Dinner concluded in that subtle atmosphere. Using a makeshift crutch, I hobbled upstairs. As I passed Tyler's room, his door suddenly swung open. He peered out, checked that the hallway was empty, and lowered his voice, his tone uncharacteristically serious.
"Listen. Stay away from Kayden Black. That guy is nothing but trouble. He's going to cause a huge mess one day."
Before I could even form a rebuttal, he slammed the door shut.
**Excuse me?** I was fuming. He usually acts like I don't exist—never offers me a ride to school, pretends not to know me in the halls, only communicates via icy texts. And now he decides to play the protective big brother? **Unbelievable!**
Back in my room, I flopped onto the bed, getting angrier by the minute. But as my anger simmered, Kayden's face became
