Mason adds, “We’re not dragging her. But we don’t let people drag you.”
Gabriel nods. “We’ve got your back.”
Gregory’s voice is quiet but firm. “Always.”
The loyalty hits harder than the comments.
Because these guys don’t offer things lightly.
And because part of me wants to take them up on it.
To defend.
To correct.
To explain.
But another part, the part that’s been burned before, whispers that defending something fragile too loudly can shatter it.
“I don’t want a pile-on,” I say finally.
Dex exhales hard. “You sure?”
“I’m sure.”
They exchange looks.
Mason nods once. “Alright.”
“But we’re here,” Gabriel says. “Anytime.”
I nod.
My heart is pounding.
My insides feel… hollow.
Because I know how this works.
I’ve lived long enough in the public eye to recognize the line forming.
One side is private.
One side is spectacle.
And standing on it is dangerous.
***
That night, Sloane texts me.
Sloane:Long day. Are you alive?
I stare at the message longer than usual.
I type.
Delete.
