Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 32

Chapter 32:

Suddenly, Brian’s grip tightened around Rachel’s chin, his fingers digging in just enough to hold her still.

“Rachel, if I hadn’t shown up, would you have let that intern take you home? Let him stay with you?”

Rachel was furious. How could he reduce her to this—belittle her as if she meant nothing?

Her chest tightened, but she forced out a bitter laugh. “Do you even realize how cruel you are?”

He was always so gentle, so considerate when it came to Tracy. But with her? All he ever did was find fault, as if he couldn’t stand her existence. She let out a slow breath, her voice turning hollow. “Trey was right. If a man doesn’t love a woman, he’ll always see her as a burden.”

Brian’s expression darkened, his anger clouding over any trace of reason.

“You seem to be quite close with him now,” his voice was razor-sharp. “Weren’t you supposed to be at the hospital with Jeffrey? You weren’t even coming tonight. What happened? Did you change your plans just for that intern?”

Rachel met his glare head-on, her chin lifting in defiance. “And if I did?”

A sudden ripping sound cut through the tension as her dress tore.

“Park the car. Get out.”

Brian’s voice was raw with fury.

Ronald didn’t hesitate—he pulled the car to a stop, got out, and disappeared into the night.

Rachel’s pulse pounded as she met Brian’s bloodshot gaze. He looked unhinged. A knot of fear twisted in her stomach as she instinctively stepped back. As she struggled, her hair tumbled out of place, strands falling messily over her face.

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The alcohol she had consumed left a faint flush on her skin, making her look even more alluring.

His grip tightened around her waist as he pulled her firmly onto his lap. One hand locked her wrists behind her back, the other yanking her closer until her nose brushed against his.

In the stifling space between them, their breaths tangled, warm and uneven.

were dangerously tempting. His throat constricted, and without hesitation, he dipped his head, capturing her lips in a

down hard in defiance, but he was relentless. His mouth overtook hers, his hands slipping beneath the fabric of her dress, peeling it away with unshaken resolve. Her gaze flickered to the window,

in. “Brian, stop! I said

her voice breaking as she pleaded, “I’m

outside. She

nose brushing against her neck.

him, her voice shaking between sobs. “I shouldn’t have said those things to provoke you, and… and I shouldn’t have sung a

“And what else?”

else? Nothing. There was nothing

her shoulder before sinking in. “Look me in the eyes and say you love me. Say you’ll

you.

it wasn’t fair. Brian didn’t love her—yet he kept forcing her to say she loved him. When

minutes later, Ronald returned to

dress was nearly in

herself in Brian’s suit jacket, looking small and fragile. As they stepped out of the car, Brian scooped her into his arms. The icy wind bit at

“Cold?”

cheek to hers, his voice

lips, warmth suddenly wrapped around her ankles. Before she could react, his hands cradled her feet,

him in disbelief.

“What?”

“My feet!”

just your feet, Rachel. You’re mine—all

bed, then back again, she clung to him, her nails raking over his broad, sculpted back. Only when

she woke, daylight streamed through

message

was Eric’s voice on the line, saying there

a location. I’ll be

place

“Okay.”

Eric’s expression was heavy with hesitation.

Whatever it is, I

spoke with your father.