Chapter 56

Serena's POV "I don't need your protection," I told Ryan firmly, standing my ground beside his car. "I can take care of myself." His jaw tightened visibly. "Kane isn't someone to underestimate, Serena." "Neither am I," I replied, my voice steady despite the flicker of concern his warning had ignited."Besides… the thought of living with you again makes me sick." Ryan's eyes narrowed. A shadow passed over his face—surprise, frustration, and something else he kept carefully hidden. "You… really feel that way?" I steeled myself and nodded, forcing the words past the lump in my throat. "Don't come bothering me again, Ryan." Turning away, I walked off without looking back. I heard him sigh heavily before the window rolled up and his car pulled away. Part of me wondered if I was being stubborn for stubbornness' sake, but returning to the villa would've sent the wrong message. To both of us. *** The next few days flew by in a whirlwind of preparations. I threw myself completely into mentoring