His 181St Second (Laverne and Marina) novel Chapter 22

**Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale**
**Chapter 22**

Marina’s gaze rested on Laverit, her expression a mask of icy indifference, twisted in a blend of disdain and disbelief. “No thanks,” she said, her voice dripping with contempt.

His unfamiliar glare sent a shudder of unease through Lavern’s core. In an impulsive movement, he seized her shoulders, pinning her beneath him, his grip firm yet desperate. “Come on, don’t start a fight now. I know your body like the back of my hand,” he asserted, his tone laced with a mix of challenge and familiarity.

Before he could finish, Marina’s palm collided with his cheek, a sharp slap that silenced him mid-sentence. The sound reverberated through the room, a crisp echo that seemed to linger in the air.

Lavern winced, his hand instinctively rising to the stinging spot on his face, his eyes narrowing in a simmering rage. There was no denying the fury that brewed within him, but he was determined to press on. He leaned in, capturing her lips in a harsh, demanding kiss that spoke of his frustration and desire.

Marina’s jaw clenched tightly, refusing to yield. With a sudden surge of defiance, she bit down hard as he pressed forward, a fierce retaliation against his invasion. The metallic taste of blood flooded her mouth, sharp and bitter, a stark reminder of the battle they waged.

Lavern recoiled, a grunt of pain escaping his lips as he pulled back, disbelief etched across his features.

Marina, fueled by a mix of anger and revulsion, snatched the glass of water from the bedside, gulping it down before swishing it around her mouth and spitting it forcefully into the trash bin. Her expression was one of utter disgust, as if she were trying to rid herself of the very essence of him.

He clenched his jaw, leaning in again, determination hardening his features.

But Marina was past the point of reason. Without a moment’s hesitation, she hurled the glass at his head, her voice a sharp whip of indignation. “You really want to try forcing me in my grandmother’s house?”

The glass shattered against the wall, leaving Lavern momentarily dazed, his forehead throbbing with the impact of her fury. He stared at her, astonished that she had the audacity to strike him so boldly.

Her eyes blazed with unfiltered loathing. “Go crawl to some other woman. Stay away from me.”

The force of her words hit him like a bucket of ice-cold water, jolting him back to reality. The storm brewing in his expression intensified as he leaped off the bed, storming out of the bedroom in a fit of frustration.

Yet, at the door, he paused, spinning back to face her. “You sure about pushing me out like this?” he challenged, his voice low and tense.

Marina let out a harsh, bitter laugh. “A cheating cat can’t be locked up forever. You’ve already had your fill of filth; why act all pure around me?”

Her words struck a nerve, and Lavern’s dark complexion shifted, panic creeping into his gaze. He inhaled deeply, fighting to suppress the anger boiling within him. “Marina, what kind of nonsense is this?”

“Get out!” she shot back, her tone final, dismissing him with a wave of her hand as she flopped back onto the bed.

Her utter disregard for him tightened his jaw, and he stormed out, frustration coursing through his veins.

But as he walked away, a wave of anxiety washed over him. If he turned his back now, would he ever have the chance to mend what was broken between them? He could still sense the weight of what mattered most.

Marina, meanwhile, squeezed her eyes shut, attempting to find solace in sleep, but it eluded her. The car’s engine remained silent outside, and the living room light flickered on, a stark reminder of the unresolved tension hanging in the air.

**12:30 Fri, Dec 12**

After what felt like an eternity, she finally mustered the will to rise, her expression grim as she stepped out of the bedroom.

Lavern lounged on the old sofa, a cigarette dangling from his fingers. Upon spotting her, he hastily stubbed it out, a flicker of hope igniting in his chest. “Heading back in soon?” he asked, his tone casual, trying to mask the tension.

In their past quarrels, she had often extended a lifeline, and he assumed this was her way of doing the same now.

But she didn’t spare him a glance. Instead, she flicked the light switch off, plunging the living room into darkness before retreating to her room, firmly closing the door behind her.

The sudden darkness enveloped Lavern, leaving him in a state of disbelief. He chuckled wryly to himself, “Still with her moods; I’ll have to go smooth things over.”

Fumbling through the shadows, he reached for the doorknob, twisting it casually, only to find it locked tight. Marina had secured herself inside, shutting him out completely.

A deep sigh escaped him, and he held onto his patience, speaking softly, coaxingly. “Marina, don’t stay mad. Come on, open up.”

Silence met his plea.

He persisted, his voice gentle, his heart yearning for reconciliation.

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