Skye Couldn't Stop Thinking About It

Alessia had saved her.
She had stepped in, redirected Paige, and covered for her like it was nothing.

And Skye?

Skye couldn't stop thinking about it.

She should've been relieved.
Should've been grateful that Alessia had shut Paige down before she could put the pieces together.

But instead?

She was confused as hell.

Because Alessia didn't do things without a reason.

And Skye needed to know why.

Katie Definitely Knew Something

Dinner had ended without further disasters, but now Skye was sitting in the car with Katie, and Katie was grinning like she had figured out the meaning of life.

Skye sighed, already exhausted. "Just say it."

Katie raised an eyebrow. "Say what?"

Skye groaned. "Whatever thing you're clearly dying to say."

Katie smirked. "Oh, I don't need to say it."

Skye frowned. "What the hell does that mean?"

Katie turned to her, looking way too pleased with herself. "You'll figure it out soon enough."

Skye hated everything about that sentence.

But before she could press, her phone buzzed.

A text from Nika.

Nika: So, Alessia coming to your rescue now? That's new.
Nika: Should I be jealous?

Skye groaned, throwing her head back.

Because of course Nika had noticed.

And now?

Now Skye had to deal with this, too.

Confronting Alessia (A.K.A. Making Things Worse for Herself)

Skye should have left it alone.

She should have just taken the win and moved on.

But she wasn't exactly known for making smart decisions.

Which was why, the next day, she cornered Alessia after training.

Alessia, predictably, was unbothered.

"Did you need something?" she asked, tying her shoelaces.

Skye crossed her arms. "Why did you cover for me last night?"

Alessia barely even looked up. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Skye scowled. "Yes, you do."

Alessia sighed, standing up, finally meeting Skye's gaze. "You were panicking. I helped."

Skye frowned. "But why?"

Alessia shrugged. "Maybe I just didn't want Paige to figure it out."

Skye narrowed her eyes. "Figure what out?"

Alessia tilted her head, a small smirk forming. "I don't know. You tell me."

Skye froze.

Because that tone.
That look in Alessia's eyes.

She was playing with her.

Testing her.

Skye's heart picked up speed.

Alessia stepped closer, just a little. "You've been making a mess of things, Skye."

Skye swallowed. "I.."

Alessia's smirk grew. "Don't worry. I won't tell."

Then she walked away, leaving Skye completely speechless.

And for the first time ever, Skye had no idea who was playing who.