Eye for an Eye

Chapter 27: I Don't Deserve You

"So, what's your nephew like?" I asked, glancing at Jace as he navigated through the city streets.

One hand rested casually on the steering wheel, the other draped over the gear stick. Every so often, his fingers would tap out an idle rhythm, like he had a song playing in his head only he could hear.

Jace always had this effortless calm about him, like nothing in the world could rattle him. Even now, with the glow of passing headlights reflecting in his bright green eyes, he looked relaxed—like he belonged anywhere and everywhere all at once.

"He's a little shy at first," Jace said, a fond smile tugging at his lips. "But once he warms up to you, good luck getting him to stop talking."

I laughed. "I love kids. They say whatever's on their mind. No filter, no second-guessing—just pure honesty."

"Yeah, well, he's also a bit of a flirt—especially when he's around pretty girls," Jace added, throwing me a quick glance before looking back at the road.

I raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh? And do you think I'm pretty?"

Without hesitation, he said, "I think you're the most beautiful girl in the world."

My breath hitched.

I turned to face the window, hoping the dim light would hide the warmth spreading across my cheeks. God, I must be blushing like crazy.

Jace chuckled softly. "It's cute when you blush."

"I am not—" I started to protest, then paused. "Wait, how do you even know I'm blushing?"

Jace smiled, his eyes flicking toward me briefly before returning to the road. "You always blush when someone compliments you. Your little nose and cheeks go red, and you start playing with your fingers."

I huffed, rolling my eyes, but the warmth creeping up my neck betrayed me.

His voice softened. "I also know when something's weighing on you. What's going on? And before you say anything—I'm not going to ask why you killed Ashton." A smirk tugged at his lips. "El pinchazo probablemente lo merecía."

I blinked at him. "I really wish I knew Spanish," I muttered under my breath.

Jace chuckled but didn't push. That was something I appreciated about him—his patience. He never demanded answers, never forced me to talk. He waited, quiet and steady, giving me the space to decide for myself. It was easy to forget sometimes who he really was—a man born into the world of crime, capable of ruthless things. 

A gang member.

But with me? He was just Jace.

I exhaled, my fingers tightening in my lap. "Xavier found out that Ryan knows more than we thought... about West. He might be the reason West found me. Just another fucking traitor."

Jace sucked in a sharp breath, his jaw clenching.

"I'm not mad at you," he said after a beat, his voice low but certain. "I get why you did what you did. Protecting your family like that? I respect it."

Something in my chest loosened at his words.

Slowly, I reached over and placed my hand over his, my cold fingers brushing against his warmth. My thumb traced a small scar on his knuckle, feeling the roughness beneath my touch.

Whenever Jace was near, I felt safe. His presence wrapped around me like armor, steady and unwavering. But it was more than that. His touch did something to me—ignited something deep inside, something I couldn't quite name.

The last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt Jace. I respected him too much. If anyone deserved happiness in this brutal world, it was him.

And I only hoped he found it.