Page 178 of She will Always be Mine

Both of us realize the truth at the same time; he’s the one who leaked it.

I pull out my phone and my heart sinks when I realize that there’s still no reply from Nyra. If something happens to her, I’ll never forgive myself. I text Monica to see if they’re together since she visited in the morning and her reply pulls the rug out from under my feet.

“Call the police and send them to our house,” I yell at her as I rush out. “Now.”

Each second feels a little too late as I don’t reach Nyra on time. I have no other thought except to find her safe and sound. Never in my life have I felt like I’ll crumble, helpless, and afraid.Please don’t let her be hurt,I pray to whoever is listening as I drive once again.

My heart is lodged in my throat and my lungs constrict from breathing rapidly as I speed like a maniac. I’ve failed my baby twice already and I can’t do it again. I won’t break my promise that I’ll always save her.

I’m coming, Nyra. Be strong, baby.

I step on the brakes hard as my house comes into view and I leave the engine running as I run forward. My feet falter when the front door is ajar, and my vision goes black at the pained scream piercing my ears upon moving closer.

I slam the door open, the sound of it bouncing off the wall, and my world shatters.

“Get. Off. Her,” I scream, the sound rising from deep inside me.

Nyra lies unconscious on the floor while my dad lays on top of her with his boxers down. One hand is clawing at her naked breasts and the other is tearing at her shorts.

I grab him by the neck and haul him off of her before punching him square in the jaw. When his face contorts from the impact, I slam him against the wall before hitting him repeatedly.

“How fucking dare you touch her?” His head snaps to the side, blood spilling from his mouth. “You sick bastard.”

“She’s just like her mother.” He chuckles.

I throw him to the ground and kick him in the ribs as he howls in pain. He doesn’t even fight back as I pummel him with my fists. My rage is so dark and intent on killing him. I don’t care if he’s my father. He hurt what’s mine.

“I’m going to kill you.”

I’m about to hit him when hands grab my waist and pull me back. Zain’s voice manages to pierce through my haze but I fight him off.

“Let. Me. Go.”

“Stop, Riaan,” he shouts back, still holding me. “Nyra needs you, brother.”

I go still at her name and my fists unclench despite the fury running through my veins. My dad is clutching his stomach and lying sideways as he coughs.

“Go to her,” Zain calmly reminds me.

I push away and as I turn around, tears sting my eyes as they land on my girl. I drop to my knees beside her and pull her on my lap. Hair sticks to her face and when I push them away, hand prints mark her cheek. I touch her carefully because I can see a bruise forming on her head as if he knocked her unconscious.

“Baby, I’m here,” I softly whisper. “Please wake up.”

Taking off my jacket, I cover her naked body while willing her to open her eyes. She looks so frail and small in my arms. There are hand prints forming on her throat as well, and desolation sinks in at the fact that he hurt her. I check her pulse and relax a little when I feel a steady heartbeat.

“Nyra.” I whisper. My breathing eases when her eyelids blink and seconds later, her soft brown pupils meet my darker ones.

“Riaan.”

“I’m here, baby.” I bring her palm to my lips and kiss it. “You’re safe.”

“You’re here?” Her voice is low and hoarse. “I-I…”

“Nyra!!!” I scream in agony as she passes out again.

Carrying her quickly, I rush to my car and drive toward the hospital while I hear sirens outside my house.

She will be fine.I keep repeating to myself as if it’s my new mantra.

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