Mateo's promise to never betray her had felt like a lifeline until the text proved they were being watched. Now, two days later at the championship game, Maya realized that protection was just another form of target.
The noise inside the stadium was almost unbearable. Every cheer, every stomp against the bleachers rattled through Maya's ribs as if the whole world had gathered just to watch her slip. Scouts filled the press box. Cameras lined the sidelines. Parents and students packed the stands until there was no empty space left.
Too many eyes. Way too many people watching.
Her mind kept replaying Madison's confrontation from the night before. Why him? Why are you always with him? The question had been aimed at Ethan, but Maya had felt the sting just as sharply. Madison wasn't wrong. Maya was always too close, always too noticeable, always drawing exactly the kind of attention witness protection was supposed to avoid.
