Chapter 152
“Ready for lunch?” I asked as she walked toward me.
She nodded, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Yeah, let’s go.”
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We exited the building together, the midday sun warm on our faces. As we made our way toward the car, we passed a group of janitors cleaning up a section of the tiled floor near the entrance. One of them glanced up apologetically. “Sorry, sir. There was a leak earlier just finished mopping”
I was about to wam Raina to be careful when it happened. Her heel slipped on the damp surface, and before I could fully process what was happening. lunged forward, catching her by the waist.
“Whoa, I’ve got you,” I said, my voice steady despite the rush of adrenaline.
Raina’s hands instinctively gripped my shoulders as she steadied herself. For a moment, neither of us moved. Her wide eyes locked with mine, and it felt like the world around us faded away. My gaze drifted down to her lips, and I gulped. My pulse pounded in my ears. Should I? Would she hate me if I did?
Before I could second–guess myself, I leaned in and kissed her.
Her body stiffened at first, and for a sfilit second, I thought I’d made a terrible mistake. But then, her lips softened against mine, responding briefly before she pushed me away. Too brief for me to savor, but enough to leave me reeling.
What the hell, Alex?” she muttered, her hand flying to her mouth.
“I’m sorry,” I blurted, taking a step back. “I didn’t mean
“Maybe you should just go,” she cut me off, her voice shaky “I have lunch alone.“!
She spun on her heel and started walking toward the curb, her pace quick and determined.
“Raina, war!” I called after her, “Shit!” I matered underneath my breath before jogging to catch up. She had her phone in her hand, already dialing.
“Don’t,” I said, snatching the phone from her grasp. “Let me explain.”
“Explain what, Alex?” she snapped, glaring at me. “Why you thought it was okay to kiss me out of nowhere?
I didn’t answer right away. Instead, I led her to my car, gently but firmly pinning her against the passenger door. “Don’t push me away,” I said softly
Raina’s eyes darted away from mine. “Then why did you loss me?” she asked, her voice quieter now, almost vulnerable.
“Do you really not know why?” I asked, searching her face.
Her cheeks flushed, and she turned her head slightly, as if avoiding my gaze would stop me from saying what we both knew I was going to say. My eyes fell to her lips again, but I restrained myself.
“Answer me,” I said, keeping my tone gentle
Raine’s blush deepened, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I saw a crack in her armor. “Alex…” she began, but her voice altered. “I can’t do this with you. We’ve tried before, and-”
“I was a fool,” I interrupted, cupping her face with both hands, “A damn fool to hurt you and let you go. I’m not asking you to forgive me overnight, but I’m asking for a chance. Just one chance. You can go at your own pace. I’ll wait as long as it takes,”
Her expression wavered, and for a moment, I thought she might agree. But when she didn’t respond, I stepped back, giving her the space she clearly needed
“I have something for you,” I said, reaching into my jacket pocket. I pulled out the plane tickets and handed them to her.
“What’s this?” she asked, her brow furrowing as she took them.
“They’re for us,” I explained. “To go see the kids. I thought it’s been too long, and the calls aren’t enough.”
Raina glanced at the plane tickets in her hand, her fingers brushing over the edges as she studied them. Her brow furrowed slightly, and she looked up at the, her voice laced with besitation, “Alex, are you sure it’s safe? Nathur’s been too quiet lately. I don’t want to let my guard down and then-” She stopped, her lips pressing into a tight line.
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