Chapter 99

DOMINIC’S POV The air around us was thick with unsaid words and unwanted emotions. Olivia's fierce eyes still lingered in my mind, still challenging me without saying a single word. The soft brush of Derek’s hand on her arm… the way she let him guide her… it burned. I couldn’t let it go. Not like this. If I couldn’t take her hand, I could still take my stand. “You’re good with horses, right?” I asked, folding my arms, staring at Derek. “Yeah, I guess so,” He narrowed his eyes. “What are you getting at, Dominic?” I stepped forward, a slow smirk spreading across my face. “Let’s settle this the old-fashioned way. A race. One-on-one. Just you, me, and the open field.” Derek scoffed. “You want to race me? This isn’t high school, Dominic.” “Scared?” I taunted, raising an eyebrow. “Worried you might lose in front of Olivia, your date?” That did it. His jaw clenched. Olivia stepped between us again, voice sharp. “Don’t do this, Derek. Don’t fall for it. You don’t have to waste your time on him