Sebastian suddenly asked, "Oh, right. You're okay, though? I mean… fighting in the ring while you're pregnant? Is your baby safe?"
I froze.
~~~~~
Max and Juno sat right across from me, both with their arms crossed and faces set in an intimidating stare.
"Stop it, you two," I groaned. "I can't even be sure Sebastian's the kind of man who keeps his word. But at least—"
I was cut off when Max suddenly raised her hand.
She sighed. "So, what did you tell him when he asked that?"
I bit my lip. "I told him it was… fine. After the fight, I went to the hospital for a checkup."
"Hon, you do realize how unrealistic that sounds, right?" Juno said, arching an eyebrow.
"Yeah, and did he actually buy it?" Max added. "What was his face like when you said that?"
"I don't know…" I muttered. "He looked… kind of clueless about pregnancy stuff. He just nodded and said he was glad nothing bad happened to the imaginary baby."
My gaze dropped to my empty stomach as I spoke.
Max moved from her chair and sat beside me, wrapping me in a tight hug. "It's okay. If that man ever becomes the reason your plan fails or you're in danger, you know Juno and I will back you up."
Juno nodded and leaned in to join the hug. The three of us stayed like that for a few seconds, and honestly, I really needed it.
All these lies about the baby were starting to turn against me, and I was terrified of how bad it could get later.
"Plus," Juno added, pulling back slightly, "you know some of the Slither gang would love to help their idol 'The Viper.' We can play that card anytime."
That made me laugh.
Max suddenly clapped his hands, making both Juno and I turn to her. "Okay, then here's what we'll do, you have to refuse every fight offer from now on. Seriously, we never know when that Sebastian guy might show up at the Slither Ring again."
I nodded. She was right. I did need a break from the ring.
"Shit," Juno muttered suddenly, frowning at her phone.
"What is it, Jun?" I asked.
"This motherfucker. Mara's still challenging you to fight tonight. What's wrong with her? Her obsession with you is getting creepy, Val."
"Where is she? At the Slither Ring?" I asked, already grabbing my jacket from the couch.
"Where are you going? Don't you dare say you're accepting that challenge," Max said, quickly blocking my way.
"No, Max, chill. I'm just going to reject her, to her face." I brushed past her and kept walking.
"We're coming with you!" Max said, grabbing Juno's arm.
The Slither Ring was already packed, as if there was free money being handed out. Word of Mara's challenge had spread fast.
As I stepped inside, I could feel dozens of eyes follow me as I walked straight toward Mara.
"Well, well. Look who decided to show up," Mara said as soon as she saw me.
"Shut it, Mar. I'm not playing your stupid games. We're not fighting tonight." My tone was sharp, final.
She froze for a moment before bursting into laughter. Then she stepped closer, resting her hand on my shoulder, her face inches from mine.
"What's wrong? Scared you'll lose this time?" she whispered, her voice flat now.
I chuckled. "Funny you'd say that. Maybe train your skills first, then come talk to me about losing."
Our eyes locked for a brief moment before I turned and walked away, Juno and Max smiling as they wrapped an arm around me and led me out of the ring.
Right now, I had more important things to protect and I needed to focus on uncovering what really caused my father's death before I could ever live my life like before.
I glanced back one last time. Mara's face was twisted with fury and humiliation. She leaned toward the hooded figure beside her, whispering something.
Then her eyes met mine again.
Her lips curled into a thin smile, cold, deliberate, while her gaze burned through me like a promise.
~~~~~
Today was supposed to be a peaceful Saturday.
At least, until I suddenly received a message and from all people, it had to be him.
{I'm in front of your house. Come out.}
In front of my house?!
I darted to the window, peeking through the blinds to check, and that's when I realized he probably meant Juno's apartment.
God. This is getting sickening.
I rushed into the bathroom, splashed some water on my face, brushed my hair, and swapped my pajamas for workout clothes.
At least I should look like I've been outside.
Thankfully, my place and Juno's apartment were only a few blocks apart. I ran the last stretch just to make it believable, sweat and all.
If I die from this impromptu morning cardio just to cover up a stupid lie, please write on my memorial that it was a white lie.
By the time I reached the elevator, I was panting, forcing myself to look casual.
"Oh? Mr. Leonardo? What are you doing here?" I asked, feigning surprise.
"I texted you," Leo said flatly.
I fumbled for my phone, pretending to just notice his message. "Ah…sorry, I was out jogging and didn't check my phone."
Leo shook his head. "It's fine. I just came to give you this."
He handed me a paper bag.
It was only then that I noticed what he was wearing today. A navy-blue polo shirt, ivory chinos, his hair neatly swept to the side.
You know, he actually looked really good, so good that for a second I thought he might be asking me out.
Wait. Was he?
"What is… this for, sir?" I asked cautiously.
"Wear it. I'll be back at eleven. So, you'd better be ready."
And just like that, he turned and walked toward the elevator.
I blinked, still holding the bag, then hurried into Juno's apartment and straight to the shower.
Because, thanks to all that running, I was sweaty as hell and I desperately needed to wash my hair.
When I finished drying it, I grabbed my phone from the charger and texted Max and Juno about what just happened. Then my gaze shifted to the paper bag.
Inside was a navy satin dress and a shoebox. I opened the box to find a pair of ivory heels.
No way. Those colors… matched his outfit exactly.
Don't tell me he's actually taking me on a date?
A smile tugged at my lips before I could stop it. My imagination was clearly running wild.
I tried on the dress and oh my god, it fit perfectly. The fabric hugged my waist just right.
I styled my hair lightly, applied a bit more makeup than usual, and slipped on the heels, which, unsurprisingly, fit too perfectly.
Wait… how the hell did he know my size?
The doorbell rang before I could overthink it.
I peeked through the peephole, and there he was.
What the?! He's ten minutes early!
I hurriedly opened the door. "Uh, Mr. Leo, could you wait a bit? I feel kinda plain without any jewelry, maybe I should—"
"No need. We're leaving now." His tone was curt, eyes still on his watch as he adjusted the strap.
I took a slow breath. Right. Don't forget, Valerie, he's still a jerk.
"Alright," I said, grabbing my black handbag.
Leo finally looked at me, then froze. His jaw flexed, but his eyes locked on me a second too long.
"Uh, you look…" His eyes scanned me from head to toe.
"You look like you're about to judge me," I joked, forcing a laugh.
But who was I kidding? That robot just stared blankly, expression unreadable.
Then he turned and walked ahead. "Let's go," he said simply.
I rolled my eyes, and followed him.
~~~~~
We'd been in the car for about five minutes now, and I still had no clue where we were going.
I glanced sideways at him. "Uh, Mr. Leo… where exactly are we headed?"
He cleared his throat. "Stop calling me Mr. Leo. Just Leo. Remember when I asked you to practice physical touch? We're doing that today."
I nodded. "O-okay…physical touch. Are we going to an event? A fundraiser? Or maybe a party you're attending?" I asked curiously.
"No," he said smoothly, eyes still on the road. "We're going to my parents' house."
I choked on my own breath.
"your parents' house?!"