Chapter 13
Chapter 13
Valencia’s POV
The world still felt like it was tilting, my breaths coming in shallow, shaky gasps, I barely registered the arms supporting mir until a familiar voice broke through the haze.
“Hey, are you okay?
Marcelene
I turned my head slightly, my vision swimming. My chest tightened further, and the sting of embarrassment mixed with the suffocating panic.
“She’s having a panic attack, I think,” another voice said. The guy holding me up spoke.
“What? What do I do?” Marcelene’s voice had a sharp edge of panic I wasn’t used to hearing from her.
“Relax, it’ll pass, Hey, princess, look at me.”
The term “princess” snapped me out of my fog for a moment. Asense of Deja vu engulfing me. A large hand cupped my cheek gently, tilting my face upwards.
“Breathe with me,” the man said, his tone steady but soft. “Inhale. Exhale. That’s it. Inhale. Exhale…”
I found myself mimicking his pace, my lungs slowly obeying the rhythm he set. The world stopped spinning as the tight knot in my chest loosened little by little. My breathing evened out, and I blinked as my surroundings came into sharper
focus
“There you go,” he said with a warm mile. “See? Not so bad.”
Marcelene knelt next to me, worry creasing her brow. “Let’s get out of the way–there are too many people here,” she said firmly
Before I could protest, she scooped me up into a princess carry like I weighed nothing.
1 yelped, half in surprise, half in embarrassment. “I can walk, you know!”
“Don’t care,” Marcelene said bluntly, striding toward the car.
The guy followed closely, his gaze flickering to me. “Do you feel better now?”
I nodded, managing a small smile as Marcelene gently set me down in the passenger seat, leaving the door open. “Thank you,” I said quietly, glancing between the two of them. “I don’t know what came over me. That was embarrassing.”
“It wasn’t the guy said, shaking his head. “Don’t stress about it. Everyone has moments. Trust me, I’ve been through more embarrassing situations myself.” He laughed, and the sound was strangely soothing.
Marcelene gave him a once–over, her gaze sharp and assessing. From my position, I noticed the striking contrast between the two of them. Marcelene was tall, her slim but toned frame dressed in her signature cargo pants and tight black tank top. Her cherry–red side braids framed her chocolate–toned skin, and her icy blue eyes carried an intensity that could pierce steel.
The guy, on the other hand, towered over her even though she was easily 5’10“. He had a lean but powerful build, his darker blue eyes holding a kind of youthful charm that contrasted with his sharp jawline. His jet–black crew–cut hair and deep dimples softened what could have been an intimidating presence.
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11:38 Tue, Jan 14
Chapter 1
“SoMarcelene finally broke the silence, her tone tinged with spicion. “You are”
The guy smiled, dimplex deepening. “Caius Nice to meet you
Marvelene froze for a second, her expression flickering with so thing unreadable before her usual wariness returned
“So you just… know how to handle a situation like this?” she asked, her voice cool.
He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Ah, no. My mother used to suffer from panic attacks I learned a thing or two helping her.”
The word “used” hung heavily in the air, and I didn’t miss the nicker of sadness in his eyes. His mother must have passed.
Before Marcelene could pry further, I cut in. “Anyway, thank you so much for helping us out, Caius. I really appreciate it. Maybe I can get your number?”
He chuckled, shaking his head, “No need for that. It was just a small matter. Just try not to stress about rumors too much. Things get casier when you learn to listen from one ear and let it out the other.”
With that, Caius gave Marcelene one last lingering look before walking away, his casual stride betraying nothing of the intensity I’d seen in his eyes moments before.
As soon as h
was out of earshot, I turned to Marcelene with a sly smile. “He’s definitely interested in you.”
She scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Whatever you say, ‘princess”
She said the word with exaggerated sarcasm, but I didn’t let it bother me. Marcelene rounded the car and slid into the driver’s seat, her hands gripping the wheel.
As she reached for her seatbelt, I blurted out, “Marcelene?”
She paused, glancing at me with a raised brow. “What? Spit it out
I grinned, a sudden surge of boldness overtaking me. “Let’s be best friends.”
She recoiled like an expression of disgust overtaking her face. “Are you a kindergartener!”
I pouted, feigning hurt. “I’m serious! Let’s be best friends. You saved me, after all.”
Teluctant smile: “Let’s start with friends,” she
Marcelene’s lips twitched, and after a long tense silence, she finally broke into said, extending her hand. “Marcelene Voss. Though for some reason, I get the feeling you already know that.”
I took her hand, gripping it firmly. “Of course I do. You’re my savior.”
Her smile softened, though she rolled her eyes again. “You’re ridiculous.”
The tension in my chest eased completely as I leaned back in my seat, letting the weight of the day melt away. I thought about Caius and a spark ignited in my chest when I remembered the term “princess‘ used as an endearment.
Icy blue and gold eyes flickered in the back of my mind and I remembered Steal using the same endearment.
My stomach fluttered and I inwardly sighed.
Don’t be greedy Valencia.
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