us, thick with tension. I could have pushed him further, but there was no thrill in tormenting someone who would never dare to fight back.

Not like my father.

The thought flickered in and out, brief but sharp, like the edge of a broken bottle pressed against my skin. He used to hit my mother like that.

Not once, not twice — But for as long as I could remember.

The memory only left a bitter taste in my mouth.

I left Dr. Williams’ office, rage curling in my stomach like a coiled snake. I needed to cool off. A smoothie would do or a distraction.

Maybe both.

The cafeteria buzzed with noise — Laughter, chatter, the clinking of trays. None of it mattered. I spotted her instantly.

Miss Ruby.

Sitting alone, her fingers twitching against the hem of her obscenely short blue skirt. The tightness of her blouse stretched across her chest, the white fabric teasing the curve of her breasts.

She looked nervous. Good.

I smirked, ignoring my smoothie as I strode toward her. The second she noticed me, she tensed.

“Ryder,” she whispered, gripping her skirt tighter.

Fear.

Guilt.

Panic.

All the right emotions.

I raised the chilled smoothie bottle above her head. Slowly. Deliberately.

Her lips parted, but no words came out. Too late.

I tilted the bottle, emptying the entire content over her head.

The thick, icy liquid drenched her, soaking her hair, sliding down her shoulders, clinging to her blouse. The wet fabric turned translucent instantly, revealing her red lace bra underneath.

Gasps. Snickers. Whispers. From the students, obviously.

She shuddered, blinking furiously as the humiliation settled in.

“Bitch, you like that?” My voice was smooth, laced with mocking amusement.

Her lower lip trembled. “Stop this,” she whispered.

I leaned in, close enough for my breath to fan against her damp cheek. Close enough for her to know she had lost.

“You reported me, didn’t you?” My tone dropped, dark and edged with cruel amusement. “Take this as a lesson. And don’t forget… Your nudes? Still in my possession. One wrong move, and you are done for."

Her eyes widened.

I pushed her — Hard.

She stumbled, arms flailing as she crashed onto the floor. The cafeteria exploded with laughter.

“That is what happens when a whore gets too bold!” A guy with red hair hissed from the other end of the hall, audible enough for everyone to hear.

“Imagine… A bitch who thinks she’s a lecturer!” Adam mocked. He is one of the best institution's athletes. He is sinfully handsome, obviously a must-see guy for ladies. He has quite many cases with the disciplinary committee.

“Damn, she looks pathetic.” Amanda’s voice echoed from behind before she and her useless group of friends burst out laughing.

Amanda and her group of nosy friends have been nothing but school bullies. Many girls often go home shedding crocodile tears after she and her friends dealt with them.

There was a time she and her gang raped guys. Unfortunately, one of the guys died while he was raped. The management let it slide because Amanda's father is one of the institution's trustees.

Rich brats and their common syndrome!

I watched, drinking it in. The shame. The helplessness. The absolute fucking power.

She deserved it.

A hand suddenly gripped my arm.

“Let’s go, Ryder.”

Sophia.

She wasn’t concerned. She was entertained. However, she can't stand trouble for too long.

I let her pull me out of the cafeteria, the excitement still buzzing under my skin.

Outside, she turned to me, her lips curling in amusement. “That was… hot!”

I let out a low chuckle. “Thought you would enjoy the show.”

She stepped closer, pressing a hand to my chest. “I did. But I want more.”

I raised a brow. “More?”

Her smirk was wicked. “Do you still have those nudes?”

I tilted my head, watching her with interest. “The fake ones I used to trap Miss Ruby?”

Her nails trailed lightly down my arm. “Mhm.”

“What do you need them for?” I asked, surprised but not too surprised.

Her eyes gleamed. “Let’s invite her to the party. And make her strip for us.”

Speaking of a loyal friend, she had been one since my first day at Cornell University. We always spend her father's dark money together. She have never failed to check up on me and also provide me with all the necessary items I need.

Though she's my best friend, we’ve had one or two rounds. That's not bad!

Alessia is turning eighteen by midnight, the same age as me. I'm just a bit older than her for some days and she planned to celebrate her new age like never before. The party's not going to be held in her home but at the Blue-Ray club. All students of Cornell University are also invited.

A dark chuckle rumbled in my chest. Oh, Sophia.

She isn’t just my best friend.

She is my favorite kind of twisted girl.