Chapter 302

Chapter 302:

So yeah, I’m beyond ecstatic. And for the first time in a long time, I’m ready for whatever comes next.

Ryder’s pov

It was morning, and having Jasmine beside me felt like the best thing that had ever happened to me. Her hair fanned out over the pillow, wild and untamed—just like the woman herself. She looked peaceful, a rare stillness that made me want to crawl back into bed, pull her close, and lose myself in her warmth.

But reality is a cruel son of a bitch.

I drag a hand down my face, suppressing the urge to say, “fuck it,” and stay tangled in the sheets with her. My fingers itch to trace every curve of her body, to hear her sleepy moans as I wake her with my mouth, to remind her who she belongs to before the day even starts. Instead, I slide out of bed quietly, careful not to wake her. I pause at the door for one last look—because, let’s be honest, leaving this goddess behind is like willingly walking away from heaven. But there’s Isabelle.

The thought curdles in my gut like spoiled milk. I’d locked her away weeks ago, hoping confinement would bring her to her senses. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. The woman’s been marinating in her own hatred, and now it’s time to deal with her. As much as I hate leaving Jasmine behind, this needs to be done.

I walk through the almost dark halls, the cold air biting at my skin. My jaw tightens as I approach the cell. It’s like the temperature drops another ten degrees just from the sheer fucking emptiness of the place. I step into the shadows, and there she is—Isabelle, curled in the far corner, looking every bit the wicked little creature she’s become.

When she smells me, she slinks forward, her eyes glinting like a predator’s. Her smile? Pure venom.

I crouch down, meeting her gaze through the bars. There’s no remorse there. None. Just defiance, sharp and ugly.

“Disappointed?” she drawls, her voice raspy from disuse. “I can see it on your face, Ryder. You were hoping I’d crack, weren’t you? Hoping I’d beg for forgiveness.” She laughs, a brittle, hollow sound. “Guess you’re still a fool p>

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My jaw clenches so hard it feels like my teeth might crack. I don’t say anything. I let the silence stretch, hoping she might realize the depth of her mistakes. But she’s Isabelle. The woman’s made of spite and bad decisions.

“If you think I’ll ever regret trying to kill that little bitch,” she hisses, leaning closer, “you’re delusional. The only regret I have is that I didn’t finish the job p>

Ace surges.

I move forward, a low growl vibrating through my chest. I shove him back, forcing my expression to remain cold, even as my gut twists.

“Fuck, Isabelle,” I murmur, shaking my head. “I thought maybe—just maybe—you’d find a sliver of humanity in there. But you’re too far gone p>

Her smirk falters for half a second, just long enough to remind me of who she used to be. Then she sneers, her eyes blazing.

“Spare me the disappointment speech. Does she know the truth, Ryder? Have you told Jasmine about the snake coiling in your chest? Have you shown her the real you p>

My breath catches. The truth. My truth. The dark past I’ve buried so deep it’s become a part of my bones. Isabelle’s words are like ice water in my veins, freezing me in place. My feet feel like lead, my vision narrowing to a pinprick. A familiar tightness grips my chest, the edges of panic scratching at my resolve.

Jasmine has been through so much these past few days, and telling her this might only pile on more heartache. I really don’t want to be the one to make things even harder for her.

But keeping it from her feels just as wrong. She deserves to know the truth, even if it hurts. I’ve been pacing back and forth, trying to figure out the right words, the right moment, but nothing feels good enough. How do you tell someone something that might shatter them when they’re already barely holding on?