A sharp crack echoed through the air, making Kimi jump backward instinctively. Her hands flew to her ears as the sound reverberated around her.
"Oops, sorry about that. Just the starting signal," a girl beside her said with a wicked grin.
Kimi slowly lowered her hands and hurried toward the source of the growing excitement. The crowd had erupted into wild cheers that seemed to shake the very ground beneath her feet.
Her legs tangled as she rushed forward, nearly sending her tumbling. A firm grip caught her elbow, steadying her before she could fall.
"Thanks," she whispered breathlessly.
When she looked up, she found herself staring into predatory eyes that swept over her body like she was something to be consumed. Disgust crawled up her spine as she jerked away from his touch.
"Keep your hands to yourself."
