Maryelle’s POV
Phantom sits across from me in the SUV, his gaze locked onto mine—steady, unyielding, like a professor dissecting a dissertation. The hum of the engine fills the silence, punctuated by the faint hiss of tires against asphalt.
“You may not realize this,” I say, shifting uncomfortably, fingers brushing the leather seat, “but staring at me for the entire ride makes things a bit uncomfortable and awkward.”
“Being kissed by a stranger is just as uncomfortable and awkward,” he replies coolly. “I survived. You will, too.”
“I’m not a stranger. You know me.”
“So you say.” His tone is calm, detached. “All I know is we got a tip that an enemy of the crown was at Hartsfield Airport, aiming to dethrone me and bring war to my people. My guards and I show up, ready to neutrali
