Chapter 575

Hernan’s laugh boomed, and heads turned—not the good kind. Even Yara glanced over, making my cheeks burn. Annoyed, I swatted his arm. “Dude, cut it out.”

He winced, pulling back. His arm was still healing—thanks to Hayden. I couldn’t help but think “eye for an eye” was a classic guy move, especially with someone like Hernan. So I asked, “Hayden’s here today. You gonna go after him?”

Hernan glanced Hayden’s way, sizing him up. “If he stays in his lane, I’ll let it slide… for now.”

My heart skipped. “What’s that mean?”

Hernan turned back to me, a smug glint in his eyes. “If he doesn’t try to steal you, we’re good.”

Steal me? Could that be what Yara hinted at earlier? Was Hayden planning something? If he was, he sure hadn’t told me. But clearly, Hernan had sensed it and was on alert.

I stared at the back of Hayden’s head, feeling a knot form in my stomach. “If he would, you go?” Herman’s voice cut through my thoughts.

If I went with Hayden, Hernan would definitely go after Steve. Thinking about Hernan’s evasive responses earlier, I threw his words back at him. “If he does, you’ll find out, won’t you?”

He chuckled like it was all a game. My mind was a total mess after everything Yara and Hernan had said. I had no energy left to play games, so I just sat there, zoning out, staring blankly ahead, trying to piece things together.

Suddenly, an ice cream cone appeared in front of me. Hernan held it out, his own already in hand. “By the time you finish this, the match should be starting,” he said, handing it over.

I wasn’t even hungry, but since he was already digging into his, it felt wrong to let it melt. So, I took a bite. It was kinda funny—Hernan, this tough, notorious guy, sitting there all casual with an ice cream cone. But for some weird reason, it suited him.

A kid nearby whined, “Mommy, I want ice cream like hers!” and pointed right at me. Perfect. More eyes on us—including Hayden’s, who turned around. Our gazes met, and he frowned just slightly.

For a second, I felt like a kid caught sneaking sweets, frozen with the ice cream halfway to my lips, unsure if I should keep eating. “Smile for the camera,” Hernan said, sliding his arm around me and snapping a pic on his phone.

As he clicked the photo, I caught him throwing a look at Hayden, like it was some kind of challenge. Hayden turned away, and Hernan leaned in, whispering, “Haddy’s jealous.”

Is he? I wasn’t sure. But Hernan was definitely enjoying pushing his buttons. I elbowed him. “You know you’re acting like a kid, right?”

He just chuckled, unfazed, and kept eating his ice cream, still eyeing Hayden like he was next on the list. Honestly, my head was spinning. Hayden, Jace, Steve—they were all here. Every guy who’d shaped my life, in one place.

It felt like a bad sign, like something big was coming. Remembering my deal with Hernan, I shot him a look. “When it’s over, remember—let Steve go.”

“Depends on his behavior,” he replied, with that smug look that made me want to shove my ice cream right in his face.