Mari's smile fell at once. Her face went pale and her eyes went wide like a child who had seen a monster in the dark.
"W-what?" she asked in a shaky voice.
Jax's jaw locked. His whole face changed. He wished Chad had called him aside to tell him that it was about Mari. "Chad. Come with me," Jax said at once, already turning.
"No." Mari stepped forward quickly. "I want to hear it. Whatever you want to talk about—I want to hear it."
Her phone began to vibrate in her hand. When she glanced at it and saw Jamal's name on the screen, she ignored the call, deciding to call him back later. This was more important.
"Mari, you don't need to hear this. We will take care of it," Jax said. His voice was firm. He tried to guide her back with his hand.
"But if it's about me," she said. "I need to be involved."
"Both of you stop!" Chad snapped before Jax could speak again. His voice echoed through the kitchen. "Venita is in danger. I don't care about your argument right now. Jax, let's go."
