Chapter 43

RAINA

When we stepped out of the restroom, my stomach clenched at the sight before me. There they were—Nathan and Alex—locked in a tense standoff. Their postures screamed confrontation, their expressions dark with anger. Nathan’s fists were clenched at his sides, his jaw so tight it looked like it might snap. Alex, on the other hand, wore a smirk that only added fuel to the fire, as if he enjoyed provoking Nathan.

My heart leapt into my throat. Nathan looked like he was ready to throw the first punch, and I couldn’t deny that a part of me thought Alex deserved it. Still, this wasn’t the place or time for a showdown.

Without thinking, I hurried toward them, my heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. I placed myself between them, my back to Alex as I faced Nathan. His shoulders were rigid, his breathing uneven, his fists trembling slightly.

“Hey,” I said softly, cupping his face in my hands and forcing his furious gaze to meet mine. His skin was warm