The Ace and the Four kings
Xyrine Jean's POV
"Waah! Xyrine! This is a dream come true! My gosh! Just imagine—I get to spend two whole days with the 3Kings on this trip! Waah!"
I winced and covered my ears as Ella squealed in excitement.
"Yeah, yeah, I get it! You've been saying that nonstop. And judging by the amount of stuff you packed, it's obvious how excited you are."
"Haha! Of course!" She laughed like a lunatic. "Oh, by the way, cousin! Are you bringing a two-piece?"
"A two-piece? What for?"
"Duh! We're going to the beach, remember?"
I paused for a moment, thinking. Spade would never allow it. He won't even let me take off my cap because people stare at me—what more if I wore something like that?
"By the way, why do you think Spade planned this beach trip, cousin?"
"No idea." I flopped onto my bed.
Why would he suddenly want to go to the beach? To unwind? But why?
"Come on! Get up already! We need to be at Montreal before five. Seriously, why didn't your boyfriend just pick us up instead?"
I stood up. "No idea." Now that she mentioned it, why couldn't Spade just pick us up himself?
After finishing our packing, Ella and I headed to Montreal. When we arrived, Tennessee and Ren had just gotten there as well. I was taken aback when I noticed they weren't alone. In fact, this was the first time I'd ever seen them with female company.
"Morning, Xyrine," Ren greeted me with a smile.
My attention shifted to the girl beside him. The moment she saw me, she clung to his arm and gave me a sharp glare.
Psh! As if I'd even try to steal him. Sure, Ren's good-looking, but their leader is on a whole different level. Lol.
"Morning." Ten raised a hand in greeting, standing beside another girl who had her eyebrows raised—probably at me. I ignored her.
"Geez, cuz, I thought I'd finally get Ten and Ren all to myself in Balisi, but why are these annoying extras here?" Ella whispered to me.
"Don't worry, you're prettier than them."
"Oh, look—the king has arrived."
A smile automatically found its way to my lips the moment I saw his car. Well, after everything that happened at the ball, what do you expect? I'm still on cloud nine.
I kept my gaze fixed on his direction, eagerly waiting for him to step out. But then, I froze.
Instead of coming straight toward me, he walked around to the passenger side and opened the door. My smile faded as I saw who stepped out.
It was Althea and Monique.
Wow. So, he didn't bother picking me up, but he had time to fetch those two?
"Ella, am I seeing this right?" I asked, my voice low but firm.
"Chill, cuz. You're still prettier than both of them combined. But seriously, why are they here? I thought this trip was just for us and the 3Kings. So why are there so many uninvited guests?"
I forced myself to stay calm, though I could feel my frustration simmering beneath the surface. I wanted to march up to Spade and demand an explanation.
"Since we already know your resthouse in Balisi, we'll head there first," Ren said, turning to Monique.
Oh. So the resthouse belongs to Monique? To Montreal?
Spade planned this trip, which means... they talked about it beforehand?
A strange feeling coiled in my chest.
"Same here," Ten added.
"No way! Althea and I don't have a car, so we're riding with Spade," Monique declared.
"What? Then where are Xyrine and I supposed to ride?" Ella asked, making me glance at Spade.
But he wasn't looking at me. He was staring off into the distance as if I wasn't even there.
Something about him felt... off.
"Xyrine, you can ride with me," Ten offered.
"No!" Ren interjected. "Ride with me instead."
"Thanks, but Ella can ride with you. I'll go with Spade," I said firmly.
"No, you can't!"
Everyone turned to Spade.
Wait. Did he just say I can't?
"My car's full. Either go with Ten or Ren," he stated, still avoiding my gaze.
Hah. Is he serious?
"Alright, then. Xyrine and Nerdy can ride with me," Ren volunteered again.
I had no choice but to comply, watching as Spade's car drove off—taking Althea and Monique with him.
Why am I so pissed?
First, he didn't pick me up, but he had no problem fetching those two.
Second, why did he refuse to let me ride with him, but they got to?
"What's up with Spade? Just the other day, he was all over you—so proud to tell the world how much he loves you. But now? He's colder than leftover rice," Ella muttered as we drove.
"I don't know. That jerk!"
After hours on the road, we finally arrived at Balisi Island.
"Woaaah! Finally, Balisi!" Ella squealed, making me turn to take in the view.
The sight nearly made me forget my anger.
The island was breathtaking. The golden sand stretched endlessly, the waves crashed gently against the shore, and the salty breeze carried a sense of serenity. I was so mesmerized that I instinctively took off my sneakers, eager to step onto the warm sand.
But just as I was about to walk forward, someone grabbed my wrist.
"You're like a child. Go settle your things first before running off."
I turned to face him. He was holding my wrist, but he wasn't looking at me.
Annoyed, I yanked my hand away and walked past him. I expected him to react, but he remained silent.
Tss. Fine. Let's see who can hold out longer.
"Since there are only four rooms here and there are nine of us, here's the setup," Monique, the owner of the rest house, explained. "In the first three rooms, two people will share each. But in the last room, three people will have to stay together. Got it?"
"The first two rooms aren't a problem since Ren, Ten, and their group of girls will take those. The issue lies with the last two rooms—one will have two occupants, and the other will have three. The question is, who will be the pair, and who will be in the trio?" Althea added.
"I'm willing to be Monique's roommate," Ella volunteered.
"You? With us? Are you kidding me?" Monique scoffed, raising a brow. "Spade is my roommate, and that leaves you, Althea, and Xyrine together in the other room."
"What are you saying? That Althea, Xyrine, and I are sharing a room?"
"Exactly, nerdy!"
"Have you lost your mind? Hello? Are you his girlfriend?" Ella shot Monique a sharp glare.
"Shut the fvck up, all of you!"
Everyone turned their attention to Spade, who had suddenly yelled.
"Give me the key to the room," he demanded, facing Monique.
Monique handed it over with a triumphant smile. I frowned in confusion as Spade suddenly grabbed my hand.
"Xyrine is staying with me," he declared before quickly pulling me upstairs.
What the hell is his problem? A while ago, he was acting like I was repulsive, and now he's dragging me around like he owns me?
"Let go," I ordered as soon as we entered the room.
Instead of releasing me, he tightened his grip. I yanked my hand away forcefully and turned my back on him. I had barely taken a few steps when I felt him wrap his arms around me from behind.
"I'm sorry," he whispered gently into my ear before pressing a soft kiss against my neck.
"Waahh!" Shocked, I instinctively shoved him away—hard.
"Aw! What was that for?!" he groaned, rubbing his hip where he had landed on the floor.
"What do you mean, 'what was that for?!' Why the hell did you kiss my neck out of nowhere?!"
"Can't I show affection to my own girlfriend?" he said, looking confused.
"Oh? So now I'm your girlfriend again? Weren't you just shoving me away earlier? And why did you choose me to room with, huh? You should've picked Althea or Monique! I would've agreed—oh, wait! Silly me, I don't have a choice in this, do I? Because I don't mean anything to you! Who am I to you anyway? I'm just—"
"You are my everything."
I froze, my mind going blank, nearly forgetting everything I had just said—including the reason I was even mad in the first place.
He chuckled. "Why do you look so stunned?"
"What's so funny?" I snapped. Get hold of yourself, Xyrine.
"Nothing. I just didn't expect this. Seeing you ramble like this out of jealousy… it makes me weirdly happy."
"Right, because you're the weirdest devil I know," I muttered before stepping out onto the veranda to cool my head.
I was staring off into the distance when I felt him embrace me from behind again.
"Baby, I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry," he murmured, resting his forehead on my shoulder.
Sorry? That's all it takes? Just a simple sorry? Am I supposed to forget everything he did earlier that easily?
"Let go," I demanded.
"I have my reasons."
I stiffened. His voice had changed—deeper, more serious.
Reasons? What kind of reasons?
"Then tell me those reasons!"
"I can't. Not yet. I'm really sorry."
"Let go."
"No."
"Let go, or let go!"
"Are you jealous, or are you jealous?"
"Jealous? I'm not jealous! But am I mad? Oh, hell yes, I'm furious!"
"That's better."
"What?"
"I mean, you have every right to be mad. But jealous?" He buried his face deeper into my shoulder. "Compared to those women, you are beyond incomparable. You are so much more than they could ever be… more than you could ever imagine."
His words made me turn to him, and that was my mistake. The moment I did, he seized the opportunity to press his lips against mine.
I wanted to push him away, but one of his hands was already cradling the back of my neck, while the other was wrapped firmly around my waist.
"Stop i—"
"Uhm… baby?" he murmured as he deepened the kiss.
"I SAID STOP IT!" I grabbed his hair and yanked.
"Aw, aw! You really are aggressive one, huh?" he groaned in pain, though he was grinning.
"Did I tell you to kiss me?!"
"What? You're the one who leaned in! And stop being jealous, okay? You're the only one I love, my baby, my life, my pookie—OW, OW!" I yanked his hair again.
"Ugh, never mind, you are just wasting my time. I'm hungry. Stay there!" I huffed, turning to leave. But just as I reached for the door, he grabbed my arm.
"Xyrine." His voice had changed again.
"What?!"
"Can I… ignore you when we step outside?"
Did I hear that right?
"Why the he—" I paused. "Oh, fine! If you can ignore me, go ahead!"
"I can."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course."
"So… does that mean I can flirt around too? You won't be paying attention anyway."
"Try it." His tone suddenly turns chilling.
"Oh, so you won't talk to me, but I can't have fun either?"
"I've already told you—I have my reasons."
"Fine."
I yanked my hand away and stormed out of the room. But as I walked past him, he didn't even glance my way.
Wow. Just wow.
During dinner, he stayed true to his word—he ignored me completely. But what irritated me even more was that he sat with Althea and Monique instead. I was glaring at him, but he was so invested in their conversation that he never even looked my way.
"Guys, after we eat, feel free to explore the place and have fun!" Monique suddenly announced.
Have fun? More like, she's the only one having fun.
"Yeah, bikini time! Woot, woot!" Ren cheered.
"Yes, finally!" Ten high-fived her.
Tch. I rolled my eyes.
After dinner, we all went back to our rooms to change. Spade and I walked upstairs together, but I ignored him completely. As I was picking out my clothes, I heard him flop onto the bed.
"Babe, you were practically shooting daggers at me earlier," he mused.
Too bad it didn't kill you, I thought bitterly, staying silent.
"Babe, why won't you talk to me?"
"Oh? What happened to your whole 'let's ignore each other' thing? And don't call me babe—do I know you?"
"Of course, I'm your hubby boo. "
I nearly laughed at his nonsense. I was about to stand up to change when he suddenly grabbed my hand.
"What is your problem?" I asked.
Instead of answering, he just stared at me. I turned my back on him, but he still wouldn't let go. I was about to pull away when he suddenly tugged me toward him. Before I knew it, I had stumbled into his chest.
"Let me go. I want to go outside," I muttered, trying to free myself.
"No. The moment we step out, I can't talk to you anymore."
"That's what you wanted, wasn't it? Just let me go!"
"I don't want this. Honestly, I don't care about the beach or anything else here. I'd rather stay in this room with you for the whole trip. But I can't force you to do what I want. If you want to go out, you're free to do so. Just… please, let's not…"
What the hell is going on? Why want to ignore me in front of Monique?
"No, I want to go out," I answered firmly, making his shoulders drop in disappointment.
I was about to head into the bathroom to change when he suddenly grabbed my arm. "Wait, what's that you're holding?" he asked, eyeing the clothes in my hand.
"My outfit."
"This? This is what you're planning to wear?" He tugged at the shorts and tank top I had chosen.
"Hey! Give that back!" I snatched my clothes from him. "What's wrong with this? Do you think it's too long? I literally brought a pair of shorts and a tank top, not a two-piece!"
"Idiot! Too long? Are you blind? That's way too short!"
"Then what do you want me to wear? Jogging pants?"
"Yes! Why not?"
I scoffed. "Seriously? Jogging pants? At the beach?"
"Ugh! I don't care! Just change into something else!"
"I don't have anything longer than this!" I argued.
He sighed in frustration before turning away. "Wait here."
I watched as he rummaged through his bag, pulling out something before tossing it at me. "Here. Wear this." Then, without giving me a chance to protest, he shoved me into the bathroom.
A sinking feeling settled in my stomach. Why do I have a bad feeling about this?
After a Minute
I stepped out of the bathroom slowly, now wearing the clothes he had given me. The moment I emerged, I found him standing there, waiting.
He eyed me from head to toe, then frowned. "Still seems a little short."
My brow twitched. "Are you out of your mind? Short? I look like I just got recruited for the MBA League in this oversized jersey you threw at me!" I snapped.
"Tsk, too noisy. That's just right!" he said, sounding proud of himself.
Grrr! Just right? Someone, please tell me what's "right" about this? I'm drowning in his jersey—it reaches my knees! And don't even get me started on the oversized shirt. The only thing missing is a gold chain, and I'd look like a full-blown rapper!
I was about to protest again when someone knocked on the door. "Cuz, let's go! It's time to swim!" Ella's voice called from outside.
"Okay, coming!"
He turned to me. "Are you seriously going out like that? I'm telling you, I will have to ignore you."
I met his gaze. "Are you sure? You will really ignore me?"
"I have to."
I forced a smirk. "If you say so." Then, without another word, I walked out.
Let's see how long you can ignore me.
As I made my way down the stairs, I spotted everyone already gathered below. My eyes landed on Ren and Ten, both shirtless, wearing nothing but their swim trunks. I quickly looked away when I caught sight of their abs.
What are they? Walking bakeries?
My gaze then shifted to their girlfriends. They were all in animal-print bikinis, flaunting their curves. I accidentally stared at their chests. Are they real? I wasn't being bitter—I was just curious. Monique and Althea were also in bikinis, but, well… they looked a bit like chopping boards. Lastly, there was Ella. Seeing her in a two-piece, yet still managing to look classy, made me smile.
"Xyrine, which league are we joining?" Ren asked with a smirk, his gaze fixed on me.
I shot him a glare. "Are you planning to play basketball underwater?"
"Could be. You as the referee." Ten burst out laughing at my retort.
"What is that, Xyrine Jean?" Monique sneered. "If you can't afford a two-piece, you should've told me. I could've lent you one."
I smirked. "Pull up your strapless bra before it falls. Not like there's much holding it up anyway."
"Woooh! That's my girl, Xyrine! Savage!" Ten cheered, patting my shoulder.
"Hahaha! Forget two-pieces, real women wear jerseys!" Ren added, also giving me a pat on the shoulder.
"Hands off." They immediately withdrew their hands.
I sighed. "Come on, Ella. Let's get out of here." I grabbed her arm and pulled her along, leaving the rest of them behind with their nonsense.
When we arrived at the beach, it was already packed with people, all dressed in proper swim attire—unlike me, who looked like I was about to join a neighborhood basketball tournament.
"Cuz, I'm heading to the water first, okay?"
I gave Ella a nod, and without hesitation, she sprinted toward the waves. Left on my own, I settled under the shade of a tree, watching people splash around in the ocean.
Akkk! I want to swim too!
My face twisted in frustration until suddenly, someone appeared in front of me.
"Hi."
"What?!" I snapped, my brows furrowing.
"Haha! Feisty, aren't you, miss?"
"What do you want!?" I shot back, my tone sharp enough to cut.
"I just noticed you're wearing a jersey, so I wanted to ask if there's a nearby basketball court," he asked with a grin.
In fairness, he was good-looking. But of all things, why was my jersey the first thing he noticed?!
"The court? Oh, it's under the ocean! Go find it yourself and learn that not everyone wearing a jersey plays basketball. Got it?"
"Hahaha! You're so snappy. But seriously, where's the court?"
"Why are you so persistent? Do I look like someone who gives directions to lost courts?"
"Wow, you're really high-strung. Are you here alone?"
"Do you see anyone with me?"
"Haha! Nope, I don't."
I rolled my eyes and ignored him.
"Mind if I sit?"
"Go ahead, do a whole gymnastics routine for all I care—just not in front of me."
"Hahaha. You're into me, aren't you?" he teased.
"I'm into drowning you. Sound good?"
Without waiting for a response, I stood up and walked away. Annoying.
"Hey, grumpy! See you around," he called after me, but I didn't bother looking back. I needed to find another spot.
"Girl, look at those guys! They're so hot!"
"Oh my gosh! That one in the middle—just look at those abs. Screaming six-pack! Gosh!"
I glanced toward the group of girls squealing next to me, their necks stretching in the direction of their collective eye candy. Out of curiosity, I followed their gaze. The sun was too bright, so I had to shield my eyes with my hand just to see properly.
And when I did, my eyes nearly popped out of my head. Holy hell.
What were they doing? Was there an imaginary catwalk here at the beach? Or was this some kind of undercover basketball photoshoot?
I was about to step closer when I noticed a woman wrapping her arms around Spade from behind. My jaw dropped as she placed her hands over his toned stomach.
Excuse me?!
Did she not know those abs were off-limits?! Was she asking to be bald ahead of schedule?! Did she not realize that his girlfriend was right here? Huh?! Huh?!
I moved a little closer to get a better look at the girl. And the moment I saw who it was, my blood boiled.
Monique.
You witch. Do you have a death wish?!
Then, as if to add fuel to my already raging fire, Spade smiled.
Wow.
So that's why he said he probably wouldn't notice me—because he was too busy with something else! And of course, how could he possibly notice me when he made me wear this ridiculous outfit? He probably did it on purpose! What a jerk!
Fuming, I stormed into the water. The deeper I went, the harder it was to move because my oversized clothes were getting heavier. Eventually, I had to return to shore, grabbing onto my shorts before they completely slid off from soaking up too much water.
"Hey, cuz, what happened to you?" Ella asked, walking up to me, fresh from the waves.
"I tried to swim, but I almost drowned."
"Tsk! Why are you even wearing that?"
"Because Spade made me wear it."
"What?! And you actually listened to him? Did you even see your boyfriend over there? He didn't even react while Monique was practically draping herself all over him!"
Hearing that only made my blood boil more.
"Ella, do you have a two-piece swimsuit?" I asked, my gaze locked on Spade.
Oh, so we're pretending we don't see each other? Fine. Let's play your game.
"Of course! I even brought one just for you! I knew this moment would come. This is your time to shine, girl!" she squealed excitedly.
"Great. Hand it over."
"Yes! This is what I've been waiting for! It's the perfect one for you, I swear. Go slay!"
"Right. See you later."
I marched back to the resthouse, passing right by Spade—but he didn't even notice me.
Oh, really? You're seriously ignoring me?
Fine.
Once inside, I rummaged through Ella's bag until I found the swimsuit. The moment I saw the design, I swallowed hard.
Wait… Am I really that desperate to wear this?!
No. I can do this.
Taking a deep breath, I put on the two-piece and fixed my hair. Once that was done, I touched up my face with a little lip tint and some powder.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror.
"Miss, what's your name?"
"Xyrine Jean."
"Miss, you look like a goddess!"
"Hahaha! Small matter!"
"Waaah! Damn, this is perfect!" I laughed at my own antics, blaming all the K-dramas Ella and I had binge-watched together.
Before stepping out, I put on a pair of sunglasses and smirked at my reflection one last time.
Spade, you are so dead.
ELLA'S POV
"Wow! This place is absolutely stunning," I murmured absentmindedly.
But then... my gaze shifted toward Spade.
Damn you, Monique! Always so intrusive! She's getting on my nerves.
If only these troublemakers weren't here, I could have been with my cousin, she could have been with Spade, and I would be with Ten and Ren. Everyone would be happy! But no, that's not how things turned out.
Still, I can't help but wonder what Xyrine has planned. I feel a thrill of excitement just thinking about it. My eyes darted back to Spade, Ten, and Ren, who were now surrounded by a group of girls.
Tsk! Let's see what happens later.
Go for the great comeback, Xyrine! Whahahaha! Lol.
I'm still admiring the ocean when a group of men nearby starts whispering.
"Dude, check her out."
"WOAH!"
"Is she a celebrity?"
"Damn, look at those curves. I bet she's a model."
"Right? We've been at this beach all day, and only now does a real hottie show up."
My brows furrowed at what I just heard.
Are these idiots serious? Saying no "chicks" had shown up until now? What do they think I am? A freaking chicken?!
I followed their line of sight. And just like that, I found myself staring. A woman was walking gracefully along the shoreline, her gaze fixed on the horizon.
Hah... No comment.
Just like that, my self-esteem plummeted. I don't know if God is just unfair or what.
My eyes drifted back to her. Her figure was perfect. Her fair skin was flawlessly smooth—not a single dark spot, not even on her knees! Then my gaze moved to her face. Her well-defined nose fit perfectly with the oversized sunglasses she wore. Her cheeks had a natural pinkish glow, and her lips were just as rosy. And her hair... tied up in a way that was effortlessly seductive.
Ugh! Life is so unfair. I'm your child too, Lord! This is injustice!
This is exactly the kind of woman you should never go to the beach with. Because you'll end up looking like a drenched potato next to her! Just like now—every other girl on this beach might as well not exist because all eyes were on her.
Even the "Three Kings" were staring.
Well, except for Spade. His gaze remained fixed on the ocean. If Monique weren't clinging to him like a leech, I might have actually believed he was loyal to Xyrine. But no.
Where is Xyrine, anyway? Where's that revenge plan she was so excited about? She's already being outshined by someone else!
I was about to look away when I noticed her bikini.
Wait. That's the exact same bikini I brought for Xyrine!
Just as I was about to avert my gaze, the woman removed her sunglasses.
My jaw nearly dropped onto the sand.
Wait.
"XYRINE?!"
Xyrine Jean's POV
I walked along the shoreline, my eyes lost in the waves, when I suddenly noticed something.
Almost every man on the beach was staring at me.
Ugh. Should I head back?
No. They're not my purpose here.
My eyes searched for Spade. The moment I spotted him, an annoyed sigh escaped my lips. There he was, sitting beside Monique, staring off into the distance as if deep in thought.
I almost smiled when he finally turned in my direction. But the moment was fleeting. Because he looked away just as quickly and went back to staring at the ocean.
Has he seriously not noticed me yet?
Maybe it's because of the sunglasses. Without hesitation, I removed them. Instantly, all eyes locked onto me.
A small, knowing smirk formed on my lips as I noticed Althea, Monique, and the other girls around Ren and Ten staring at me with furrowed brows. Meanwhile, Ren and Ten...
Well, their jaws had practically hit the floor.
But they weren't my target. I shifted my gaze back to Spade. Still staring at the ocean.
What is he, a former merman or something?
"XYRINE JEAN!"
I turned toward the voice calling me. It was Ella.
I was about to greet her when I noticed Spade walking toward her. It looked like he was asking her something. Then, suddenly, Ella pointed directly at me. Spade's gaze followed.
At first, his face was blank—as if he couldn't recognize me.
But after a moment, his expression shifted.
"Xyrine?" I turned toward the voice.
It was Ten. Ren stood beside him, looking just as shocked.
"Xyrine? Is that really you?" Ren asked, his jaw still hanging open.
"Wow. I have no words. You look—"
"Look like what? Like I'm about to play in a basketball league?"
"No, I mean—"
"Miss Grumpy!" All eyes turned toward the voice.
Arg. It was that guy from earlier—the one looking for a basketball court.
Everyone stared at me in confusion.
Wait, maybe this is an opportunity. I smirked. Time to put on a show.
I walked up to him and looped my arm around his.
"A friend of mine," I said with a smile. Ren and Ten both frowned.
"Does Spade know about this?" Ren asked.
"NO!"
Everyone turned toward the sudden outburst. My heart pounded when I saw Spade's expression—dark and unreadable.
Wait. Don't panic. He started this.
"By the way, guys," I said, still clinging to my "friend." "We'll be heading off now. We've got plans."
"Where the hell do you think you're going?" Spade's voice was dangerously serious.
I raised an eyebrow at him. "Excuse me, do I know you?"
His brows knitted together at my words. Remember, we don't know each other, right?
The guy beside me turned. "You know him?"
I shook my head.
"Alright then, let's go."
We were just about to walk away when Spade suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward him.
"Spade, what's your prob—"
"I lost. I surrender. You won, and you made your point. So please, stop now."
I froze. For some reason, I couldn't look him in the eye as his expression had softened.
Wait. Why does it feel like I'm the one at fault now? Why do I feel guilty? This was his doing!
"I didn't want any of this," he said quietly. "Honestly, I don't care about the beach or anything else. I could be stuck in a room all day, and as long as I'm with you, that's more than enough. But I can't force you to do what I want. If you really wanted to go out, you were free to do so. But please, let's not..."
His words from earlier echoed in my mind.
He had asked me if I wanted to go out.
This was my choice.
I was the one who decided to leave, knowing full well that he wouldn't even acknowledge me.
I turned to my "friend." "I'm sorry you got dragged into this."
After that, I put my sunglasses back on, turned my back, and started walking away. I had barely taken a step when I felt something drape over my shoulders.
A towel.
"Are you mad at me?" I asked softly.
"With the number of guys staring at you right now?" His voice was dry. "What do you think?"
"Sorry," I mumbled, lowering my gaze.
I gasped when he suddenly tapped my head.
"This was my fault," he admitted. "Don't worry. From now on, I'll pay attention to you. Screw Batman."
I blinked at him.
"Does this have something to do with your dad?"
He averted his gaze.
"I have a plan to make them stop bothering us... that is, if you agree."
"What is it?"
His eyes locked onto mine.
"Let's make a baby tonight."