Chapter 21
Her reaction cut straight through Nathan–sharp as a dagger, twisting deep inside his chest and leaving nothing but raw, aching pain. behind. It was so intense, he could almost taste the bitterness on his tongue./
He stared after Julia as she walked away, his dark eyes shadowed and intense, brimming with a possessiveness that bordered on obsession. The faint trace of her perfume lingered in the air, and for a moment, it was the only thing holding him together.”
“Julia,” he murmured under his breath, “if you don’t want me kissing you here, would somewhere else be better?” His words were soft, almost desperate. “I’m not giving up on you. I can’t. I love you–more than anything.“”
A reckless, slightly unhinged smile flickered across his lips.#
Turning away, Nathan strode over to the two gravestones nearby. He paused, then dropped to his knees, his voice low and sincere. “Dad. Mom. I let Julia down before, but that’s over. From now on, I’ll treat her right. Only her, for the rest of my life.”%
“Please forgive the mistakes I’ve made. Just give me one more chance to make things
ght with Julia. That’s all I ask.“% Only the wind answered, rushing through the graveyard, howling like it carried all the world’s disappointment.”
Nathan didn’t care. He looked up at the sky and kept talking anyway. “No answer? I’ll take that as a yes. I’m not giving up. Sooner or later, Julia and I will be together again.”}
He bowed three times to the graves, then finally got up and left.
He didn’t rush. Nathan walked back to his car, eyes glued to the tracker showing Julia’s location. Ever since she came back to The Capital, she hadn’t left his sight for a second. He was determined–he would never let her go again.Д
But Julia knew exactly what kind of man Nathan was. She knew running wasn’t an option, at least not if she played by his rules. So she didn’t.
Julia strolled calmly up to the Crown Grand Hotel–Haskins International’s flagship. When she reached the entrance, she glanced back. Sure enough, Nathan’s car was there, just as she expected.
Seconds later, Nathan got out, following her at a careful distance. He was like a cat stalking a mouse–giving her space, but never really letting her out of his reach.
But this time, she was ready for him.
Julia flashed a sly smile, then walked straight up to the man waiting for her at the door.” “Vincent, I’m back.” She slid into his arms, stretching up to kiss him lightly on the cheek.}] Vincent’s hand settled on her waist, pulling her close in a way that spoke of old, easy intimacy.
The two of them looked so natural together–anyone watching would know this wasn’t the first time.}}
Nathan saw it all, every second, and it nearly destroyed him. He glared at Julia and the man besides her, jealousy burning so hot in his eyes he could barely see straight.
“Julia!” he shouted, storming over and grabbing her hand in a grip that wouldn’t let go. “Is this supposed to be funny? If you want to piss me off, you didn’t have to pick a guy like this!“W
“I’ll take whatever you want to throw at me–but the one thing I can’t take is you with someone else.”
With that, Nathan swung at Vincent.}
Vincent was no pushover. He caught Nathan’s punch without missing a beat. The impact sent a shock through both their arms, but neither one showed it.
Julia just leaned back against Vincent, completely unfazed. Her voice was cool and almost playful. “Mr. Haskins, seriously, what are you trying to be here? My ex–husband?”
“We’re divorced, remember? Or do you honestly expect me to spend the rest of my life alone, waiting around for you?”
