006

Melina’s POV

The entire coffee shop went dead silent after that kiss. Everyone’s phones were out, recording like it was the Oscars. Tristan was still outside, green eyes burning holes through us. I could see the rage building in his face—the same ugly color it always turned when he was about to lose it. My heart was still racing from Jace’s hand on my waist, but I knew this was only the beginning.

The glass door slammed open with a loud bang. Tristan stormed in, his designer jacket flapping behind him. His sandy blond hair looked perfect, but his green eyes were wild. He marched straight up to our table and pointed right at me.

“What the actual hell are you doing here?” he yelled, voice cracking with fury. “You’re sitting with Jace Hamilton? After everything yesterday? After you dumped me?!”

I didn’t flinch. My hazel eyes locked on his, and for the first time I felt this rush of power I’d never had before. The scholarship board had warned me, the blog had torn me apart, but here I was with Jace’s hand still warm on my back—and for once, I wasn’t the victim. I was the one making him hurt.

I crossed my arms, even though my stomach was flipping with nerves. “Jace is my new boyfriend,” I said, voice steady.

“And the last time I checked, we already broke up. Or isn’t my best friend Chloe enough for you anymore? Or did she leave you too?”

Tristan’s face went bright red. I’d hit a nerve. His sharp green eyes narrowed, and I saw his hand clench into a fist. He lifted his other hand like he was about to slap me. I braced myself, heart hammering so hard I could hear it in my ears. I thought he was going to do it right there in front of everyone. My eyes squeezed shut, waiting for the sting, but his hand froze mid-air.

Before he could, Jace was there. He stepped right in front of me, his massive 6’4” frame blocking Tristan completely. His messy dark hair fell over his forehead, and those ice-blue eyes looked like they could freeze hell. His voice came out low and dangerous, calm but it made the whole shop go even quieter.

“You want to slap my girlfriend while I’m standing right here?” Jace growled. “That will be the end of you. Why are you angry? Don’t you enjoy her best friend more?”

Tristan’s mouth opened and closed, but no words came out. Jace wasn’t done. His voice got colder, meaner. “Then why are you here all of a sudden? Because you see her with me.”

Tristan took a step closer, face twisted in that ugly way. “I know you don’t love her,” he snapped at me, pointing straight at my chest. “Melina, don’t deceive yourself. He doesn’t love you. He’s just using you. No one can love you. You’re just a—”

He didn’t finish. Jace’s hand shot out faster than anything I’d ever seen. It cracked across Tristan’s face with a sharp sound that echoed through the shop. The whole place gasped. My eyes widened, breath catching in my throat.

Tristan’s head snapped to the side, hand flying to his cheek. A red mark was already blooming there. For a second he just stood there, frozen.

Then Chloe was there. She’d been standing behind him the whole time, watching like it was a movie, her perfect blonde hair shining under the lights. She pushed past Tristan and stepped right in front of Jace, blue eyes flashing with that fake-sweet smile she always wore.

“Why would you slap my boyfriend like that?” she whined, voice dripping hurt. “He’s not your puppet!”

Jace didn’t even look at her. His gaze stayed locked on Tristan, but his voice came out cold and clear, like he was talking about the weather. “I would take anything from your so-called boyfriend, but not insulting my girlfriend right in front of me. So tell him to control his mouth.”

My heart swelled so big I thought it might burst. Jace had my back. Even when Tristan was spewing poison, he didn’t let it get to me. I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I blinked them away fast. This was fake. I wasn’t supposed to take it personally. I was just doing this to save my scholarship. Nothing more. No feelings attached!

Jace turned to me slowly. His big hand reached out and took mine, lifting it gently to his lips. He pressed a soft kiss on the back of my hand right in front of everyone. His ice-blue eyes met mine, and something in them made my whole body feel warm.

“Babe,” he said, voice low and only for me, “don’t listen to what they say. I love you, and I always will, no matter what.”

The words hit me like a warm hug. My eyes filled with happy tears, but I held them back. I squeezed his hand tighter. “I love you too, Jace,” I whispered, voice a little shaky. “I really do.”

Tristan was still holding the side of his face, green eyes full of pain and rage. “Ewww,” he sneered, voice dripping disgust. “Melina, in no time you’ll be back begging me. I promise.”

Chloe just stood there, mouth open, looking so angry her face turned red like she wanted to scream but couldn’t. I could tell she hated that I’d won this round.

Jace smirked, still holding my hand. “Threat. That’s all you can do.” His voice was low and sure. “Nothing else. But let me tell you something—you’re the one who will be back on your knees begging her in no time.”

He turned to me and smiled, that protective smile making my knees weak. “Babe, let’s get going.”

We walked out of the coffee shop holding hands, fingers laced. The paparazzi were already swarming outside, cameras flashing like crazy. I didn’t care. My heart was light for the first time all day. Tristan and Chloe were left standing there, stunned.

But the second we stepped onto the sidewalk, I was still worried. Chloe was too quiet. She never got quiet. She was always loud, always laughing, always in control. This silence felt wrong, like she was plotting something. My stomach twisted and my hands started shaking a little. Jace noticed right away.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, voice soft as he guided me toward his car. “You got quiet all of a sudden.”

I bit my lip, staring at our joined hands. “Chloe,” I whispered. “She was too quiet back there. She never gets quiet. It makes me nervous. Like she’s hiding something… planning something. I don’t know, but I’m damn worried.”

Jace stopped walking. He turned to face me, broad shoulders blocking the sunlight. His ice-blue eyes looked calm, like he could see straight into my worries. “Melina, look at me,” he said gently. He used his free hand to brush a strand of my hair back. “I know she’s up to something. But you’re not alone in this. Anything she’s planning, we’re going to face it together. Okay? I’ve got your back, always.”

His words made me feel relieved. I nodded, blinking back my eyes. My heart felt calm now. Whatever plan Chloe had, we’d handle it together.

We got into his car, and as he drove away from the coffee shop I glanced back. Tristan was still glaring, Chloe whispering something to him, her face still twisted.

I knew the fight wasn’t over. Chloe’s silence was a warning bell, but I didn’t care. I’ve got Jace by my side now, and that’s enough.