Understanding the toll such a public confrontation must have taken, the other contestants instinctively gave her space, choosing to look away and allow her a moment to rest. After all, it was one thing to stand on stage under the scrutiny of judges and strangers, but to fight for your truth in that same spotlight and win? That was nothing short of extraordinary.
As soon as Xavier sat down, he gently settled Hera on his lap, cradling her head against his shoulder. "Strawberry, are you tired? Want me to give you a massage?" he asked softly, his voice laced with concern.
Then he leaned closer, lips brushing the shell of her ear, his tone dropping to something deeper, smoother—undeniably seductive. "Or… would you prefer a different kind of massage?" he murmured.
