Page 132 of Trick Shot

“Don’t act like you’re a saint, Dominic,” Jace snarls. “We’ve all done shit we’re not proud of.”

I look over at Jace, whose eyes are on Dom—filled with guilt, rage, and something that looks a lot like heartbreak.

“That’s your best friend you’re talking about,” I snap at Dom, and he scoffs.

Then, in one violent motion, he steps forward and grabs my arm, yanking me toward him.

“We’re leaving. Now.”

“Dom, stop!” I gasp, stumbling, his grip bruising.

“Don’t touch her.” Jace’s voice cuts through the room.

Dom turns slowly, and Jace is already moving, that wild, dangerous energy rolling off him like smoke.

He stops right in front of Dom, face to face.

“Let. Her. Go. Right now.”

For a second, Dom doesn’t. His jaw clenches, fingers tightening around my arm, trying to make a point. But then he looks at me and slowly, his grip loosens.

He lets go with a disgusted look on his face, stepping back like I burned him.

“Say your fucking goodbyes, Melody.” His voice is ice. “You’re going back home to Pennsylvania.”

Then he turns and storms out, the door slamming so hard it rattles the walls behind him.

For a second, the room holds its breath. The silence that follows feels louder than Dom’s fury.

My pulse thrums in my ears, my entire body trembles, and my knees threaten to give.

Jace is on me in an instant, hand cupping my face, his other arm wrapping around my waist, the only thing keeping me from falling apart.

“You’re not leaving.” It’s not a plea—it’s a command. “You’re not going back.”

His voice is raw and shaken.

“I’m not.” My voice breaks, but I double down. “He can’t make me.”

My hand finds his chest, fingers pressing against the rapid beat of his heart, trying to convince it to calm down.

But I can’t. Neither of us can.

“But I need to go after him right now.”

“I’m coming with you.”

“No.” The word flies out—too fast, too sharp—but I soften it as I say it again. “No, Jace.”

He steps back half a step, confused.

“I’m not letting you deal with him alone.” He’s already moving toward the door.

I reach for him, grabbing his wrist with both hands.

“He’s not ready to see both of us right now. He’ll shut down even harder if you’re there.”

“Do you expect me to stay here while he’s in this state?”