Goosebumps ripple along her arms even in the warm air.
God.
She looks overwhelmed more than anything.
“I don’t know how to do this,” she admits quietly. “I’ve never… I’m not a player like you guys.”
The guilt in her voice hits harder than rejection would.
I soften immediately.
“It’s fine,” I say.
I take her hand before she can retreat.
Her fingers tense — then stay.
“I’ll settle for lunch in the dining hall.”
“Vale—”
Too late.
I’m already pulling her across the quad.
Heads turn the second we walk in; the athlete dining hall is basically a rumor factory with protein shakes.
Everyone knows she was on a date with Kane.
Now she’s here with me.
Her face flushes.
“Vale, I’m going to kill you,” she whispers. “This is going to be all over social media.”
I stop walking.
She bumps lightly into me.
“They’re going to say I’m dating both of you,” she continues, anxiety creeping in. “They’re going to call me?—”
I step closer.
Close enough that the noise fades.
“Anyone who bad-mouths you answers to both me and Kane,” I say quietly.
Her eyes search mine.
Because she believes me.
“My Cinderella,” I murmur, softer now. “Stella Bella.”
She rolls her eyes at the nickname, but she doesn’t pull away.
So I lean down.
Just a soft kiss.
