Chapter 64

Nickolas

“How could this happen? How could you fucking let this happen?” I roar, my voice raw with fury and desperation as I pace the living room like a caged animal, my hands clenching and unclenching at my sides.

“You think I let this happen?” Ava screams back, her face twisted with indignation and hurt.

“Don’t you dare fucking raise your voice at me,” I snarl, whirling on her with a ferocity that has her taking an involuntary step back. I loom over her, my body vibrating with barely contained rage, and for a moment, I see a flicker of fear in her eyes.

“And if I do, what will you do to me?” she challenges, lifting her chin defiantly as she tries to match my stance, but even at her full height, she barely reaches my chest.

I glare down at her, my fists clenching so hard I can feel my nails biting into my palms, drawing blood. She knows I won’t lay a hand on her, that my love for her stays in my hand even in the darkest of moments, and the know