Not Quitting

Jax POV.

I ran out and have been claiming I need to work as my alibi to get away from Chase. The remorse is gnawing at me; declaring I was done felt harsh and impulsive. All day, his look of sheer terror has haunted me. That raw fear in his eyes after my words—it’s all I can focus on.

I know why I walked away. My words were aimed at hurting him back, a petty jab born out of frustration and pain, knowing it would only escalate our conflict. Now, I find myself lingering outside Blake's room for hours, using his meeting as a pretext to hide my reluctance to face what I’ve done.

As the door opens and people walk out, I take a deep breath and step inside. Blake greets me with a smile that fades as he reads my expression. He pauses mid-step, a resigned sigh escaping him. “How bad this time?”

“Worse than ever,” I admit, the weight of the situation settling over me as I collapse into a seat. Blake joins me, his presence a silent support.

“It can’t be that bad, Jax,” he probes gently.

But it