Sloane’s POV
Outside, the aftermath of the ice rink was probably already all over campus. By morning, gossip about Judy getting shoved to the floor, the “stolen” heirloom bracelet, and Xavier’s fierce, territorial snarl would be full-blown wildfire.
But inside my apartment, the silence was almost deafening.
Xavier tosses my keys onto the small wooden entryway table, breaking the stillness with the sound.
The awkwardness between us felt thicker than it had all week. It had been building ever since Zia broke the fated bond with Kai, as if he regretted letting things get so close. Then came the sudden pet name I’d used as a weapon, knowing how Xavier feels about me.
And then he’d shoved Judy back and growled those five words that had been ringing in my ears during the entire drive home:
