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But I don’t back down.
Not this time.
The door opens again.
Ace.
Relief hits me instantly.
I hate that it does.
But it’s real.
He steps in, eyes locking on Daniel.
Everything in him shifts.
Still. Controlled. Dangerous.
“Thought I’d find you here,” Ace says.
Daniel turns slowly. “And you are?”
“Ace Mercer.”
Recognition flickers.
Small.
But there.
“Sheriff Reynolds,” Ace says.
Not respectful.
Just truth.
Daniel looks between us.
“You’ve found yourself support.”
“I don’t need your approval,” I shoot back.
“I didn’t offer it.”
Ace steps forward slightly.
Not blocking me.
But close enough.
Grounding.
Daniel notices.
“Protective,” he says.
“Observant,” Ace replies.
