Chapter 36

RAINA

I was tired of it. Of him. Of Alex’s constant hovering, always showing up where I least expected, or wanted, him to be. It felt like every time I turned a corner, there he was, lurking like a shadow. He was everywhere, and the worst part was… it was starting to get to me. Not in a good way.

By the time I got to my office, my head was spinning with frustration. Before I could even drop my bag onto the chair, Nathan was there. His hand reached out gently, brushing against mine, his touch steady and deliberate. His eyes, soft and full of understanding, searched mine as he said, “Calm down, Raina.”

The warmth of his voice melted some of the tension in my chest. He didn’t crowd me, didn’t push, just waited. I didn’t realize what I was doing until I wrapped my arms around him in a hug. My face pressed against his shoulder, and I mumbled, “Thank you. For some strange reason, you’re always there when I need someone.”

Nathan pulled back slightly, his hands resti