Chapter 82
RAINA
When we stopped out of the restroom, my stomach clenched at the sight before me. There they were–Nathan and Alex–locked in a tense standoff. Their postures screamed confrontation, their expressions dark with anger. Nathan’s fists were clenched at his sides, his jaw so tight it looked like it might snap. Alex, on the other hand, wore a smirk that only added fuel to the fire, as if he enjoyed provoking Nathan.
My heart leapt into my throat. Nathan looked like he was ready to throw the first punch, and I couldn’t deny that a part of me thought Alex deserved it. Still, this wasn’t the place or time for a showdown.
Without thinking, I hurried toward them, my heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. I placed myself between them, my back to Alex as I faced Nathan. His shoulders were rigid, his breathing uneven, his fists trembling slightly.
“Hey,” I said softly, cupping his face in my hands and forcing his farlous gas to meet mine. His skin was warm against my palms, but his expression was cold and distant. “Alex isn’t worth it. Let it go.”
Nathan’s shoulders relaxed slightly at my touch, and his sharp breaths began to slow. His eyes softened, and he let out a shaky exhale. His hands lifted to my face, his palm brushing my chook as the mirrored my gesture.
Are you okay?” he asked, his voice low and steady, though the concern in his tone betrayed his anger.
I nodded, giving him a small, reassuring smile. “I’m fine,” I said, hoping he could see the truth in my eyes.
But, of course, Mex couldn’t leave it alone.
“Take your hands off my wife,” Alex growled from behind me, his voice low and possessiva.
I shut my eyes and inhaled deeply, trying to temper the frustration rising inside Alex,” I said through gritted teeth, my voice steady bur firm.
Turning slightly, Tshot Alex a glare over my shoulder. “Just lene,
Nathan wasn’t having it. He smiled, but it wasn’t the warm, kind smile I was used to. This one was dangerous, filled with a defiance that sent a shiver down my spine. It wasn’t directed at me it was aimed squarely at Alex.
“Make me,” Nathan said coldly, his tone daring Alex to try something
Before Alex could move, I spun around fully, putting my back to Nathan this time. “No!” I shouted, holding my hand up toward Alex like a barrier. My voice was sharp, commanding “Lewe, Alex. Now.”
“If you’d processed the papers when you should have,” continued, my voice trembling with barely contained anger, “we wouldn’t be here.”
Alex’s eyes narrowed, his smirk vanishing as his expression darkened. “And what do you think people will say,” he asked, his voice dripping with condescension, “when they see you parading around with Nathan while you’re still a married woman?”
A bitter laugh escaped me before I could stop it. I couldn’t believe the hypocrisy dripping from his words. “The same thing they said,” I shot back, my voice icy, “when they saw Eliza clinging to your side
Alex’s mouth opened as it to respond, but I didn’t give him the chance. I grabbed Nathan’s arm, my fingers tightening around his forearm as I pulled blin away. “Let’s go,” I muttered, not sparing Alex another glance.
Outside, the crisp night air did little to cool the tension radiating off Nathan. His jaw was tight, his shoulders stiff, and as he muttered a sharp, “Fuck it,” under his breath, I could feel the frustration rolling off him in waves.
Before I could say anything, he moved. His hands cupped my face, his grip firm but gentle, and then his lips crashed into mine. The kiss was hard and urgent, his emotions pouring into it. For a moment, I froze, caught off guard by the intensity of it.
But then, something in me melted. The warmth of his touch, the desperation in the way he kissed me in all consumed me Slowly, I responded, leaning into him as my hands clutched the lapels of his suit. The world around us blurred, leaving only the heat and raw connection between us
It wasn’t until my langs screamed for air that I pushed him back gently, breaking the kiss. “Nathan,” I whispered, trying to steady my breach and regain
my composure.
“I’m sorry,” he said quickly, his voice laced with regret as he searched my eyes. “I couldn’t wait any longer. I hate that you’re still a married woman
His words hit me hard, a mix of guilt and understanding twisting in my chest. I shook my head, touched by his honesty despite the overwhelming situation. “It’s fine,” Lassured him, though my heart was still racing from the kiss. “But…are you okay now? You looked really angry back there.”
