Zique led Kiara deeper into the market and though she was so captivated by her new bracelet, she noticed. “Are we not going back?”

“No, we’re going to the fields people are probably already gathered there.”

“Then has the game begun?”

Zique shook his head. “No, not yet, but the preparations are being put into place. Some of the best men will be placed on the field, I believe I’ll be going up against Damion. He’ll be my only competition.”

“And what about Gabe?”

“Whether he likes it or not, he’ll be on the side-lines watching the game with you.”

“B-But what if he wants to play?”

“His business...”

“B-Bu—”

“Quit it.”

“B—”

Zique looked over at Kiara, the gaze zipping her mouth shut.

“Now that sounds better.”

“What does?”

“The silence.”

Kiara pouted down at her feet. “You’re telling me to shut up, aren’t you?”

“I said no such thing.”

“But you meant it.”

“Well then if you’re going to pout so cutely, I take it back.” He ruffled her already messy hair. “Stop pouting and smile for me.”

Kiara s