(Jace's POV)
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"He's home," Ethan said, eyes locked on mine, his voice low but steady. A rare smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. That was the first good news I'd gotten all damn day since I left Casey's place.
I tried to mirror his smile, "Finally," I muttered. "Let's do this, shall we?"
I turned, ready to move, my legs already humming with adrenaline. But before I could take a full step, Ethan's hand shot out and gripped my arm like a steel vice.
"Not so fast, boss," he said, his tone sharpening.
I yanked back instinctively. "Ethan, come on. Don't start with me right now."
He didn't let go.
His jaw clenched, a muscle twitching there. "No," he said, quiet but firm. "Not this time. I can't let you jump headfirst into whatever hell waits behind that door. My job is to protect you—remember? So let me do that."
"Actually," I snapped, eyes narrowing, "your job is to do as I say. And right now, I'm telling you—let me go."
