I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 251

Alexander’s arms wrapped around her with a heat and strength that made it impossible to break free. Natalie’s heart skipped and fluttered, her mind spinning in confusion. She felt his breath against the side of her neck, warm and close, making her pulse race even faster.

“Let me go,” she managed, her voice unsteady. She didn’t dare meet his gaze. She knew if she looked into those deep, dark eyes, she might lose herself.

“Promise me,” Alexander said, his voice steady and low, his hold tightening just a little more. “Promise you’ll stay, and I’ll let go.” It was like he was afraid if he loosened his grip, she’d slip away and be gone forever.

Natalie didn’t know what to do. Her head screamed at her to leave, to get away from a place that no longer felt like hers. But her heart hesitated, shaken by the fear she’d heard in Alexander’s voice just moments ago. He had really been that worried about her? That afraid something would happen?

“Don’t be like this,” she whispered, her words almost a plea, her eyes stinging with tears. She let out a shaky breath. “Fine. I promise.”

Only then did Alexander let her go, slowly, as if it was the hardest thing in the world. He took the shirt from her hands. “I’ll have someone bring you some new clothes.”

She nodded, her movements small and careful. As she shifted, Alexander noticed the red marks on her skin, just below her collarbone. His brow creased with concern. “I’ll grab some ointment,” he said quietly.

Natalie remembered seeing the bruises in the bathroom mirror—on her shoulders, her arms, even her back. Alexander came back with a jar in hand and reached for her robe.

She stepped away before she could stop herself. “I can do it,” she said, trying to sound stronger than she felt.

“You can’t reach everywhere,” he replied.

“Then Susan can help me.”

Natalie didn’t see the point in resisting anymore. “Okay.” She turned away from him, sliding the robe down to her waist and pulling her hair over her shoulder, baring her back. She couldn’t see herself, but her face felt like it was on fire.

She waited, feeling exposed, and was about to ask if something was wrong when suddenly, she felt the softest kiss on her back.

Natalie froze, her eyes wide. He’d said he wouldn’t do anything else.

Alexander’s lips traced a gentle path across her shoulder blades, kissing every red mark as if he could erase the pain with his touch. She tried to speak, her voice barely a whisper. “You…”

He cut her off, his own voice rough and quiet. “Whoever hurt you will pay for this. I promise. Ten times over.”