Page 12 of Shattered By Grace

“Arrogant asshat, huh?” Tristan says, sliding into the booth next to Victoria without waiting for an invitation. “I’m flattered you’ve been talking about me.”

Victoria’s eyes narrow, but there’s a spark of amusement. “Only when I need a good laugh,” she shoots back, not missing a beat.

Tristan leans in closer, his presence radiating confidence and challenge. “Glad I could be of service, then.” His voice is low, almost a purr, and Victoria feels her heart beat faster despite herself.

Tyson immediately grabbed Tristan’s arm, pulling him back with a stern expression. "Enough," he muttered, his voice low but commanding.

Tristan chuckled, clearly enjoying the tension. "Just making conversation, Tyson. Not my fault if she’s... easily intrigued." He winked at Victoria, his tone dripping with arrogance.

Tyson’s gaze shifted to Victoria, his expression unreadable, his silence speaking volumes. "Apologies," he said simply, his voice almost a whisper. His eyes lingered on her, dark and searching, before he turned back to Tristan.

Victoria raised an eyebrow, still smirking. "I guess you have to keep him in line a lot, huh?" she teased, glancing between the brothers.

Tyson’s lips barely twitched, a ghost of a smile flickering before he turned away, his silence speaking volumes. The brothers headed for the bar, blending into a small group of guys already gathered there.

Victoria’s gaze lingered on Tristan, unable to ignore the way his black tee clung to his lean, muscular frame. As if sensing her thoughts, Tristan’s eyes met hers, a knowing look that made her pulse quicken.

Taylor nudged her back to reality with a sly smile. “I don’t know what that’s about but,” she teased, “homeboy is pretty skilled at getting under your skin.”

Victoria gave a small, uncomfortable laugh as she stood up. “I need a drink, you?”

Taylor, still giggling, nodded. “Sure. Hey, I’ll meet you over at the pool tables. Let’s break a few.”

Victoria and Taylor made their way over to the pool table, hoping to shake off the tension. As Taylor set up the balls, Victoria’s gaze wandered back toward the bar, where Tristan and Tyson stood with some other guys. Tristan's eyes were already on her, his stare hot and heavy, like a dare she wasn't sure she wanted to take but couldn’t resist. Tyson, on the other hand, was quieter, more enigmatic. For a moment, their eyes met, and she felt a strange tug, something unspoken flickering in his dark eyes before he looked away. It was unsettling… and a little intriguing.

Taylor nudged her playfully. “Seriously, Grace? You’re already distracted, and we haven't even started.”

Victoria shrugged, trying to mask the flush on her cheeks. “Maybe I’m just plotting how I’m going to crush you.”

Taylor laughed. “Good luck with that. I’m not as easy to beat as I look.”

Before Victoria could respond, Tristan sauntered over, a cocky grin on his face.

Her grip tightened around her bottle.He’s the enemy.

“Can I join?” His voice was smooth, laced with amusement. “I promise I’ll play fair… if you’re nice.”

Victoria turned to him, arching a brow as her lips curved into a sly smile.A mask. A game. Stay in control.

“Fair doesn’t exactly scream your style.”

He leaned in, close enough that she caught the faintest trace of his cologne. Smoky, sharp, and intoxicating.Damn he smells good.

Her pulse skipped.No. Fuck that.

“Maybe you just haven’t been paying close enough attention,” he murmured.

Victoria’s stomach twisted, fury bubbling beneath the surface.I shouldn’t be entertaining this. I should be slamming my drink in his face, walking away.

But instead, she stood her ground, matching his intensity with a cool, calculated expression.

Taylor, oblivious to the war raging inside her, grinned. “Why don’t you two play together? I'll even referee to keep it fair.” She winked, clearly enjoying the show.

Victoria barely heard her, too focused on the weight of Tristan’s stare. Assessing, teasing, as if he knew exactly how to push her buttons.

His lips curled. “I like the sound of that. But let’s make it interesting, Grace. Winner gets whatever they want.”

She should shut it down. It felt more like a trap more than a challenge.Walk away, damn it. Hate him. Hate him.

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