Page 181 of Destined Lovers

“What’s wrong, angel?” I squeeze and rub my thumb over her smooth skin.

Her eyes glisten with unshed tears, refusing to blink, trying but failing to put on a brave front.

“Use me,” I whisper and cup her face. “Use me.”

She leans into my touch and tightens her grip on my hand. “Tell me it’s going to be okay,” she whispers.

“Aye, it’s going to be okay, Pip.” I pause. “Although not easy, that’s par for life.”

She smiles sadly.

“Hey.” I lift her chin higher, “You’ve got this.We’vegot this. And as long as you remember why you’re going through it, you’ll be okay.”

“I miss them.” She breaks and lets a tear fall, rubbing her necklace for comfort. “Terribly.”

“They’re so proud of you, Nora. I can feel it deep down to my core that they’ll be with you every step of the way. They have been with you this whole time. They would never let you do this on your own.”

She smiles sadly. “I hope you’re right.”

I pull her into my side. “I’m always right,” I mumble, extracting a small giggle from her.

Once we pull up to the restaurant, I get out first and open Nora’s door, but she’s out of there faster than lightning, catching even the guys off guard.

“Hanora!” I yell after her, annoyed. Can she ever listen and wait for her guards?

Though Nora’s pep is back in her step, happy to see her mate, and I instantly feel terrible. I’m the gobshite that keeps her from him.

Just as she’s about to make it to Bennett’s idling car, his eyes lift to find mine. Something I don’t understand passes through them, and within an instant, it’s gone.

What was that? He looked almost… remorseful.

She hugs him hello, but he doesn’t let her go. I can see from afar that she’s struggling. Bennett’s holding her in a punishing grip, and I faintly hear her yell his name, but it’s too late. I can’t make it, even though my legs are moving faster than ever before. It happens within a split second.

Nora’s fearful eyes snap to mine, pleading for my help as he covers her mouth, pulls and drags her into the back seat while the driver hits the gas, and they are gone like the speed of light.

Miraculously, London traffic is non-existent on all days in the world.

Knowing I won’t catch them, I still won’t stop running. I will never stop. I promised her!

I promised her everything would be okay, that I would be there for her every step of the way, and in a second, I failed her, so no! Iwon’tgive up—I’m a man of my word.

I will run until I die or until I save her from Bennett Monroe. Her fecking friend, whom she trusted her life with.

My legs are moving at an ungodly speed, my body can barely keep up, but that won’t slow me down.

Nothing can.

I hear Max calling my name. I don’t care. They can all feck right off.

“Declan, shit, slow down! You’ll never catch her.” He’s running at my side now, out of breath. I pump my legs faster, ignoring the pain.

The only thing that can stop me now is the burning sensation deep in my heart, where my emotions are trying to escape so badly. And I know the second they succeed, reality will set in, and my whole life will come crashing down.

However, that won’t save Nora, so I need to stay strong for her.

I need to save her.

I’m coming for you, angel.

---