Ava stood near Vaughn, watching him with a level of disgust that had clearly turned personal.
And Isabel?
The poor girl looked stunned.
Like she couldn’t understand why all these people were suddenly fighting for us.
I understood.
Barely.
Because two days ago, I thought I was alone too.
Hersh’s thumbs brushed softly beneath my cheeks.
Tiny touch.
Grounding touch.
“You still with me?” he asked quietly.
I nodded once.
Though honestly?
Barely.
Everything happening tonight felt too big.
Too emotional.
Too dangerous.
“You should leave,” I whispered suddenly.
Hersh’s expression immediately hardened.
“No.”
“Hersh—”
“No.”
The force behind the word startled me.
Not angry.
Absolute.
“You heard Vaughn.”
“I don’t care.”
Fear climbed hard into my throat.
“But I do!”
Every eye in the tavern lifted toward us briefly.
