When Love Breaks by Jack

In one swift move, Gregory had proven his mettle.

Mark was sent flying, crashing into a table and scattering cups of coffee everywhere.

The waiter rushed over, but Lucius was already on his feet, handling the payment through his phone app.

“You think you can lay hands on my people?” Gregory’s voice was laced with an unspoken threat, the air around him charged with tension.

Cradled in Gregory’s arms, I was still reeling from the shock, my heart pounding against my chest. It was clear Gregory had no love lost for Mark, and now, with Mark’s true colors showing, his anger was palpable.

“What do you want?” Gregory challenged, his stance defensive yet ready for another round if necessary.

Mark slowly got to his feet, wiping the blood from his lip. A self-mocking smile played on his lips, and though the atmosphere turned heavy, he offered no answer to Gregory’s question, his gaze fixed on me instead.

“Jane, think over what I said, alright?”

“Greg…”

The rapid shift in dynamics left me unsettled, my heart still racing. Taking a deep breath, I turned to Gregory and said, “I want to go home.”

“Alright.”

I turned to leave, Mark’s

don’t get it, your grandma will die. Didn’t you say how important your grandma is to you, how well

grip on Gregory’s hand tightened,

gently pried my clenched hand open, massaging it soothingly

“Of course.”

in Gregory was solid. In this world, he was the one person I absolutely couldn’t

let him handle things, especially considering my current

I’ll wait for you in the car,” I concluded, sensing his

in Mark, once steadfast and grateful, was

for Gregory’s actions, I

to escort me

been reserved by Mark, ensuring privacy for

a mix of threats and persuasion, ensuring the staff stayed out of

After

though compensation was

Mark, restrained only by his concern for me. Now, with no need for restraint, he was unleashed,

and spitting out