(Aloe’s POV)
I froze the instant I saw Wakes Savage, moving through the crowd like he owned the room, his eyes locking on me the second he noticed I wasn’t at his side.
My chest tightened, but I forced my shoulders back, keeping my posture calm. I couldn’t let him see me falter.
Blake’s hand brushed mine, just lightly, and it was enough. Enough to ground me, and to remind me that I wasn’t alone, that I had someone in my corner, and I had a choice. I stepped closer to him, keeping my gaze forward, letting my spine and stance say what my lips couldn’t yet.
People were starting to notice, cameras clicking everywhere as whispers spread, and a small crowd formed around us, sensing the tension.
I could feel it prickling the back of my neck, the curiosity in their stares. They were waiting
