A Divorce He Regrets (Alissa Nexus) novel Chapter 213

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I clenched my fists and exhaled slowly, pushing air into my lungs. Fear wouldn't help me now. Hesitation wouldn't either. Faith needed me. I had to do this.

Taking a deep breath to steady me, I stepped forward, reached out for the car door, and yanked it open, sliding inside.

The driver didn't even acknowledge me. He didn't even look my way, his hands grasping the wheel as he stared straight ahead, face void of any emotion. His silence was unnerving, but I didn't dare say a word. If I asked questions, I might not like the answers.

We drove in silence, the hum of the engine the only sound filling the air. My hands curled into fists on my lap, my nails pressing into my palms. I kept my gaze forward, watching the endless road stretch out before us, counting the turns in my head, trying to memorize anything that could give me a sense of direction.

But then, the car slowed down, and before I could do anything, the back doors swung open.

Two men climbed in, one on either side of me, their presence suffocating. Before I could say a word, rough hands yanked a thick cloth over my head, plunging me into darkness. Panic slammed into me like a freight train.

I twisted, trying to shake them off, but their grip was unyielding. "Where are we going?" I demanded, my voice sharp, cutting through the thick tension in the air. My breathing quickened as I fought to keep my rising fear at bay. I needed to stay calm. I needed to think. No one answered me.

The car lurched forward again. More silence followed, pressing down on top of me. I could not see; I did not know where we were headed. I attempted to count the number of turns and stops, but after what seemed like an eternity, I got lost. Time blurred. My fear clawing at my chest made it impossible to focus. Finally, after a long while, the car stopped.

For a second, nothing. The tension inside the car was so thick I could hardly breathe, my heart hammering so hard I thought I would pass out from its force. Then, I heard it. His voice. Smooth, familiar, dripping with amusement.

"Welcome home, Raina."

As soon as they pulled the cloth from over my head, I blinked against the poor light, my eyes focusing as I looked up at the man in front of me. My gut churned wildly as I saw him.

Nathan.

His face was bruised—dark, ugly marks marring his otherwise smooth skin. But despite that, despite everything, he was smiling at me. That same charming, almost boyish grin that had fooled me—Not anymore.

His eyes raked over me, something possessive flashing behind them before he stepped forward, arms outstretched.

"I missed you," he murmured, pulling me into a hug before I could react.

The moment his arms wrapped around me, I stiffened, my entire body going rigid. Something about the smell of him, like weak cologne and something musky and sharp, made my stomach flip. I shoved at his chest, pushing him back with as much force as I could muster.

"Don't touch me," I spat, glaring at him.

Nahan laughed, not seeming bothered by my rebuff. He cocked his head to the side, the glint in his eye telling me he found this highly amusing. "You used to like it when I touched you."

My stomach roiled. I swallowed the bile that had risen into my throat, denying him the response he was hoping for. I forced my focus to my environment.