Julian stood frozen in the corridor, the color completely drained from his face. The name Sterling hung in the air between them, heavy with the kind of untouchable power and generational wealth that made professional athletes look like pawns on a chessboard.
Nova didn't look back at her ex-boyfriend. She simply nodded at Jax, stepping past Julian as if he were nothing more than an inconvenient shadow.
Jax placed a protective, warm hand on the small of her back as he guided her toward the VIP exit. The subtle gesture sent a fresh jolt of electricity through her veins, entirely different from the adrenaline rush of the stadium.
They stepped out into the cool night air where a sleek, bulletproof Maybach was idling by the curb. The chauffeur opened the door immediately.
As they settled int
