Here we go…
She walked over, her steps firm. “You’re getting closer to her, breaking her shell,” she said, her voice low. “You probably already broke it, but don’t break her heart. Please don’t hurt her again. She’s my best friend, and she doesn’t deserve it.”
Her words hit me like a punch, and I steadily met her gaze. “Hurting her is far from my mind,” I said, my voice steady. “I love her, Inaya. More than anything.”
She sighed, a twinkle in her eyes, and turned away as a customer entered. I watched her go, guilt stirring in me. I’d hurt Nina before, but I wouldn’t again.
I stopped at the office door when I heard voices inside. Nina was talking to someone, a man whose tone was filled withfrustration.
Fucking Alejandro.
“Why are you acting so strange?” he asked, his voice rising. “Since you saw that guy at the fashion show, you’ve been off.”
“I’m not acting strange,” Nina replied, her voice calm but strained. “I have a lot on my mind.”
“That’s bullshit, Nina!” he snapped. “You’re st—”
I couldn’t listen any longer.
I pushed open the door, entering with a bag of goodies. Nina looked up, surprise flashing across her face.
“Ronan, you’re here,” she said, a mix of relief and confusion in her voice.
“Yes, my love. I am.” I smiled at her, then turned my attention to Alejandro.
I placed the bag on the table, my eyes locked on his.
“The longevity of your lifespan,” I said, my voice cold and menacing, “depends on whether or not you finish that statement.”
Who the fuck was he talking to like that?
He gritted his teeth, glaring at me, before storming out in a fury.
I straightened my suit, the soft click of the door latch echoing his departure. Turning back to Nina, who was still processing, I handed her the bag of goodies with a small smile.
“Are you okay?” I asked, my voice gentle as I kissed her forehead.
She nodded, trying to stay composed. “I’m fine. How much did you hear?”
“Everything,” I admitted, my tone firm. “But I stepped in because I won’t let anyone talk to the love of my life like that.”
She smiled, relief flooding her face, and wrapped her arms around me in a warm embrace. “Thank you,” she whispered, her breath soft against my ear.
I held her close for a moment, savoring the warmth of her in my arms. “What’s in the box?” she asked, her voice curious as she pulled back slightly.
“Open it,” I encouraged, watching as she gently lifted the lid of the box.
Inside, wrapped in soft tissue paper, was a personalized bracelet with her name engraved on it. Next to it, a locket necklace, its charm hiding a photo of her from the fashion show. Her eyes widened, tears gathering in her gaze as she looked up at me.
“Ronan, this is beautiful,” she whispered.
I reached out, brushing a tear from her cheek. “I love you, Nina. You’re everything to me. No matter how long it takes, I’ll be here to right all my wrongs.”
Tears still shimmered in her eyes as she whispered, “You already did.”
Was this what winning an Olympic gold medal felt like?
I looked at her in shock, my mind racing. “What?”
