The Past in Passing

The air was crisp as Jax and Grace walked through the quiet streets, their laughter echoing softly in the night. The event had gone smoother than expected—minus the whole Sienna situation—but somehow, instead of ruining the evening, it had only made them stronger.

Jax had his hands tucked into the pockets of his leather jacket, while Grace hugged her coat closer to her body, the cold breeze nipping at her cheeks. They weren't in a rush to get back. The city was alive, but in this moment, it felt like they were the only two people in it.

"You seriously think that lipstick was worth $60?" Jax teased, nudging her with his elbow.

Grace rolled her eyes. "It's not just a lipstick, Jax. It's Celeste Monroe's lipstick."

Jax smirked. "Right. My mistake."

She gave him a playful shove, and he laughed, catching her hand before she could pull away. His fingers were warm against hers, and she felt a small jolt of something she wasn't quite ready to name.

They crossed the street, their steps slowing as they neared their apartment. The night had been fun—better than she'd expected. But just as she was about to say something, a familiar voice cut through the air.

"Well, if it isn't the happy couple."

Grace's stomach twisted.

Sienna.

She was leaning against a sleek black car parked near the curb, arms crossed, lips curled into an almost-amused smirk. Her dark brown hair was styled to perfection, her makeup still flawless despite the late hour. It was annoying how effortlessly put-together she looked.

Jax tensed beside her. "What do you want, Sienna?"

Sienna let out a soft laugh. "Relax. I'm not here to cause trouble." She tilted her head. "Though, I have to admit... you two do look cute together. Almost makes me believe it."

Grace forced herself to stay calm. "Believe what?"

Sienna pushed off the car and took a slow step toward them. "That this is real." She gave Grace a once-over, her eyes flickering between their intertwined hands. "But I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Jax always did know how to play a part."

Jax let out an irritated sigh. "We're not doing this."

He moved to walk past her, but Sienna wasn't done.

"Did he ever tell you about our first trip to Paris?" she mused, her voice dripping with false nostalgia. "That was the first time he told me he loved me. Right in the middle of the Seine River, under the city lights."

Grace didn't react. She wouldn't give her the satisfaction.

Jax, however, had enough. His grip on Grace's hand tightened. "Sienna, stop."

Sienna sighed dramatically. "I just don't want her to get her hopes up, that's all." She glanced at Grace again, her expression unreadable. "You do know how this ends, right?"

Grace met her gaze, unshaken. "Oh? And how's that?"

Sienna smiled, slow and knowing. "With him breaking your heart."

Silence.

Then, Jax let out a humorless laugh. "Funny. I was about to say the same thing to you."

Sienna's smile faltered, just for a second.

Jax took a step closer, his voice dropping to something lower, more dangerous. "We're done, Sienna. Have been for a long time. You showing up like this? Acting like you still have some hold over me? It's pathetic."

Sienna's jaw tightened, but she masked it with a scoff. "You always did love to make yourself the hero."

Jax didn't respond. He just exhaled sharply and turned to Grace. "Let's go."

Grace nodded, not sparing Sienna another glance as they walked past her.

But just before they rounded the corner, Sienna called out one last time.

"I'll see you around, Grace."

A chill ran down Grace's spine.

Jax squeezed her hand again, pulling her closer. "Ignore her."

Grace nodded, but she couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't over.

Not even close.

The apartment was quiet when they stepped inside, but Grace felt anything but calm. Her hands were clenched into fists at her sides, her heart still pounding from the encounter.

Jax locked the door behind them, running a hand through his hair with a sigh. "She's insane," he muttered. "I swear, she's—"

"She needs to leave," Grace interrupted, her voice sharper than she intended. She turned to face him, frustration boiling over. "I mean it, Jax. This isn't just some random run-in. She's everywhere. The event, outside our place—what's next? She gonna start showing up at my job?"

Jax frowned. "Grace—"

"No," she snapped, shaking her head. "I'm serious. She keeps acting like she has some claim over you, like I'm just some temporary distraction. And I'm sick of it."

Jax stepped closer, his voice softer now. "I know. And I promise you, she doesn't. She's just trying to get in your head."

"Well, congratulations, because it's working," Grace shot back, her frustration spilling out. "I don't want to spend every second looking over my shoulder, wondering when she's gonna pop up again. It's exhausting, Jax."

His jaw tightened. "I'll handle it."

She let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, really? Because it doesn't seem like she's getting the message."

Jax exhaled slowly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'll make sure she does."

Grace crossed her arms, staring at him for a long moment. "And if she doesn't?"

Jax met her eyes, his gaze steady. "Then I'll make it clear in a way she can't ignore."

Grace searched his face, trying to decide if she believed him.

Finally, she sighed, rubbing her temples. "I just want her gone, Jax. For good."

Jax stepped forward, gently pulling her into his arms. She hesitated for half a second before leaning into him, pressing her forehead against his chest.

"She's not gonna come between us," he murmured, his lips brushing the top of her head. "I won't let her."

Grace closed her eyes, letting herself believe him.

For now.