Just then, Nicole Donovan showed up with a crew of guys in black suits who looked like they could break someone in half without breaking a sweat.

Nicole pointed a finger at Cassian. “Listen here, Rhodes. You take her out of here, and you’re declaring war on the Donovan family. You really wanna go there?”

Cassian let out a cold laugh, not even bothering to look impressed. “All this drama for some loser? Is he really worth burning everything down for revenge?” He paused, then added with a smirk, “Here’s the thing–if you don’t let me walk out of here right now, your pathetic husband’s gonna be in a world of hurt.”

Nicole’s face went white. She practically snarled at him, “What did you do to him?”

“Guy who wants to mess with me should probably lock his back door first,” Cassian said casually. “Makes me wonder–are you trying to get revenge, or are you trying to get him killed?”

Right on cue, Theo’s phone buzzed with an incoming video. Jack’s agonized screams filled the air.

“JACK!” Nicole’s voice cracked as she stared at the screen, watching her husband writhing in pain.

Jack looked straight into the camera, his voice shaking. “Let… let them go…”

Nicole’s jaw clenched as she glared at Cassian. The bastard had played her–created this whole distraction while his people grabbed Jack.

“Keep your loser husband in line,” Cassian said coolly. “Stay in your lane, and we’ll stay in ours.”

Nicole’s eyes went dark. “No way in hell. She crushed my husband’s balls. I’m not letting this slide. Not unless…” Her gaze bounced between Ana and Cassian. “One of you pays the price. I don’t care which.”

Ana felt sick just thinking about it. Sure, Jack had thrown the first punch, but trying to reason with someone like Nicole–who was completely off her rocker–was pointless.

Ana’s lips parted, about to speak, but Cassian cut her off. “Not happening.”

“You-!” Nicole’s face turned beet red with rage. “Then you’re not leaving here! Ever!” she spat through gritted teeth.

Ana’s heart jumped into her throat, and she gripped Cassian’s sleeve tighter.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Cassian murmured to her. “We’re gonna be fine.”

Nicole’s expression turned even uglier. These two were practically having a romantic moment right in front of her, completely ignoring her threat!

She raised her hand to signal her guys to move, but nothing happened. She turned around, confused, only to realize all her muscle was already neutralized by Cassian’s security team.

Cassian looked at her with something close to pity. “You’re outgunned, Nicole. So tell me–who’s really trapped here? Me or you?”

Nicole stared at him like she was trying to burn holes through his skull.

The cops inside the precinct were sweating bullets. These people had some serious nerve, ready to throw down right in front of law enforcement like they didn’t exist. If an actual fight broke out, the police department would be the laughingstock of the city.

The standoff stretched on for what felt like forever, until Cassian casually reminded her, “Oh, and your husband’s still my guest. Just saying.”

Nicole stepped aside, but not before hissing, “This isn’t over, Rhodes. You’re gonna regret this.”

“I’ll be waiting,” Cassian replied with a grin that didn’t reach his eyes.