My fingers loosen—just a fraction.
Not because I believe him.
Because a thought slips in, sharp and poisonous.
Sabrina didn’t choose me.
Did I rip her away from someone she loved?
Did I force her into something she never wanted?
The rage falters, twisting into something darker. He sees it. Smiles through his bruising throat.
“She loved me,” he says softly. “Now she’s stuck with you.”
A hand touches my arm.
Sabrina.
Her voice is steady when she speaks. “Langston. Let him go.”
The words land heavier than the punch I could’ve thrown.
I release him.
Elliott stumbles forward, coughing, straightening his jacket like he won something.
And then—
Crack.
The sound echoes through the room.
Sabrina’s hand connects with his face so hard his head snaps to the side. The room goes dead silent.
Her voice shakes—not with fear, but fury.
“I never loved you.”
He stares at her, stunned.
“I didn’t choose Langston,” she continues, stepping into his space, eyes blazing. “But I sure as hell wouldn’t have chosen you either. That’s why I ran. I ran from you. From them. From all of it.”
Her chest rises and falls as she finishes, voice dropping to something lethal. “Don’t ever touch me again.”
People are staring now. Whispering.
I step in immediately, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her back against my chest. Protective. Possessive. No hesitation this time.
“That’s enough,” I murmur, lips brushing her ear. “Let’s go.”
She doesn’t resist.
I guide her away, my body angled to block Elliott from her completely. My jaw is tight, hands still itching, rage still boiling just beneath the surface.
I’m not calm.
Not even close.
