Maya was almost to South Hall when she heard footsteps behind her. Fast, purposeful.
"Maya, wait."
Ethan's voice. She stopped but didn't turn around. Agent Torres shifted position, ready to intervene if needed.
"I'm supposed to be keeping distance," Maya said.
"I know. But I saw what Madison did at practice." His footsteps stopped a few feet behind her. "And I needed to make sure you're okay."
"I'm fine."
"You're not." His voice was gentle. "She got in your head. I could see it."
Of course he could see it. He always sees too much.
Maya finally turned around. Ethan stood there in his practice clothes, hair still damp from the shower. His expression was concerned, frustrated, determined.
"What Madison said—" Maya started.
"Was bullshit." He stepped closer, then seemed to remember the distance rule and stopped. "Everything she said was designed to make you doubt yourself. To make you think staying here was a mistake."
"Maybe it was."
