I didn’t miss the twitch in Antonio’s fingers in response to Jordan’s words. “You’ll speak to Nirah with respect, or don’t speak to her at all,” he carefully said, making Jordan’s fingers curl into a first.
I grabbed Jordan’s arm with pleading eyes. “Just listen to me—”
My words were cut off by Jordan ripping his arm from my hold. His hand knocked the bottom of my chin, and I bit my tongue, feeling a metallic taste seep into mouth. “Don’t fucking touch me right now, Nirah.”
I winced, and a beat hadn’t even passed before Antonio’s fist flew through the air, landing on Jordan’s jaw.
My eyes shot open as I stood, frozen in fear. Jordan lifted his fist and as though it was second nature, Antonio blocked Jordan’s throw and gripped his forearm underneath his arm before swinging his left arm through the air.Oh my God.
“Do something!” I fumed at Cesar who stood idly beside me with both of his hands behind his back.
“I cannot, Miss Nirah,” he shook his head. “I do not interfere with Mr. Antonio’s business,” he said and my head snapped to him in disbelief.
“He’s going to hurt Jordan!” I tried to reason with him but he simply shrugged his shoulders.
Security rushed in as Antonio stepped back, and my heart dropped as I watched Jordan stand against the wall with a bloody mouth and bruised face.
Antonio took another step back and used the back of his hand to wipe some blood splatter off of his jaw that I’m sure wasn’t even his. He walked over, gently taking my chin between his fingers and traced his thumb across my jaw. “You okay?”
Utterly breathless—and speechless— I stared up at him with a dropped jaw and my brows drawn together. His chest moved up and down as he slightly tilted his head to the side.
In a matter of seconds, the pure anger he had for Jordan had vanished, and now, his eyes and his demeanor were replaced with genuine concern.For me.
I brushed past him in disbelief, rushing toward Jordan. “Oh my God,” I whispered.
His nose and mouth were bloody, so I swallowed hard—feeling lightheaded. I immediately fought my dizziness as I reached forward to gently touch his face. “I’m sorry,” I breathed as security helped him up on a chair. I felt a strong hand grab my wrist, tugging me back, and when my head snapped forward, Antonio was pulling me out of the building.
“What are you doing? I have to make sure he’s okay,” I looked back, seeing Silvia rush over.
Antonio opened the car door and forced me into the passenger side, slamming the door shut before rounding the car. He slipped into the drivers seat and gripped the steering wheel—the leather squeaked under his tight grip. His knuckles were bloody and bruised on both hands.
“Unlock the doors, Antonio,” I demanded, gripping at the handle, but he didn’t listen. “I need to make sure he’s okay, so please,” my voice cracked. “Just open the door,” I pleaded.
A thick tension filled the space between us, and I could see the storm behind his eyes as they fixated on his hands. He didn’t look rather irritated.
He unlocked the door, and I got out, but I froze mid-way. “I won’t be here when you get back.” My heart dropped.
He started the ignition, and it was as though I was being tugged in opposite directions.Nirah, you have to check on Jordan. Antonio will get over it because you mean nothing to him, and your actions won’t affect him, but Jordan will hate you if you leave.
“That’s fine,” I said, slamming the door before rushing back inside to find Jordan. I didn’t hear Antonio pull away immediately, but when he did, I couldn’t help but doubt my decision for a second.
My hands flew to my mouth in instant panic. “Jordan, I’m so sorry, I don’t know why—” I cut myself off, shaking my head, but he didn’t even care to spare me a glance.He mad at me me. This is all my fault.“I don’t know why he did that, I’m sorry,” I whispered, stepping closer.
His tone was flat as he turned away from me with an ice pack to his jaw. “Go away, Nirah.”
“But Jordan, I—”
“Just go,” he interrupted me, and the bitterness in his voice landed in my heart like a sharp knife. “I can’t even look at you right now.” He just twisted the knife.
With tears swelling in my eyes, I glanced over at Silvia, and she nodded apologetically. “I’m so sorry, Jordan,” I apologized, but he paid me no mind.
Silvia walked over, wrapping her arms around me before breaking the hug. “Go home, Nirah. Jordan needs space, and you need to be safe. He’ll be fine.”
Knowing she’s right, I left the building and took a step to the side, resting my back against the cold wall. I brought my hand up to hold my aching heart with uneven breaths.
“Ready, Miss Nirah?” My head snapped to Cesar, who stood beside me with his hands behind his back.
“You should have stopped him,” I bitterly spat out, looking away from Cesar.
