After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 299

“Aaah!” The man’s scream filled the hallway, blood streaming down his face. Lawrence didn’t even blink. His anger still burning, he grabbed the man by the throat and lifted him clean off the floor.

The man’s hands clawed at Lawrence’s grip, desperate for air. His legs kicked in the air, his face turning red, then purple. No words came out, not even a plea. Lawrence’s eyes were cold as ice. Muscles tense, veins standing out on his arms, he looked like he might actually snap the man’s neck.

A small, pained sound broke through the tension. “Lawrence…” Catherine’s voice was barely more than a whisper.

Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes dazed, and she looked like she might faint at any second.

Lawrence froze for a split second, then let go. The man crashed to the ground, gasping and clutching at his throat, too weak to do anything but breathe.

Lawrence didn’t spare him another glance. He turned and hurried to Catherine, slipping off his suit jacket and wrapping it around her shoulders. He cradled her gently in his arms.

His gaze flicked back to the man on the floor, the threat in his eyes still unmistakable.

Catherine inhaled his scent, desperate, her lips parted as she tried to catch her breath. “I feel… so awful,” she managed, her arms winding around his neck. She pressed random, feverish kisses to his jaw, lost in a haze.

“I’m sorry. I should’ve been here sooner,” Lawrence said. His voice was raw, thick with worry.

Catherine clung to his shirt, burying her face in his chest. “Lawrence… it hurts.”

Lawrence’s expression tightened. He took one look at her and understood. “We need to get you to the hospital,” he said, voice low and rough.

Catherine shook her head, her eyes glassy. “No. I don’t want the hospital. I want… I want you.”

Her breath was hot against his lips. She trusted him, needed him, and it showed in every shaky exhale.

The hallway lights cast a soft glow over her flushed cheeks. Lawrence stared down at her, torn between the anger still simmering inside him and the ache in his heart.

“Catherine, I can’t…” His voice was shaky, barely holding it together.

Catherine blinked slowly, her gaze struggling to focus. She reached up, fingers brushing his cheek. “You’re Lawrence… my husband.”

That was all he needed. He scooped her up and carried her into the bedroom.

Before he could reach for her, she pressed a kiss to his cheek, desperate and sweet.

Lawrence caught her restless hands. He leaned down, lifted her chin, and kissed her deeply.

He was patient, gentle, guiding her through the storm.

Catherine clung to him, her arms wrapped tight around his neck, holding on like he was the only thing keeping her afloat.

“Catherine, I’m here. I’ll help you,” he whispered, his words soft, full of promise and love.