Chapter 86

RAINA

Maybe if I died, all these would stop.

The thought crept through my mind, curled around my chest, and squeezed until it hurt to breathe. If I was gone, would Nathan finally leave my family alone? Would he finally stop tormenting them? Or would my death just make it easier for him to destroy them?

I swallowed hard, my eyes blurring before focusing on Alex. His jaw was clenched so tight that I thought he might crack a tooth, while his nostrils flared to each heavy plod of his breaths. But it was his eyes—wild and ablaze with some unhinged sort of fury—that made my tummy drop.

"Why the hell are you trying to give Nathan what he wants?" His voice had an edge as sharp as his glare.

I knew what he meant. Nathan had been after me for years, and he wanted nothing more than a way into my family. If I ran right into his arms, he'd have exactly that.

But what choice did I have?

I whipped my head up, rage crashing into fear. "Am I supposed to stay