172
Chapter 83
on my lips, this one
Nathan’s lips quirked into a small smile, his hand still resting lightly on my cheek. Before it could react, he stole another quick peck or softer but no less impactful “With a kiss like that?” he said, his voice teasing but sincere. “Who wouldn’t calm down?”
Histone shifted slightly as he added. “But seriously, Alex is an asshole.”
“Agreed.” I replied without hesitation. “I can’t wait to be free of him.”
As the words left my mouth, an all–too–familiar sensation crawled up my spine. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, a telltale sign that Alex was still nearby, watching My stomach churned, the weight of his gaze pressing against me even though I couldn’t see him.
I squared my shoulders, forcing myself to stand tall. I wouldn’t give Alex the satisfaction of seeing how much he unsettled ine
Turning back to Nathan, forced a smile. “Let’s go back inside,” I said, my voice steadier than 1 felt. “Before they declare us missing”
Nathan slipped an arm around my waist, the gesture as comforting as it was prote
was protective. “Lead the way,” he said, his voice warm and grounding. He paused, his thumb brushing against my cheek before he pulled out a small tube of lipstick, gently applying it to my lips where his idss had smudged it.
“Perfect,” he said with a soft grin, brushing his thumb lightly against my cheek before stepping back, he added softly “You’re amazing, you know that?”
I couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped me, shaking my head as I looked away, heat rushing to my chocks. “You’re just saying that because I agreed to match your sult,” [reased
He chuckled, his hand still firmly at my side as he guided me back toward the venue. “Maybe,” he said, his voice light. “But I’d say it even if you didn’t.”
My checks flushed, but I couldn’t help smiling as we rejoined his colleagues. They were already watching us with knowing smiles, their teasing glances making me blush deeper.
Nathan excused himself when one of the organizers called him over. Before leaving,
, he kissed my check and whispered, “Miss me,” in a tone that made my heart skip
Left on my own, I shifted awkwardly, scanning the room for something to focus on Alex was nowhere to be seen, which was a relief. Maybe he’d finally
left
I was pulled from my thoughts by a valce beside me. “Hi, you must be Raina”
Turning, I saw a woman with a sharp smile and a poised demeanor. “I’m Vivian,” she said, extending a hand. “One of Nathan’s colleagues *
I hesitated before shaking her hand, unsure of her intentions. “Nice to meet you,” I said politely, keeping my tone neutral.
“So,” she said, leaning slightly closer. “What’s going on between you two?
Her bluntness caught me off guard. I frowned slightly, stepping back to create some distance. *I don’t know you well enough to discuss my relationship,” I said, offering a polite smile before turning to walk away.
But Vivian wasn’t done. “You might want to sanitize Nathan’s car,” she called after me, her tone laced with mock Innocence.
I stopped, my stomach twisting uneasily. Slowly, I tumed to face her.
*Excuse me?” I said, my voice sharp.
Vivian smiled, an expression that didn’t reach her eyes. “You know, from all my juices that drenched it, after all the fun we had last night. Just a suggestion.”
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. My heart began to race, not with anger but with something much worse–hurt.
Vivian walked away, leaving me standing there, frozen. My mind raced as her insinuation replayed in my head. Nathan had mentioned meeting her before, but had there been more to it?
I touched my lips, still singing from his kiss, and felt a surge of nausea rise in my throat. My chest tightened as doubt crept in, drowning out the warmth I’d feltarber.
I found myself at the drink station, ordering something strong and hoping it would dull the ache in my chest. The liquid burned as I downed it in one gulp, but it didn’t help
*Raina?”
Nathan’s voice came from behind me, his hand brushing lightly against my waist. The touch that had once felt comforting now burned. He could have been rubbing another woman’s body with it last night
1 stepped away from him slightly, refusing to meet his gaze as the words tumbled out of my mouth. “Who’s Vivian?
1/2
Nathan sighed.
