Emma
Derek stepped out of the Mercedes like he was arriving for a business meeting.
That was the first thing that got me.
Not the expensive coat. Not the polished shoes that looked ridiculous against the cracked pavement outside Steele Custom Bikes. Not even the fact that he’d driven all the way here after I’d told him no.
It was how calm he looked.
For years, that calm had convinced everyone else he was reasonable.
It had convinced me, too.
Jake moved toward the front of the shop, but I caught his arm.
“Wait.”
His eyes dropped to my hand.
“You sure?”
No.
My stomach felt like I’d swallowed broken glass.
But I nodded.
“I want to do this.”
Jake studied me for a second, then stepped back.
Not far.
Just enough.
Derek came through the gate and stopped when he saw the men outsi
