Chapter 15

That look hit Jace like a bucket of ice water and snuffed out the fury burning in his chest. He watched Avery take a step back, putting space between them as if he were something contagious. He lowered his gaze to his hands. His knuckles trembled, slick with another man's blood, and a rush of panic and confusion swept him clean. What had he just done? How could he let himself spin that far out of control because some guy smiled at her? He couldn't lie to himself anymore. It wasn't about possession or bruised pride. It was jealousy, fear, and love. He had fallen for Avery. The realization made his heart race and his fingers go cold. … The next morning, Jace pulled himself together just enough to look presentable, though the bloodshot eyes and hollowed-out look gave him away. He waited outside Avery's apartment building. When she came out, Jace stepped forward without the swagger. He swallowed hard, his voice rough with nerves and, to his own surprise, almost pleading. "Avery,"