Jaxon reached the door in record time, shoving it open so hard it nearly slammed into the wall. The second he stepped outside, his eyes locked on them. Lena and Ryan.
Jaxon's gaze flicked between themâRyan's grip tight on her wrist, Lena's stiff posture, the way her eyes screamed a silent plea, a desperate need for someone to see what was happening, to stop it before it went too far. And Jaxon saw red.
"Let. Her. Go."
His voice was like a gunshot cutting through the night.
Ryan barely had time to react before Jaxon was on him, his hand gripping the front of Ryan's shirt and yanking him back so hard he nearly stumbled.
"What the hell is your problem, Walker?" Ryan spat, shoving Jaxon's hands away.
"My problem?" Jaxon's jaw clenched as he stepped in between Ryan and Lena. Shielding her. "You putting your hands on her is my problem."
Ryan scoffed, rolling his shoulders like he wasn't fazed. "We were just talking."
Jaxon didn't blink. "Didn't look like she wanted to."
Ryan's smirk flickered. "Stay out of this."
Jaxon took a step closer, voice low and dangerous. "Or what?"
For a second, Ryan looked like he might push it. Might test the fire in Jaxon's eyes. But then he exhaled sharply, shooting Lena one last look before turning on his heel and walking away, muttering something under his breath.
Jaxon didn't watch him go. His attention was on her.
Lena swallowed, still feeling the phantom grip of Ryan's fingers on her wrist.
Jaxon's gaze flickered down, and then suddenly, he was reaching for her hand, his touch gentle, hesitant.
The moment his fingers brushed against her skin, Lena flinched. A sharp, involuntary reaction, her breath catching as she instinctively yanked her hand back.
Jaxon froze, his brows drawing together in concern.
"Lena," he murmured, his voice softer now, careful, like he was afraid she might pull away completely.
She hated that reaction. Hated that Ryan still had that kind of power over her. Her pulse was too fast, her body too tense. But when she glanced up at Jaxon, saw the quiet understanding in his expression, something inside her cracked.
Slowly, she exhaled and reached for him this time, closing the distance between them. Jaxon didn't hesitateâhe pulled her in, his arms wrapping around her with just enough pressure to make her feel safe, not trapped.
And that was all it took for the first tear to fall.
They didn't move for a long moment. Jaxon just held her, his arms solid and steady around her, as if he could somehow absorb the weight pressing down on her. Lena buried her face against his shoulder, her breath hitching as more tears spilled over. She wasn't sobbing, wasn't making a soundâjust standing there, letting it all go, letting the tension drain from her body one tear at a time.
Jaxon didn't say anything. He didn't try to rush her or tell her she was okay. He just kept his arms around her, his hand running slow, calming circles over her back, grounding her in the quiet safety of the moment.
The cool night air wrapped around them, but Lena barely noticed. She wasn't cold. Not when Jaxon was there, holding her like this.
Eventually, her breathing steadied, the tremors in her body easing. But still, Jaxon didn't let go.
Lena swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want to get out of here."
Jaxon nodded instantly, no hesitation. "Okay. Let's go."
"Did he hurt you?" Jaxon asked, voice lower now, steadier.
Lena shook her head, even though her skin still burned where Ryan had grabbed her. "I'm fine."
Jaxon didn't look convinced. His jaw clenched, his fingers grazing her wrist just enough to send a shiver up her spine.
"Come on," he said softly. "Let's get out of here."
And for once, Lena didn't argue.