Ashtine had just started walking back to her cabin when a voice sliced through the silence.
“Stay away from Zeke.”
She turned around slowly. Rich stood a few feet behind her, hands shoved into his pockets, his jaw tight and his expression unreadable under the moonlight.
“What?” she blinked.
“I said stay away from Zeke. He’s a player,” Rich said, his voice low, firm. “He’ll only use you.”
Ashtine narrowed her eyes, more confused than angry. “And you’re saying this because…?”
He didn’t answer right away, just took a slow step forward.
“I know him. I know how he thinks. You’re different, Maze. I’m warning you.”
Her chest tightened, heat rising in her cheeks. She crossed her arms.
“And what about you, Mr. Dawson?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm.
“What are you really up to? Are you
