My hand trembled slightly as I lowered the phone.
Sarah watched me carefully.
“That him?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“What did he say?”
“That I should stop.”
Her mouth tightened.
“Good,” she said.
I blinked. “Good?”
“That means he’s worried.”
My pulse was still racing.
“Yeah,” I whispered.
He was.
For the first time—
he was.
I looked down at my hands.
Then back up.
And something inside me settled into place.
Not fear.
Not anymore.
Something stronger.
“Let’s finish this,” I said.
Ace’s gaze met mine.
Steady.
Certain.
And this time—
I didn’t need to be convinced.
I was already there.
24
Tessa