Most of them do.
Keke stays tight against my back as we move, her grip firm. Behind me, I hear Sera’s voice, steady and reassuring. “Stay close. Single file.”
When we reach the vehicle, I wrench the door open and start ushering them inside. Dani trips on the runner, and I catch her elbow.
“You’re good.”
Her eyes are wide as she nods and scoots into the seat.
I turn?—
“She hit me!” The shout cuts through the noise.
I pivot just in time to see a man lunge from the edge of the crowd. His fist clips Sera’s cheekbone and catches her nose.
Something inside me snaps.
For a split second, all I see is red, pure, blinding rage. I hear the crowd gasp, then explode into noise as hands grab at the man, voices shouting.
“She didn’t touch you!”
“What the hell is wrong with you?”
“Not cool, man!”
He wrenches free and bolts, disappearing into the night.
I take one step after him.
Sera is suddenly in front of me, both hands flat against my chest, stopping me.
“Shut the door,” she snaps. “Let’s go. We need to get the principal to the hotel.”
Her eyes are watering, blood tracing a thin line from her nose, but the fire in her gaze is unmistakable. My hand lifts instinctively, already reaching for her.
She catches the movement. “I’m fine,” she hisses. “And we’re working.”
I clamp my jaw shut, and make myself nod, because that’s what she wants me to do. I slam the door and circle the hood as the crowd disperses, the sudden violence seeming to shock them. Meanwhile, I’m trying not to think about the tremor in Sera’s hands when she pushed me.
Inside, Sera presses two fingers gingerly to her nose. She winces, then exhales a heavy sigh.
“Should we call the police?” Dani’s voice is tight with worry.
“No.” Sera shakes her head. “The manager already did. If they need to talk to me, they’ll find me. Our priority is getting you safely back to the hotel.”
Marco leans forward. “Are you okay? That guy came out of nowhere.”
Sera chuckles, but it sounds forced. “It’s not the first punch I’ve taken.” She shrugs. “Some ice and I’ll be fine.”
Dani exhales shakily. “Damn. I think you’re my hero. Thanks for keeping us safe. Both of you.”
Marco nods. “Yeah. Seriously.”
Keke is already back on her phone. “I guess dancing’s out for the night.”
My eyes flick to the mirror, and I see Dani and Marco exchange looks, but no one speaks.
“Yeah,” I mutter. “Dancing’s out.”
