CHAPTER 027: This Isn't About Winning

For a brief moment, neither of us speaks. Our eyes meet in shared surprise.

Outside, I can hear muffled voices, quick and urgent, as the driver exchanges words with my security team.

“What the hell was that?” Desiree asks.

“I’m not sure,” I reply, all traces of flirtation gone. My instincts sharpen, the protective side of me kicking in. I don’t like surprises, especially not when I’m with her. “Stay here.”

She narrows her eyes. “What do you think you’re doing, Caspian?”

“Making sure everything’s fine.” I reach for the door handle, but she grabs my arm, her grip firm.

“Oh no, you don’t,” she says. “You’re not leaving me alone in this car like some damsel in distress.”

I can’t help the smirk that tugs at my lips. “You think you can handle what’s out there, Desiree?”

“I think I can handle you, and that’s scarier than anything waiting outside.”

She’s serious, and I can see the determination in her eyes.

“Fine,” I relent, though I don’t like the idea of her stepping into uncertainty. “B