The second walked into the house, 1 felt an ache gnawing at me. It had been days since I’d seen lam, and the need to hold him, toldss his forehead and tell him everything would be okay, was overwhelming. I couldn’t sit still. My body hummed with restless energy, my mind a hurricane of thoughts.
Agalost my better judgment, I grabbed my phone and texted Alex.
His response was immediate, almost as it he’d been waiting for me.
“Drop the restraining order, and you can see him whenever you want.
Iscoffed at the message, my jaw tightening. Of course, he would use this against me, Manipulative as always. It was classic Alex
For a second, I hovered over my phone, debating whether to respond or not. My pride told me to ignore him, but my heart said otherwise. Liam came first. My son needed me, and if this was the price I had to pay, so be it.
Fine. I texted back. But if you act like a stalker, I’ll put it right backup.
Before Lcould blink, he replied, “Meet me at lunch”
After everything—after the doce—I’d felt so relieved that I buried myself in work to keep my thoughts at bay. I’d been swamped all morning, poling over files. and that was when I caught it–the supply errors from Alex’s company over the Vince Project.
For a moment, I considered taking the issue to him myself, but I hesitated. I wasn’t ready to meet him face–to–face, not yet. Who knew what kind of conversation would spring up between us? It wasn’t weath the headache.
I had told Dominic about it earlier, but the more I thought about Liam, the harder it became to wait. He had already been abandoned long enough.
By the time lunch rolled around, I grabbed my bag, ready to leave, my steps brisk and focused. But as I reached the door, I paused.
What about Nathan?
He’d been sick. I’d tried to take care of him, but he’d waved me off, insisting he’d be fine.
was no reason to feel guilty, Liam
Am I Wrong for wanting to see my son? I questioned myself, pull creeping in. But almost as quickly, I shut it down. No. There wa
came first–alwa
Steeling myself, I opened the door and stepped outside. I had barely taken a few steps when I heard two voices call my name at once.
I stopped, startled. My heart sank when I looked i
There, standing in front of me, were Nathan and Alex
Nathan looked better–bis color had returned, and his movements seemed steadier—but Alex’s smig expression ruined any relief I might’ve felt.
“What are you doing here?” Lasked Nathan, my wole soft but tinged with surprise.
He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me into a hug. For a moment, I relaxed against him, feeling the familiar warmth of his embrace.
“Lunch,” he said lightly, though his voter carned a hint of frustration. “I’m here to take you to lunch.”
Before I could respond, he leaned in to lasse.
I tumed my head quickly, avoiding his lips. “Nathan, we’re on a break, remember?”
He sighed, smiling faintly. “That didn’t stop me last tione,
I shook my head, a small smile tugging at my lips despite the situation. “How are you feeling? You didn’t talk to me much last night,”
Nathan was about to answer when Alex’s voice cut through like a blade.
“Tell her, Nathan. Tell her who that woman from last night was!!
I suffened. My eyes darted between the two men. Nathan glared at Alex, and Alex smicked in return, clearly enjoying the tension.
“What is he talking about?” I asked, looking directly at Nathan now.
Mathan’s jaw tightened, but he ignored Alex. “Where are you going, Raina?”
“To see Liam,” I said, my voice tinn.
His ann lightened slightly around my waist–not enough to hurt, but enough to make me aware of his unease. “Raina, I’m here to take you to lunch,” he said
ΠΕ
quietly, leaning closer to whisper the next part. “And no,
“And no, there’s no other woman.”
-25 Bonus
The whispered words made my stomach twist, I wanted to believe him–really, I did–bur Alex’s accusation lingered like a
