The roller coaster finally shudders to a stop.
My fingers are still locked—no, glued—around Rion Vale's hand. My eyes stay squeezed shut, my pulse crashing like a storm inside my ribs. I don't even know how long I screamed. Too long. Embarrassingly long.
"Hy, kitten," his voice comes, warm, annoyingly gentle. "The ride is over. You can open your eyes now."
My breathing stutters. Slow. Then slower. I force my eyes open and glare at him with every ounce of leftover dignity I have.
The safety locks release with a sharp metallic clack.
I stand so fast I almost trip over my own feet and storm off, heat burning in my cheeks. My legs are trembling, the ground swaying under my shoes. Each step feels like walking on clouds made of pure humiliation.
I lose my balance—my foot slips.
Before I hit the ground, his arms catch me. Quick. Sure. Warm.
