Chapter 43

• Author's POV
• Antonio’s face was a mask of cold fury as he tightened his grip on her neck. His fingers dug into her skin, not enough to hurt yet, but firm enough to assert dominance. "Look, Reina," he said, his voice dripping with venom. "I never loved you, and I know you never loved me either. What you cared about was sex—just sex. Isn’t that what you’re really good at?" The words came out in a harsh, accusatory tone, each one infused with his simmering rage. The disdain in his voice was palpable, every syllable a testament to the betrayal and anger he felt.
• Reina’s breath came in shallow, uneven gasps, her eyes searching his face for any sign of softening. She could feel the oppressive weight of his anger, a tangible force pressing down on her. The gun remained firmly against her temple, a cold reminder of the stakes. Despite her fear, she held his gaze, her defiant spirit momentarily flaring up even in the face of such danger.