t


    Tshoved Jace hard. I said I’m not leaving Why can’t you just get that fight now went to stay here.


    “I Whether I end up as wolf chow or get bit by some stray dog is really none of your business


    Jace’s face went all stormy “Res-


    I cut him off, my voice ice coldce, we don’t have anything anymore the ife on your problem, and


    an don’t want it to be.”


    He just stood there, staring at me, his eyes full of row for like I’d just kicked his puppy. Finally, he


    muttered, “This is your choice. Don’te crying to meter”


    I


    “I don’t regret anything I do,” I shot back, my words sharp


    i


    That stung I saw his jaw tighten, and after a long best be turned and started to walk away But then


    he stopped, held up a hand, and pointed at Heman like he was about to dere war Tm warning


    you don’t hurt her. If you do, you’ll regret it.”


    With that, Jace threw onest nce my way before leaving


    I stood there, watching his figure fade, a weird, familiar feeling saming in my chest.


    to


    “He still loves you, Heman whispered, like he knew exactly how to twist the kafe


    I looked down, focusing on a random de of grass. “Love that’s expired isnt worm having no


    matter how good it used to be.”


    Herman chuckled. “Smart girl.”


    I couldn’t tell if he wasplimenting me for being all level–headed scout love, or for not fipping out


    in the middle of whatever messed–up situation held put me in


    Honestly? If I had left with Jace, I don’t think he wouldve made it out of here in one piece.


    “Come on, let’s eat,” Heman said, casually like we were old pals. I had a Michelin–starred chef whip


    up something special for you.”


    I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. Seriously? I’m his hostage, and he’s acting like he’s hosting


    me at a fancy dinner party.”


    But, okay, the meal was next level. It even had my favorite–gnhi.


    So, not just some spur–of–the–moment kidnapping. No, this guy had done his homework


    The thought of someone trailing me, learning my every move without me knowing? Yeah, it gave me


    the creeps.


    “Not hungry?” Hernan asked, setting a te of gnhi in front of me.


    “It doesn’t taste right,” I muttered, poking at my side sd instead. I hadn’t even touched the


    gnhi yet


    Hernan knew I was avoiding it on purpose, but he didn’t seem to care. After we finished the meal,


    he casually slid a sleek, new phone across the table.


    “Here. For you.”


    I didn’t even look at it.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He grinned. “The packaging’s still sealed. Totally untouched.”


    Seriously? He actually knew why I’d smashed myst phone–because he messed with it.


    I nced at the neatly packaged phone and let out a mockingugh.


    Yeah, right. With his resources, resealing it would be a breeze.


    I didn’t call him out on it, though. Instead, I said, “I don’t need it. There’s no point.”


    He raised an eyebrow. “Still don’t trust me?”


    “Partly,” I said, shrugging. “But mostly because I really don’t need it.” I paused, then added, “You


    should know by now… I don’t have a family. No parents. I’m an orphan. And I don’t have anyone in


    my life I’d actually call.”


    naze s


    Herman’s just a bit, but he didn’t say anything. Just gave a small nod. “Suit yourself.”


    At least he wasn’t the type to push.


    I


    up to leave, and he called after me. “Get some rest. I’ve gotta head out for a bit. I’ll be back for the


    match the day after tomorrow.”


    Was this guy actually telling me his schedule?


    I ignored him, but he added, “Haddy will be there, too. Day after tomorrow.”