Page 78 of Louder Than Words

And just like that… the pressure in my chest loosens slightly.

“Do you want to press charges?” she asks after a moment.

My brows pull together as I shake my head. “No. Of course not.” I hesitate, choosing my words carefully. “I think he just needs to learn how to control himself. He’s not violent. And neither is Jax.”

Judge Reinbeck gives me a half-smile before glancing down at her bench. “Alright. Then we’ll meet next week as planned for character witnesses. Court is adjourned,” she says, then brings the gavel down with a sharp smack.

And just when I thought I could finally breathe, it all leaves me.

We’re still fighting? Even after all of this? She just sounded like this was going to be figured out today. Not drag it into another week of this.

I could still lose them?

From the corner of my eye, I see Trevor scurry out.

But I can’t move.

My hands are locked around the edge of the table like they’re the only thing keeping me upright.

“You okay, Al?” Ana asks softly from behind me.

The room spins.

The dull lights buzz.

And before I can even try to answer her…

I’m just thankful there’s a wastebasket under the table.

32

Jax

You’ll lose the label.

The guys might never talk to you again.

Allie would definitely leave your sorry ass, and you’d never see the girls again.

There’s even a chance you’d end up behind bars.

The list just keeps piling up, reason after reason why I shouldn’t kick Trevor’s teeth in. I try counting to a hundred the entire walk back to the car park, Allie’s arm looped through mine like a leash.

But my eyes are locked on the back of his head like a laser, tracking every movement as his feet scuff the pavement, each step echoing louder off the cement walls.

I inhale slowly, hold it in my lungs until it burns, then slowly let it out through pursed lips.

Keep walking, Jax.

But then I make the mistake of looking down, and all I can see is the sadness swimming in Allie’s eyes. The hurt from everything: the custody battle, all the unnecessary shit Trevor’s started, and—

He had the fucking audacity to put his hands on her?

Recently?

Before I even realize what I’m doing, I hear Allie scream from somewhere behind me—

And my hands are already tangled in the neckline of Trevor’s shirt.