The universe is definitely fucking with me again.
And how is this fair? How do they get to be Councilor sons and this good looking?
He offers his hand like a prince in a story.
I take it because why the fuck not. I’m surrounded by enemies here, so I can use all the help I can get.
“She’s fine,” Atticus mutters behind me and steps closer.
Ryker raises an eyebrow and steps toward Atticus, lowering his voice. “You sure? Because I saw you yesterday, you know. You had your arms around her like she was your entire world. Funny how fast that changed.”
Atticus’s jaw tightens. “You know nothing, Blaise. And you should be careful about starting rumors you can’t back up.”
I try to speak.Nothing.
Great. Really impressing everyone with my usual eloquence.
Ryker’s lips twitch as he looks at me. “Don’t worry. He’s not your style, anyway. He’s stone and silence. I’m gold and fire.”
Then, like it’s the most natural thing in the world, he slips his arm around my shoulders and leads me away from the wreckage of my attempted interaction.
And even though my chest still aches, even though I’m still burning with shame and rage—
My heart skips.
Because Ryker Blaise just saved me in a way.
And I don’t know why… but that might be even more dangerous than being ignored.
Once the Pride squad slinks away, roasted and far less smug, I’m left standing there, alone, with SinVail’s golden boy of Greed, cocky smirk and all. He turns to me, his green eyes glinting with something between amusement andcuriosity.
“You good?” he asks, and his voice is surprisingly gentle for someone whose entire aura screams trouble.
I nod, trying to catch my breath. “Yeah. Thanks. That was… intense.”
He shrugs like defending me was no big deal. “Please. Watching those Pride brats squirm? Best part of my morning.”
A half-smile tugs at my lips before I catch myself. I cross my arms and raise a brow. “You always go around saving girls in distress, or am I just lucky?”
His grin widens. “You? Lucky. Me? Heroic. It’s a full-circle moment.” He pauses. “Seriously, though. What were you doing walking up to that crowd? Looking to make some new enemies?”
“Just… needed to ask a question. Nothing important.” I stiffen like a damn board.
It’s a lie, but it rolls off my tongue smooth and easy. I don’t owe Ryker the truth—especially not about my bond with Atticus.
He studies me, eyes narrowing, with that little twitch that makes me want to roll my eyes.
He lets it slide. “I don’t believe you, but fair enough. Been wondering where you’ve been hiding, anyway.”
“Hiding?” I blink, pitch-perfect poker face failing by the microsecond.
He smirks. “You’ve got that whole mysterious, sinless, no-faction, zero-filter aura. People notice.”
I swallow, suddenly aware of how messy my hair looks, how crooked my jacket is.
“I’ve been busy,” I say a little too fast. “You know… sin power rotation. Combat training with my roommate on weekends. Big, important stuff… like getting my ass handed to me in sparring practice with my roommate Holly.”
“Oof,” he winces. “Yeah, I’ve heard Holly doesn’t hold back from other freshmen. But I gotta say, I’m impressed.”
