“Nice,” he said, voice low, playful, as he slung an arm across me. “Guess I picked the right seat tonight.”
I blinked at him. “You’re not worried about... all that?” I motioned vaguely toward the Jumbotron still flickering in the background, half-expecting him to back off.
He just smirked. “Nah. Let the king posture. It doesn’t shake me.”
He stood, offering his hand, and I took it.
Shani snapped a pic, muttering something about posting itwith the right filter and a prayer.
Kannon tucked me close and guided me out of the gym like we were walking a red carpet. Every step we took had phones raised. Flashbulbs. Whispers. Gasps. I was officially smack in the middle of a royal love war—and the whole school was watching.
He walked me to my car like a gentleman. No rush. Just that confident, grounded energy of someone who knew exactly who he was and didn’t need to shout it.
“You good?” he asked, glancing down at me once we reached my car.
“I think so?” I laughed, still buzzing. “That was... a lot.”
“Yeah. But you handled it like a queen,” he said, brushing a loose curl off my shoulder. “If you ever need backup, I’ve got you.”
He winked and turned to go just as more flashes lit up from across the lot.
This wasn’t just a game anymore.
It was war.
And I was the prize.
I was lost in my own thoughts replaying the night in my head-like my own highlight reel… “What the hell?””
Cars parked everywhere.
Parked like a blockade around Aunt Susan’s house.
Engines running.
People standing outside with phones and cameras.
Paparazzi.
Fans.
Or vultures.
I couldn’t even tell the difference anymore.
My stomach flipped.
I kept driving—straight past the house, heart hammering—and ducked down a side street to park. My hands shook as I dialed Aunt Susan.
She picked up on the first ring.
“Where are you, honey?”
“Couple blocks away. Susan, what the hell is happening?”
She sighed—bone tired, stressed, putting on a brave face for me.
“I’m not sure. Paparazzi, fans, maybe curious locals. Maybe people who want to say they saw you. It’s gotten worse tonight.”
