Chapter 134

TESSA

The irony doesn’t escape me. A few months ago, if you’d told me I’d ever feel relieved to see Aaron—so relieved I can’t tear my eyes off him, even when his stare burns with something I wouldn’t have recognized before but now know instantly for what it is: anger—I’d have told you to go fuck yourself.

Aaron’s voice, low and certain, cuts through the air like a blade. “She said let go.”

For the first time tonight, Lyle’s grip actually falters. Not enough to set me free, but enough for me to feel the shift. Of course, he doubles down, squeezing tighter like the stubborn bastard he is. Pain blossoms sharp in my arm. Perfect.

He turns to Aaron with that fake-charm smile, the one that never touches his eyes.

“I’ve got it under control, yeah? This is me and Tessie’s business. No need for you to play hero.”

Aaron doesn’t answer right away. His jaw ticks, that sharp muscle shifting, his silence louder than most men’s shouting. His eyes don’t move from