Standing just off to the side of the table, cue in hand, posture relaxed yet grounded, as if none of it had touched him. Like she hadn’t just pressed against him minutes ago. Like he hadn’t just shut her down in front of everyone.
No smirk.
No irritation.
Nothing.
It was worse than rejection.
It was indifference.
“You think you’re better than me now?” she asked, quieter this time, the question slipping out before she could dress it up.
Axel’s gaze met hers, steady. “This isn’t about that.” But he didn’t give her anything else. Didn’t step toward her. Didn’t take it back.
Sammy made a soft oof sound under his breath, glancing between them before muttering, “Feels a little like it is,” just loud enough to stir the pot.
Jake elbowed him. “You’re gonna get us all killed.”
“Worth it,”
