Page 150 of Dream Chaser

I’d wait—for however long it took. She was worth it.

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

Nova

February

Islid my work phone into my purse and grabbed my coat from the hanger. “Well, see you tomorrow, everyone.”

Eleanor wiggled her fingers, smiling. “Get some rest, Nova.”

“Second that.” Alejandro’s mouth tipped in a smirk, and his green eyes lingered on my face.

He mouthed amor, and just like that, my knees grew weak. Even more so as he casually touched the chain with my initial. I smiled at him, then walked out of the door, my cheeks warm.

I’d see him at my place as soon as he was done reviewing a few contracts. Our beach date had been only yesterday, but we were spending another evening together—this time, with him cooking for me.

When I exited the building, it was already dark outside—the sidewalk empty. I rummaged in my purse for my key fob, heading for my car. Barely two steps later, a man blocked my path.

My breath got trapped in my throat. I jerked my gaze up to his. “Preston? What are you doing here?”

“Waiting for my busy wife,” he said evenly. But there was a slight twitch to his mouth, and his eyes narrowed. I knew the signs all too well. He’d lash out at me. Insult me.

I exhaled, seeking the calm I desperately needed. “I told you all communication will be through my lawyer. Now if you’ll excu—”

He gripped my wrist and yanked me forward. Pain shot up my arm as fear crept in, rendering me motionless. He’d never hit me before—but it didn’t mean he wouldn’t now.

I flinched, swallowing. “Let me go.”

“Why, so you can go fuck your boss?”

“None of your business.” I lifted my chin, wriggling out of his grasp. “I offered you a settlement. Accept the offer and leave me alone.”

“What the fuck is this?” His eyes turned into slits as they zoomed in on my neck. Crap. The chain must’ve slipped out of my shirt. I knew what he’d think, but the only thing I cared about was getting away from him and putting this nightmare behind me.

“None. Of your. Business.” I looked him in the eyes. “Do you hear me? This stops now. Accept the offer, or I’ll tell everyone in Millford who you really are. Bet they’d love to know you demand to be paid for tearing up someone else’s property and refuse to divorce me just to spare your ego. Not a good look for a wannabe mayor who claims to have morals.”

A cruel grimace twisted his features. “You wouldn’t dare, you cheating whore.”

I stepped back, but not fast enough. The blow snapped my head sideways, and I staggered, nearly losing my footing.

Shaking, I brought my hand to my face where the swelling was starting to spread beneath the tender skin. My eyes watered.

I had to run. Get away from him.

A cab pulled up to the curb. The door opened, and two men got out. Panic flashed in Preston’s eyes. Coward.

I inhaled and sprinted toward the parking lot, forgetting about my high heels. He wouldn’t dare to hit me again with witnesses around, and I only needed to get into my car.

A relieved exhale left my chest when my SUV came into view. I unlocked it and slid into the driver’s seat, stealing a glance at the rearview mirror as I locked the door.

Nobody. Only the empty sidewalk lit by a streetlight.

I started the car and pulled out of the parking space, a mix of adrenaline and fear buzzing in my blood. My face throbbed, and tears filled my eyes.

Maybe if I iced it soon enough, the swelling would go down, and the punch wouldn’t leave a mark. I focused on the road, forbidding my mind to veer back to those awful few minutes.

After parking in my garage, I grabbed my purse and took the elevator to my floor.