Mikayla POV
I feel a cold knot tighten in my stomach as his face dominates the TV screen. My heart hammers in my chest, racing like it wants to escape. Tash sits beside me, her hand entwined with mine, anchoring me to this earth—her quiet warmth a tether I desperately cling to.
Tripp paces behind the sofa, muttering curses under his breath, his fury thick in the air, yet somehow it makes me feel fiercely protected, like nothing could touch me while he’s here. And my dad… he’s my rock. Sitting tall in his chair, his eyes fixed on the screen, absorbing every word Max says, the calm steadiness he radiates gives me the courage to breathe past the fear coiling in my chest.
My phone buzzes. Rafe. Just seeing his name makes my chest lurch, a mix of longing and relief twisting in my stomach. I
