Chapter 110
ALEXANDER
Raina was missing.
I could barely focus when I saw Dominic’s name flashing on my phone screen. The panic in his voice made my blood run cold. I’d been seconds away from leaving the office for the night, but now all I could think about was where she was. I heard Dominic’s voice crack as he said it: “She’s not at her office. She’s not at her apartment. I’ve checked everywhere.”
“Where is she?” I demanded, my voice hoarse with tension. My heart slammed against my ribs, threatening to break free.
“I don’t know, Alex,” Dominic’s voice was desperate. “I’ve looked everywhere. I don’t know where she is. I should’ve been there for her. I was too upset -too… I don’t know–she probably feels like I’m mad at her. I’ve messed up.”
I took a deep breath, pushing my panic aside. Dominic sounded like he was falling apart, and I couldn’t let that happen. Not when Raina’s safety was hanging in the balance.
T
“Dominic, calm down,” I uttered, trying to keep my voice steady. The words felt useless even as they left my mouth, but I had to say something. I could hear the panic rising in his tone. “We’ll figure this out. Just take a deep breath.”
“How am I supposed to calm down?” Dominic snapped back, his voice suddenly loud, frantic. “I don’t know where she is! She’s not answering her phone, Alex–she’s gone, and I don’t know where she’s gone!”
I could feel the panic rising in my own chest now, gnawing at me, threatening to take over. “Listen to me,” I mouthed, keeping my voice calm even as everything inside me screamed. “We’re going to find her. We don’t know what’s going on yet. Don’t jump to conclusions.” I could feel my own hands trembling, but I kept my grip tight on the phone, trying to hold onto some kind of control. “Just stay with me, Dominic. We’ll figure this out.”
But he didn’t hear me. The call ended abruptly.
I stood there, staring at my phone. I couldn’t breathe. What if Nathan had finally found out we were onto him? What if he’d taken her? My mind raced, images flashing before my eyes, none of them good. I couldn’t wait any longer. I had to find her, and I had to do it now.
I slammed the car door shut, the cool night air biting at my skin. My mind was spinning. Raina was still missing. Every second that passed without hearing from her felt like a weight pressing down harder and harder. I couldn’t sit still anymore.
Should I head to Nathan’s office or his house? I ran my hands through my hair, the decision gnawing at me. Was he involved? Did he have her? I pulled my phone from my pocket and quickly typed a text to Dominic.
Where should I go? His office or his house?
It didn’t take long for the reply to come through.
If you go to either, don’t mention that we know about his plans. If he took Raina… he might hurt her.
I stared at the message, a chill running down my spine. I typed back quickly.
I’ll go to the office first, then watch his house.
I hit send and started the car, my knuckles white as I gripped the wheel. Dominic was right to be cautious. Nathan wasn’t someone to take lightly. I didn’t know exactly what he was planning, but I was sure as hell going to find out.
I parked a few blocks away from Nathan’s office, trying to calm the storm raging inside me. I had to stay focused. I couldn’t let my emotions get the best of me, not with Raina still out there. As I made my way inside, the quiet hum of the building seemed to amplify the tension coiling in my gut. My eyes scanned the office lobby, the sterile, well–kept space doing nothing to ease the unease twisting inside me.
Nathan was there, standing at the receptionist’s desk, talking to someone. When I walked in, he didn’t see me at first, but as soon as I stepped forward, I could see his whole demeanor shift. He turned slowly, his face showing a mix of confusion and something else–worry, maybe?
“Where is she?” I demanded, my voice rough, almost desperate.
Nathan blinked, his brow furrowing. “What are you talking about? Where’s Raina? What do you mean, where is she?” His voice had shifted, the usual coldness replaced with something I wasn’t expecting. Worry. Fear?
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