The sharp, cutting shout of Tucker Taylor shattered what little composure Simon Reed had left.
“Get lost!”
The words came out like a whip c***k—merciless, absolute, leaving no room for hesitation or dignity. Under that pressure, Simon didn’t dare linger for even a heartbeat. His face drained of color as panic overtook him. He scrambled to his feet, nearly tripping over himself in the process, and fled in a clumsy, humiliating retreat.
It wasn’t just leaving—it was escaping, as if something far more terrifying than public embarrassment was chasing him.
Only when Simon’s figure disappeared from sight did Tucker slowly withdraw his gaze. The cold authority in his eyes softened instantly, replaced by a warm, almost ingratiating smile, as though the previous display of dominance had never h
