Dylan's voice dropped to a whisper, his words slurring slightly. "Dad said... he won't scare you away from me." Frudi smiled, amused by Dylan's drunk explanation.
"You're not making sense, Dylan," Frudi teased, her eyes sparkling with mirth.
Dylan's grip on her wrist tightened. "No, listen... Tristan promised. He won't hurt you... won't hate you..." His voice trailed off, and Frudi's heart skipped a beat.
Dylan's whisper sent a shiver down Frudi's spine. "…Except you're a Rivera." His eyes searched hers, oblivious to the truth.
Frudi's mask slipped for a moment, her heart racing. How did he…? No, he couldn't know.
She forced a laugh, playing it off. "What's wrong with Riveras?" Frudi asked, her tone light.
Dylan's expression turned serious. "Nothing, it's just... Tristan's issues." He paused, studying her. "You're not... one of them, are you?"
Frudi's pulse quickened. She held her breath, her secret hanging by a thread.
