KIERAN’S POV
"Guests?" She let out a short, disbelieving laugh, her fingers tracing the glossy finish of the box. "Kieran, you don’t even let anyone close to you. Who are these mysterious Ludo-playing guests?"
I didn’t answer. I resumed my pace, but I could hear her footsteps following close behind me, the box tucked under her arm.
"You must have liked the game, Kieran," she said, her voice trailing me, full of teasing warmth. "Admit it. You wanted a rematch."
I stopped at the top of the stairs and turned around, my face carefully still. "I find the game's mechanics... mathematically intriguing. That is all."
"Mathematically intriguing?" She smirked. "Sure. Let's see if your 'math' can handle me actually trying next time," she challenged, walking past me toward the room.
"Why n
