Everyone was waiting for an explanation. Lavina stood as stiff as stone watching Justin’s love-drunk expression. The lamp was positioned back on the table and Melissa was curled up on the couch, looking newly awake with an early hangover.

Jax and Ash stood prepared in their stance watching the interaction that swallowed time as they knew it and though they wanted to look away, none of them could tear their eyes away.

“Justin,” Lavina said. She visibly gulped, the ring on ...