ALEXANDER
She was stunning, as always, even after all these years and the chaos life had thrown at her. It wasn’t about the wealth she had at her disposal—it never had been. It was just her. The way she moved, the effortless grace in every step, the quiet fire in her eyes. Even in a crowded room, she commanded attention without trying.
And damn it if she didn’t know how to take my breath away.
If I had been even half as in love with her back then as I was now, I wouldn’t have let her go. I wouldn’t have let my pride and anger blind me. I would have gotten to the bottom of the accusations, demanded the truth, and given her a chance to tell her side. Instead, I’d thrown it all away–and for what? Lies, bitterness, and years I could never get back.
But tonight, even this perfect evening wasn’t safe from Eliza’s interference. Her poisonous presence was always just close enough to ruin things, like a shadow lurking in the corner of my vision. And then there was the fact that Raina had been gone for too long.
I tried to ignore it at first, convincing myself she was just taking a moment to escape the crowd. But the longer she was gone, the more the unease gnawed at me.
Dominic, ever the overprotective brother, was keeping a hawk’s eye on me, making sure I didn’t so much as glance in Raina’s direction for too long. I knew he was doing it to keep me away from her, to ensure I didn’t start another argument or make her uncomfortable.
But when he got distracted, I saw my chance.
I moved quickly, weaving through the clusters of people without drawing too much attention. I knew where she’d gone–the restroom was the only logical place–but when I got there, it was empty.
I frowned, a flicker of concern sparking in my chest. Was she avoiding me?
I was about to leave when I heard something. Faint noises coming from a room nearby. Muffled sounds–something heavy hitting the wall, a low groan, and the sound of someone struggling
My instincts kicked in immediately.
I followed the noise, my steps quick and purposeful. The closer I got, the more certain I was that someone was in trou My pulse thundered in my ears as I approached the door. It was locked!
Through the small window, I caught a glimpse of the scene inside, and my blood ran cold.
A man stood over a woman, his frame towering and menacing. She was pinned against the wall, struggling weakly.
And then I saw her face.
Raina.
My vision tunneled, rage boiling over as I processed what I was seeing. The bastard standing over her turned his head at the sound of my voice as I shouted, “Get the hell away from her!”
His lips twisted into a sick smirk, and he started to unbuckle his belt.
I saw red.
Without a second thought, I threw my weight against the door, but it didn’t budge. Cursing under my breath, I rammed it again and again, the image of that smug bastard and Raina’s helpless form driving me to the brink of madness.
On the fourth try, the door gave way, and I stormed in.
The man barely had time to react before I grabbed him by the colla and threw him to the ground. The sound of his head hitting the floor was satisfying, but it wasn’t enough. Not even close.
