“You’re insufferable. Truly,” I aggressively stated.
“I’m in love with you. Deeply,” he passionately corrected. “Ask me anything about your life in the past five years, and I’ll tell you. Iknowit all.”
Dillon’s words from months ago flashed in my mind, but I didn’t have time to make sense of them now. My irritation rose, mingling with the turmoil swirling inside me. I scoffed.
“You’ve never been a liar, Ronan, so stop bluffing.”
Before he could reply, Inaya’s voice and a knock at the door saved me. Seizing the moment, I slipped from Ronan’s grip and rushed to open it, desperate to escape before he unsettled me further.
“Nina! Are you okay?” Inaya asked, her eyes sweeping the room as she tried to gauge the situation, her gaze settling on my face with concern.
“She’s fine,” Ronan answered for me in a familiar, arrogant tone. Before I could even roll my eyes, he stepped closer, cupping my cheek and pressing a lingering kiss that sent warmth surging through me. Goosebumps prickled my skin as the heat spread like wildfire. Then, with maddening nonchalance, he straightened, adjusted his tie, and strode out without a backward glance, leaving me utterly dazed.
“Nina, are you—”
“Nope,” I said quickly, holding up a hand. “Don’t ask what happened.” I turned, grabbing my handbag. “I’m leaving.”
Inaya eyed me with a blend of curiosity and sympathy as I stood there, flustered and too drained to untangle my thoughts.
“Call me when you’re feeling better, okay?” she said softly.
I nodded, giving her a quick hug before heading for the door. But even as I left, his presence lingered like an unwelcome shadow.
The whole drive home, his touch lingered—his hands on my waist, his lips brushing my cheek, reigniting a need I thought I’d buried. That brazen look in his eyes, his maddening audacity, left me torn between anger and longing.
I couldn’t shake him, no matter how hard I tried. As long as Ronan was in my life, he would always be the source of myeternal chaos, the one I could never truly escape.
I woke up from a five-hour nap to the dim evening light, leaving my phone off to avoid the exhaustion of notifications. Craving comfort, I made Cajun alfredo pasta with cheesy garlic bread whileThe Vampire Diariesplayed softly in the background. As I savored the first bite, a sharp knock shattered the quiet. Groaning, I tugged on my pink robe, slipped into my slippers, and shuffled to the door.
“Ale?” I frowned, surprised as I opened the door. “What are you doing here?”
He stepped inside uninvited, his gaze sweeping the room like he was searching for something—or someone. His unease was obvious. “I’ve been calling you.”
I sighed, already irritated. “My phone’s off. Is there a reason for the home invasion?”
“Are you alone?” he asked, his voice heavier than usual.
I folded my arms, exasperated. “What the hell? Last I checked, the only name on my lease is mine.”
He let out a frustrated sigh. “You didn’t defend me.”
I blinked. “What?”
“You told me to leave as soon as he walked in. You didn’t defend me.” His voice carried an unexpected hurt.
“Ale…” I hesitated. “I didn’t know it mattered that much. I just—”
“It matters to me,” he cut in, firm but vulnerable.
I inhaled sharply, choosing my words. “We’re friends. I didn’t mean to hurt you, but I didn’t see it as a big deal. I didn’t think it would bother you this much.”
He let out a low, annoyed chuckle. “Why are you defending the guy who hurt you? What is it about him?”
His question struck a nerve, anger flaring to the surface. My cheeks flushed as I met his gaze, sharp and unyielding.
“Get the hell out of my house, Alejandro.” My voice was cold, final. “My life isnotyour concern. It’s not your place to speak on a past you know nothing about.”
His face fell, shoulders slumping in silent defeat. Without another word, he turned to leave.
