The Moment I Realized I Can't Lose You novel Chapter 22

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In the backseat of the black luxury sedan.

Joaquin roughly pinned Audrey beneath him, his large hand gripping her jaw. "You rejected me last night and asked for a divorce. Was it all for Miles Foster?"

Audrey closed her eyes. She had spent the entire walk to the car trying to explain, but he was completely deaf to reason.

Her silence only fueled his fury. Cupping the back of her head, he crashed his lips down onto hers. Unlike his usual practiced dominance in the bedroom, this kiss was punishing, frantic, and entirely devoid of tenderness. She fought him desperately, but his hold was ironclad. He devoured her mouth as if trying to consume her very soul.

It wasn't until both their breaths came in ragged gasps that he finally pulled back.

"Audrey," he panted against her lips, his voice thick with a dark, suppressed gravel. "I will not let you betray me."

She found the audacity laughable. Meeting his gaze with dead calm, she fired back, "And what about you?"

He demanded absolute loyalty, yet felt entirely entitled to parade his romance with Rainey?

Before Joaquin could answer, his phone shattered the heavy tension.

"Joaquin!" Rainey’s sobbing voice echoed through the speaker. "It hurts so much! Miles actually hit me because of her! I’m in so much pain I can’t even stand up..."

The shrill, desperate cries instantly killed the charged atmosphere in the car. Joaquin frowned, his grip on the phone tightening. "How is that possible?"

Miles might be eccentric, but he was raised in high society. Basic gentlemanly conduct was ingrained in him.

"It’s true..." Rainey wailed louder. "It hurts... Don't you believe me?"

His frown deepened. "I’ll be right there."

Hanging up, he straightened his suit jacket. "I need to go check on her."

Audrey gave a hollow smile. "Go ahead."

The moment the call came through, she knew exactly how this would end. Who could ever compete with his precious childhood sweetheart?

Joaquin caught the raw resignation and mockery in her eyes. He hesitated, forcing himself to explain. "Her health is fragile. This past year, she actually—"

"You don't need to explain," she cut in, her gaze devoid of any jealousy or longing. "Hurry up. If you wait any longer, she might pass out from the pain."