Suddenly, his gaze snapped up at Amara. And held. He assessed her slowly like she had just stepped into his territory. Dr. Meyer tried to take advantage of Kairo’s distracted state and moved in to grab his shoulder. The instant his hands made contact, Kairo flinched violently. His elbows jerked back instinctively connecting with Dr. Meyer’s face. Every atom in the room froze. Nothing breathed, nothing moved. Amara understood something in that split second. This wasn’t ego or temper. It was a body that didn’t tolerate touch. It was a body whose only response to physical contact was flight or fight mode. Dr. Meyer steadied himself, cupping his bruised face. He tried again, slower this time. “Kairo. Sit.” Kairo’s hands clenched into fists. His breathing turned shallow, like a man about to detonate. And before her brain processed the decision, Amara stepped forward. “Miss Kade..” Dr. Meyer scowled at her. It was too late. Amara was already in Kairo’s line of sight. “Captain”, she said, steady. His eyes snapped to hers. They were unstable and Amara saw all of it. She lifted her hands slowly, giving him time to react. When he didn’t, she closed the distance. She placed two fingers against his wrist and held. The air changed drastically. Amara felt every muscle in his body go rigid. What happens when the most untouchable man in European football can only be steadied by one person? What happens when she’s 10 years younger, off limits and completely wrong for him? And when a scandal forces them into a marriage neither of them planned for, Will love steady him… or will it destroy them both?