What Seven said that day sticks in my head like a splinter lodged too deep to pull out. I’d been so focused—laser-focused—on keeping Jia safe from Lottie and the people orbiting her that it never crossed my mind that my own actions might draw attention. That someone else might start watching me instead.
It’s been three days since that conversation in the library.
Seven didn’t push. Didn’t pry. Didn’t corner me with questions or that stupid knowing smile. He just… let it go. Slipped right back into his usual goofy, laid-back self like none of it ever happened. Like he hadn’t cracked something open and walked away.
But I didn’t forget.
The thought lingers, quiet but persistent, whispering every time I let my guard down. Every time I catch someone looking at me for a second too long.
The
