Page 91 of Bad Prince
“I admire her.”
“I can make that happen,” I say easily. “They’ll probably fly out for a few games. We could double date.”
Her lips twitch.
“I’m sure Kane would love that.”
“Ouch,” I press a hand dramatically to my chest. “Stella, you’re bruising my ego.”
“Maybe a breezy sorority girl would look good on you, Vale.”
That one lands.
She stands, gathering her tray.
I move without thinking.
My fingers wrap lightly around her wrist.
Not tight.
Just enough.
She stills.
“This isn’t over,” I say quietly.
Her pulse jumps beneath my thumb.
“Just so we’re clear,” I continue, holding her gaze. “I’m coming after you, Stella Cortez.”
Her breath catches.
“And I’m coming hard.”
Her cheeks bloom again.
And that’s when I feel it.
Another presence.
Kane.
He’s standing just behind her, having clearly caught the last line.
His expression is unreadable for half a second.
Then —
He smirks.
“I’m still in the ring,” he says lightly.
Stella groans.
“You two are embarrassing me.”
She steps back from both of us now, flustered and glowing and very aware of the audience.
