Isadora''s eyes shimmered an unexpected wave of heartache stung behind hershes.
She bit her lip hard, forcing herself to swallow the ache.
Victor stepped closer, reaching out his hand, long fingers tense and uncertain.
Instinctively, Isadora took a step back.
She nearly bumped into Terrell, who was standing right behind her.
That single step backward made it look as if she was about to fall into Terrell''s arms.
Victor caught the movement; his eyes darkened, a sharp pang of jealousy flickering beneath the surface.
Terrell quickly regained hisposure and stepped forward, shielding Isadora with his body.
"Victor, now you show up? Isn''t it a littlete for that?"
Victor lifted his gaze to the man in front of him, his expression cold and unyielding. He spat out a single word: "Leave."
Even Terrell, who''d seen his share of drama, was momentarily startled by Victor''s ruthless re.
The air around Victor seemed charged with anger, his presence radiating a domineering authority.
Isadora clenched her hands so tightly her nails dug into her palms, the sting of pain cutting through her confusion and bringing her back to herself.
She looked at Terrell and spoke, her voice low and hoarse, "Mr. Fawcett, didn''t you say you''d drive me home? Let''s go."
Terrell''s tone softened. "Of course."
Isadora pressed the button on her key fob, unlocking her red Mercedes.
Before she could get in, Victor strode forward and shoved Terrell aside without hesitation.
There was a loud m as Victor forcefully closed the car door.
He stared straight at Isadora, dark eyes glinting with a desperate, icy light. His voice, usually soposed, was now tinged with pleading. "Come with me. Please, get in my car."
"Move," Isadora muttered, head down, avoiding his gaze. For a split second, her eyes glistened red.
Victor''s chest tightened painfully, his expression shifting from hope to anguish. He swallowed hard, Adam''s apple bobbing as he struggled for words. "Let me exin."
He barely got the words out before a sudden cough racked his body.
Terrell frowned, stepping forward again.
"That''s enough, Victor. Isadora''s been through enough for one day. Stop making this harder on her."
Victor''s eyes narrowed, cold and cutting. "She''s my girlfriend. This is none of your business."
Terrell had never met anyone so arrogant, so utterly unreasonable.
He reached out and shoved Victor, yanking him backward by the shoulder.
Victor winced, his tall frame
stumbling back several steps.
color drained from his face Theet
him rmingly pale.
From the distance, Kemp watched the scene unfold, nerves on edge.
Mr. Fitzgerald''s shoulder still had a
fresh
ife wound-barely
and now
likely torn opens
that rough shove.
MS
Luckily, Victor was wearing ck, so the blood wouldn''t show. Otherwise, there''d
be no hiding how badly he was hurt.
Terrell spoke, every word measured. "Show her some respect. That''s all I''m asking."
Victor''s fists clenched so tightly his hands shook, veins standing out along his forearms. His eyes never left Sadora. His voice was low and ragged. "Isadora..." fo
She drew a shaky breath. "I need some space. Please."
Then, turning to Terrell, she said, "Let''s go."
A flicker of relief shed in Terrell''s eyes.
He hurried to take the keys and open the driver''s door.
Without looking back, Isadora climbed into the passenger seat, and the Mercedes sped away, leaving Victor standing alone.
Victor''s gaze stayed locked on her as the car pulled out-watching the woman he loved disappear behind tinted ss.
She kept her head down, face hidden from view.
Victor''s breathing grew ragged, pain throbbing at his temples.
When the car finally vanished from sight, he couldn''t hold on any longer. He
slowly copsed to the ground.
Kemp and the driver rushed to his side.
Meanwhile, the red Mercedes pulled out of the underground garage and headed
for the next intersection.