Chapter 25 Breaking Point

• Briar’s heart pounded as she stood frozen near the door, her trembling fingers brushing the cool metal handle. The air between her and Damien Thorne burned with tension, a mixture of pain, anger, and desire swirling dangerously. She wanted to leave, to escape the storm of betrayal clawing at her chest, but Damien stepped in front of her, blocking her way.
• “Stop,” Damien said firmly, his deep voice rough with emotion. “I am not letting you go. We can get through this together.”
• Briar’s chest heaved. His words, once a comfort, now sounded like lies twisting around her heart. Fury broke through her restraint and her palm struck his cheek with a sharp slap that echoed through the room.