A guard bursts from a side door, knife raised. Before anyone can react, Luca's on him, a blur of motion. Hands and legs in perfect coordination.
“You could at least thank me,” Luca says to Jace.
“Don't pretend like you're the hero here,” Jace murmurs.
“Jealousy isn't a good look on you, Ravencourt.” Luca's voice is low and teasing.
“I'm not jealous,” Jace snaps back.
“You're just mad cause I got to blow shit up.” Luca dances away from him.
“Fucking clown,” Jace growls.
They make it back to the van and I hear the door close.
“Good work, everyone.” I sigh, sitting back.
“Teamwork makes the dreamwork.” Luca chuckles.
After the debrief,we're in the car back to Ashthorne Hall. Noah drives with Maeve up front, and I'm sandwiched between Jace and Luca.
“I quite like having you in my ear watching me during missions.” Luca throws his arm over my shoulders. “I don't get that when you're out in the field.”
“I didn't love it,” I mumble.
“She was so antsy. Couldn't sit still,” Maeve teases.
“Rude.” I cross my arms as Luca laughs.
“I'm glad it was successful, though,” Noah says.
“Me too.” I nod.
“I got to save Jace's ass again, too. It's like the cherry on top,” Luca teases.
Jace's jaw tightens. “I didn't need?—”
“I know you didn’t.” Luca leans back, fire in his eyes, “But you still had to control everything. Classic Jace.”
“Someone was too busy flirting and showing off.” Jace glares at him.
“I think someone’s ego is bigger than the actual danger.” Luca shrugs, tone casual but with an edge.
“Enough!” I take a deep breath. “Stop it, both of you.”
They both freeze and stare. For a moment, only the hum of the van fills the space.
“You both need to figure your shit out. Let it go. The tension is too much.”
“I’m not letting this go, not until he knows you're mine. And I mean mine in every sense that matters.”
“Luca—”
“No,” he interrupts gently. “I'm not trying to start something with you while you're still figuring out Jace. I just want to make itknown where I stand. I'm not stepping aside just because he thinks he still has some sort of claim over you after everything he put you through.”
Jace's head snaps towards Luca, eyes flashing. “You don't get to claim anything, Luca. She's not a prize to be won. And she's not yours to protect.”
The tension thickens and the car feels like it’s shrinking.
