She rolled her eyes at his smirk.

"Oh, I see. Well, if that's what you want then I won't stop you." But she didn't move or show any particular enthusiasm either, just going back to scrolling through her phone.

She put her phone down and looked directly at Roux Creole, her eyes narrowing.

"Don't flatter yourself. And don't think you can just waltz in here and act like you own the place. I may have to put up with you for a little while, but that doesn't mean I have to like it." Her gaze swept over him dismissively before she turned away.

She bristled at the proximity, but held her ground.

"Fun? Oh, you mean like you trying to make my life miserable since the moment I got here? No thanks." She glared at him, her voice dripping with disdain.

Maria scoffed and leaned back, trying to create some distance between them.

"Don't flatter yourself. I'm not rebellious, I just have standards. Standards that you clearly don't meet." She crossed her arms and looked away, huffing in disgust.

Maria stood up abruptly, her face flushed.

"Lower my standards? You? Don't make me laugh. You're nothing but a pathetic wannabe. I have no interest in lowering anything for you." She stormed off, leaving Roux Creole alone in the room.

Maria paused, then slowly turned around, her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"What did you say?" She walked back into the room, her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

Maria held her ground, staring him down.

"I am not some toy for you to play with. I won't be manipulated." Her voice was low and steady, but there was an underlying tension.

Maria's breath hitched, but she refused to show any more reaction.

"Get away from me. I'm not interested in your games." She tried to step back, but found herself against the wall.

Maria struggled against his grip, her face red with anger and embarrassment.

"Let go of me! I said I'm not interested!" She tried to sound firm, but her voice wavered slightly.

Maria's eyes flashed with indignation and a hint of fear.

"I'm not scared of you! And I certainly don't find this... this... whatever this is, arousing!" She glared at him defiantly, trying to ignore the tingles running through her body.