Self

Chapter 23

Before long, Yara found herself alone in the space.

The alarm had at least brightened the lights, and a couple of st ahead, a helpful sign pointed the way.

The din of a crowd reached her ears.

She squinted toward the noise and saw the bottleneck at the exit.

As Yara debated joining the crowd, another group pushed from behind, trapping her against the wall.

She did not catch who shoved her aside or whose foot crushed he but when she came to, she was plastered against the wall, chest tight, sucking in a sharp breath of pain.

Then, she felt eyes on her. Looking up, she met the gaze of a man.

Yale watched the woman in her disarray, torn between concern ar irritation.

So it was her. The Yara he thought he had heard was not his imagination.

Then again, she seemed to enjoy her post–breakup life, unfazed and exploring haunted houses.

“Yale?” Xandra’s voice trembled as she clutched at Yale’s arm, her eyes darting to Yara with an edge of wariness.

Yara looked down, obviously not in the mood to engage with them. She pushed her way back into the crowd, intent on leaving with the rest of the group.

The crowd was buzzing, the cave’s lights flickering unpredictably when suddenly, a piercing scream cut through the noise. In the next heartbeat, a wooden sword dangled dangerously overbo

Baht above Yara!

“Watch out!

Without a second thought, Yale let go of Xandra and bulldozed through the swarm of people, yanking Yara out of harm’s way.

The sword crashed to the ground with a resounding clang.

Everyone around sucked in a breath–the wooden sword was actually. aron, coated in a deceptive layer of paint. If it had hit someone, the damage would have been severe.

Yara’s heart raced, her hand still feeling Yale’s firm grip. Only when she pulled away did she realize he was still holding on.

She steadied herself against the wall and got to her feet. “Thanks,” she said, her voice steady but distant.

Yale’s gaze darkened at her cool tone. “Is that all you’re going to say

to me? Just thanks?”

Yara met his gaze, confused. What else was there to say?

“Why did you block me?” Yale closed the distance between them, hist voice rough and low.

Yara blinked, taken aback.

Blocking each other had been a part of their fights before, but it was always her who reached out first. That time, though…

She might just let him down.

A small, wry smile played on Yara’s lips. “We broke up, so I blocked you. Is there a problem?”

Yale’s frown deepened, frustration and hurt flickering across his face. “So when are you going to unblock me?”

Yara’s gaze softened momentarily before she quietly answered,”

Maybe it’s better not to.”

Yale glanced at her, whose head hung low, and annoyance washed over him.

“How long are you going to stay mad? Don’t push me.”

Yara’s laugh was sharp and mocking.

The crowd surged again, and they were swept apart.

He reached out to grab Yara’s hand, but someone else snagged his

arm.

Watching from a short distance, Xandra felt a surge of jealousy so intense it nearly drove her crazy. She muscled through the crowd to Yale, latching onto his arm.

“Babe, let’s get out of here. It’s so dark and creepy. I almost tripped, and I couldn’t find you anywhere. I’m scared. Please don’t leave me.”

Her voice trembled, her face the picture of fear, and it was impossible not to feel for her.

Right then, an announcement echoed from the entrance:

“We’ve fixed the glitch, folks. If you’re stuck, please line up, and we’ll get you out in no time.”

Order was restored, and the chaos subsided.

Yara did not look back as she strode out. Yale slipped his arm away and followed.