Chapter 34

RAINA

Walking through the front door, I barely had time to drop my purse before Dominic’s voice rang out.

“Back so soon?” he asked, his tone carrying more curiosity than judgment.

Behind me, Nathan followed, his bruised face immediately catching the attention of everyone in the living room. Grandma gasped, her hands flying to her chest as she stared at him in shock.

Dominic’s tone was sharp and unyielding as his gaze moved from Nathan to me and back again. “What the hell happened?” he demanded, his brows furrowing deeply. His suspicion practically radiated off him, making the room feel tenser than it already was.

“Alex happened,” I said curtly, brushing past him without missing a beat. My hand rested lightly on Nathan’s arm as I guided him toward the couch in the living room.

Dominic stepped into our path, narrowing his eyes and crossing his arms like an overprotective watchdog. “And who’s this guy?” he asked, his words laced with obvious mistrust