Chapter 567

I shoved Jace hard. “I’m not leaving! Why can’t you just get that through your thick skull? I’m staying here.”

“Whether I end up as wolf chow or get bitten by some stray dog is really none of your business,” I retorted.

Jace’s face went stormy. “Res—”

I cut him off, my voice ice cold. “We don’t have anything anymore. The ‘life’ on your problem, and I don’t want it to be.”

He just stood there, staring at me, his eyes full of raw hurt, like I’d just kicked his puppy. Finally, he muttered, “This is your choice. Don’t come crying to me later.”

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

That stung. I saw his jaw tighten, and after a long moment, he turned and started to walk away. But then he stopped, held up a hand, and pointed at Heman like he was about to declare war. “I’m warning you, don’t hurt her. If you do, you’ll regret it.”

With that, Jace threw one last glance my way before leaving. I stood there, watching his figure fade, a weird, familiar feeling simmering in my chest.

“He still loves you,” Heman whispered, as if he knew exactly how to twist the knife.

I looked down, focusing on a random blade of grass. “Love that’s expired isn’t worth having, no matter how good it used to be.”

Herman chuckled. “Smart girl.”

I couldn’t tell if he was complimenting me for being level-headed about lost love, or for not flipping out in the middle of whatever messed-up situation he’d put me in.

Honestly? If I had left with Jace, I don’t think he would have 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—gnocchi.

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 plate of gnocchi in front of me.

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

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

Seriously? He actually knew why I’d smashed my last phone—because he messed with it.

I glanced at the neatly packaged phone and let out a mocking laugh. 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.”

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 was about 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.”