The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 217

A gentle warmth spread through Nathalie, catching her off guard. Maybe Freddy really was a good friend after all.

Or maybe he just didn’t want to owe anyone a favor, even though helping him had barely cost her any effort. Either way, she was smiling as she shook her head.

“That’s all in the past now. But really, thank you.”

Freddy’s eyes flashed with a hint of disappointment, but he shrugged it off. “No need to be so polite.”

“I mean it,” she said, still smiling.

When they reached her apartment building, Nathalie got out of the car and waved Freddy goodbye. She waited until his car disappeared around the corner before making her way inside.

As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, Nathalie froze. In front of her door stood a tall figure, posture straight, radiating a cold, unmistakable intensity that made the hallway feel a little colder.

She stopped in her tracks, then turned on her heel, wanting nothing more than to head right back down.

Why was he here again? Seriously, this was too much.

“Nathalie, where are you going?”

Lance was already walking toward her, his steps sure and deliberate. Before she could call the elevator, his hand found hers, easily enveloping it. He slipped his other arm around her waist.

He leaned in, his breath brushing her ear. The sensation sent a shiver racing down her spine, leaving goosebumps in its wake.

Her shoulders stiffened. “I should ask you that,” she said, voice sharp, “Why do you keep showing up?”

“You’re my wife. Wherever you are, I want to be there too.” Lance dipped his head and pressed his lips to her cheek, soft and possessive.

“Did you enjoy dinner with him?”

His voice was low and steady, but underneath she could hear the threat.

Nathalie’s lashes fluttered as she tried to pull away. “Who I eat with is none of your business.”

It was like he’d expected her to fight. In one smooth move, Lance pinned her gently against the hallway wall, leaning his body so close it was hard to breathe. His dark eyes narrowed, focused on hers.

“I warned you, Nathalie. Don’t get close to him. He’s dangerous. Why won’t you listen?”

He washed her twice over, then leaned in again, nosing the sensitive skin at her neck, inhaling deeply as if searching for the scent of another man.

With his eyes closed, his voice came out low and rough. “Nathalie, I’m really not happy right now. Tell me, what should I do?”

She pushed at him. “I think you should just die. That would fix everything.”

Lance looked up, meeting her eyes. Her anger was clear as day, but he couldn’t forget the way she smiled at another man.

Jealousy and something a lot darker burned through his chest, making him feel breathless.

He cupped the back of her head and claimed her lips in a fierce kiss.

“Mmph!”

Nathalie fought back, beating her fists against his chest, clawing at him, but it didn’t make a difference.

He caught her wrists easily and pinned them behind her back, holding her close, refusing to let her go.