Brothers Regret When They Lost Me novel Chapter 5

Zara left without a trace of hesitation or regret. Her steps were firm and decisive.

Once she stepped out of the ward, she was finally free from Rosalie's fake sobbing, from Charles, Vivian, and Julian's furious voices, and from their soft, comforting words meant only for Rosalie.

Zara felt an immense relief wash over her, as if the air itself had grown lighter. Letting go of her obsession with "family" made her feel truly free.

Before she could enjoy that deep sense of ease, though, she needed to clean the sticky blood on her face. It was gross and uncomfortable.

Plus, people couldn't stop staring at her the whole way here.

After searching all over, she finally found a restroom.

But when she was still a few dozen yards away, she slowed her pace slightly and glanced around.

This floor's restroom was tucked at the corner of the hallway. As she approached, Zara could feel the eyes of the passing patients, nurses, and visitors turn toward her all at once.

There was something strange in the air—a faint sense of danger. Zara narrowed her eyes. Judging from the auras and footsteps nearby, she could tell that those people weren't ordinary.

Still, she didn't think she was their target. They seemed to be after someone inside the restroom.

She thought, 'This could be troublesome. But going to another floor to find another restroom seems more troublesome, especially with my face covered in blood.'

Caught between the two choices, Zara sighed, steeled herself, and strode towards the ladies' restroom.

As soon as she reached the doorway, the killing intent behind her grew sharper. The group of people also moved a little closer.

Zara ignored them and went inside.

The mirror reflected a face she could barely recognize—battered and miserable. It almost hurt to look at herself. That beautiful face of hers had been completely ruined.

She cupped her hands under the running water and splashed her face. The icy water stung as it slid over the wound on her forehead.

She rubbed her forehead lightly, washing away the dried blood that had caked around the wound.

As she straightened up to rub her face dry with her sleeve, a chill, refined scent curled around her from behind.

The next second, a hand clamped down over her mouth, and a burning-hot body pressed tightly against her.

The man's breath, heated and intense, poured over her skin at point-blank range, and there was a faint trace of blood lingering in the air.

So this is the target those people outside are after?' Zara thought. 'He's already injured, and they still don't dare come in and grab him? What a bunch of weaklings.'

If those losers were members of the Black Order, she would've thrown them all out herself.

Zara lowered her gaze, her long lashes casting a shadow beneath her eyes.

She saw a pair of hands—long, slender, and unbelievably beautiful. Every finger was perfectly shaped, the bones sharply defined, all with a glossy sheen that just screamed temptation, like they were asking to be kissed.

Her gaze lifted slowly, and she saw in the mirror a tall man leaning close behind her, his reflection showing only half of his face.

He had deep-set eyes, long lashes, and blood smudged across his lips.

Even though she could only see half his face, Zara was stunned. She couldn't imagine how devastating his full face must look.

Still, she couldn't help but think, 'Dude, this is the women's restroom. No matter how good you look, you really shouldn't be here.'

Keeping her expression calm, she suddenly raised a hand and gripped the one covering her mouth, while striking back with her other hand.

"So, I'm going to let you go. Just stay quiet, okay?"

Conflicting emotions flickered in his eyes, but he nodded obediently.

Zara loosened her grip, though her gaze stayed fixed on him, sharp and watchful. If he tried anything, she'd have his head in the sink before he could blink.

But the man behaved himself. Not a hint of aggression came off him now.

When she turned back to the mirror to dab at the cut on her forehead, he even pulled a packet of tissues from somewhere and offered it to her.

He'd actually listened. Zara had to admit—she liked men who listened.

His appearance fit her type perfectly, and he seemed quite obedient. She found herself liking him more than she expected.

But people were complicated. Trouble came too easily.

Zara wiped her face clean, tilted her head in the mirror to check both sides—no blood, no mess.

She turned to leave without sparing the handsome man another glance.

But before she could take a full step, his hand shot out and caught her wrist.

Zara's lips curved slightly. "If you're trying to ask for my help, don't bother. There's a lot of trouble out there. You'd better deal with them yourself—"

He didn't answer. Before she could finish, his tall frame suddenly leaned forward, collapsing right into her arms.

Zara froze.