Chapter 32: A Silent Declaration

The car's interior was quiet, save for the soft hum of the engine and the faint rustling of Skylar shifting in her seat. Chris's grip on the steering wheel was firm, his knuckles whitening with the force of his restraint.

"Enjoy this while it lasts."

Zayne's words echoed in his mind, each syllable laced with an arrogance that made his blood boil. This wasn't just some casual interest in Skylar. It was a game. A calculated move meant to unsettle him.

Skylar glanced at him, her brows furrowing. "Chris… you're tense."

He exhaled slowly, loosening his grip before flexing his fingers. "I don't like people playing games with what's mine."

Skylar blinked at his choice of words. Her lips parted slightly, but she said nothing. Instead, she looked away, her fingers lightly tracing the seam of her dress.

Chris stole a glance at her. Did she understand what he meant? That this wasn't just about pride or ego? That she wasn't just someone in his life—she was the one?

His jaw clenched. Now wasn't the time for those thoughts. Not when a snake like Zayne was circling.

"Did he do anything else?" Chris asked, keeping his voice even.

Skylar shook her head. "No. Just that."

Chris nodded, but his mind was already working. Zayne hadn't made a direct move—yet. But the fact that he was confident enough to throw down a veiled challenge meant he was planning something.

They pulled up in front of Skylar's apartment complex, the dim streetlights casting shadows against the pavement. Chris parked but didn't move to unlock the doors just yet.

She turned to him. "Chris…"

He looked at her. The way the streetlights played across her features, the way her eyes searched his, as if trying to understand the storm inside him—it made something in his chest tighten.

"I know you don't like him," she said softly. "But I don't want you getting involved in something dangerous because of me."

Chris exhaled through his nose. "I don't want to get involved, Skylar. I have to."

Her brows knitted together. "Why?"

His fingers brushed against her chin, tilting her face toward him. "Because if someone thinks they can take you away from me… they're wrong."

Her breath hitched. For a moment, the weight of his words lingered between them, heavy and unspoken.

Then, he pulled away, unlocking the doors. "Go inside. Lock up."

Skylar hesitated but nodded. As she stepped out and disappeared into the building, Chris leaned back in his seat, running a hand down his face.

Zayne Lancaster had made a mistake.

He thought this was a game.

But Chris didn't play games.

He ended them.